Physics Factsheet

September 2000 Number 03

Maths for Physics: Algebraic Manipulation I
Algebra is used frequently in almost every area of Physics. This Factsheet reviews the key algebraic techniques and concepts required as well
as providing strategies for solving equations effectively and avoiding common mistakes. What Is Algebra and Why Do We Use
What Is Algebra?onships between various quantities like mass, Word
y2 yy
Relationships between various quantities (like mass, volume and density) Example: y simplifies to y, as this is really y
are best expressed in terms of some formula or equation (an equation is
anything with an = sign in it): Example: 3z2y4yz simplifies to 12z3y2, as this is:
mass 3 z z y 4 y z = 3 4 z z z y y
Word Equation: density = volume
II. Multiplying Out Brackets
m : density
1. One bracket and a number/letter
Symbol Equation: = V m: mass
Multiply the term outside (including sign) by each of the terms inside
V: volume
(including sign).
We usually use symbol equations because they are much quicker to write! Remember: w signs "belong to" the term after them
Algebra is just a way of manipulating numbers without actually saying w if there isn't a sign written in, it's +
what the particular numbers are; we can think of the letters in the formula
as slots into which we can put particular numbers to work out another Example: 2y(y 4) = 2y y + 2y (-4)
quantity. = 2y2 8y
Example: -3a(4a 2b) = (-3a) 4a + (-3a) (-2b)
Example: Calculate the density of glass, given that the mass of = -12a2 + 6ab
2.45m3 is 5978kg.
We slot the numbers we know into the formula: 2. Two brackets
m An easy way to do this is to use FOIL, which stands for First, Outer,
= Inner, Last. Remember to take account of signs!
V
5978 Example: Expand (y 3)(y + 2)
= 2.45
First: y y = y2
= 2440 kgm-3 Outer: y (+2) = 2y
Inner: (-3) y = -3y
.
To avoid getting in a mess with algebra, remember the following: Last: (-3) (+2) = -6
All operators ( ,,+,,) have the same functions in algebra as Now we combine the terms and simplify:
they do when used with numbers. y2 + 2y 3y 6 = y2 y 6
If letters are written next to each other, it means they are multiplied. III. Factorising
eg 2as means 2 a s This is putting things back into brackets. We will only be looking at
BIDMAS - stands for Brackets, Index (= power), Divide,, Multiply, factorising involving one bracket here. This is one method of doing it:
Add, Subtract. This tells you in what order to do operations.
eg. 2 + 3a2 means first square a, then multiply by 3, then add 2 Step 1: Look for a factor of both the numbers - that's something that goes
into both of them. Write downwhat it is, then cancel it from the
numbers.
Basic Techniques
Step 2: Repeat if necessary until there is nothing left that goes into both
In Physics, you will need algebra to rearrange, solve and substitute into
numbers.
equations. In order to do this, there are a few basic techniques to revise. Step 3: Look for a factor of both the letter terms. Write down what it is,
then cancel it from the letters, and repeat if necessary.
I. Simplifying One way to do this is to expand the letter parts of the terms out,
1. Addition and Subtraction so y2 becomes y y, and cross out letters that match in the two
Identical groups of symbols separated by + or - can be combined. terms.
Example : Can we simplify E = V + Ir? Step 4: Put the factors outside the brackets. What's left after you've
No there are no identical combinations of symbols. done all the cancelling goes inside.
Example: Can we simplify E = V + Ir + 2Ir? Example: Factorise 4y2 6y
Yes there are identical combinations of symbols (Ir) , E = V + 3Ir 2 is a factor of both 4 and 6. Cancelling it, we get 2y2 - 3y
Example: Can we simplify y = x + x2 ?
No there are no identical combinations of symbols (they have 2y2 - 3y can be written as 2 y y 3 y
different powers). We have a "matching" y in both terms, so y is a factor.
Cancelling it, we get 2 y y 3 y = 2y 3
2. Multiplication and Division
Identical terms on thetop and bottom of fractions can be cancelled.
So we put 2 y (from the factors 2 and y) outside the bracket,
and 2y 3 inside: 4y2 6y = 2y(2y 3)
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Maths for Physics I - Algebraic Manipulation Physics Factsheet

Example: Factorise 9ar2 + 3r2 Example 2: Make a the subject of v2 2as = u2

3 is a factor of 9 and 3. Cancelling: 3ar2 + r2
Tip: v2 - 2as is NOT THE SAME
3ar2 + r2 can be written as 3 a r2+ r2 We need to get rid of the v2 first as 2as - v2 . The minus sign
So r2 is a factor of both. Tip: We could expand the r 2 as "belongs" to what comes after it
well, but we don't need to as it's in The opposite of " + v2" is "v2". - the 2as. The v2 is positive
Cancelling it, we get both. So we subtract v2 from both sides
3 a r2+ r2 = 3a + 1 -2as = u2 v2
Tip: When we cancel out
everything in the last term, we are
So we get: 3r2 (3a + 1) left with 1, not 0, because we are Now we need to get rid of the"-2s" in front of the a.
dividing:- r2 r2 = 1 So we divide the whole equation by "-2s"
2 2
u -v Tip: "2as" and "2sa" are the same as
a = -2s each other. You get rid of a letter or
Tip: If you aren't sure, multiply out again to check! number after the "a" in the same way
as one before it.
Rearranging Equations
We can simplify this by multiplying top and bottom by -1 (which
m
If we wanted to use the equation = V to find a mass or a volume instead 2
v - u
2

changes ALL the signs): a = 2s

of a density, we'd need to rearrange it. There are two ways of approaching
rearranging equations:

Put in the numbers then rearrange or V

Example 3: Make I the subject of the equation R = I
Rearrange first then put in the numbers
We need to get rid of the denominator first - so multiply by I:
If you find letters very off-putting, you may prefer to do it the first way. RI = V Tip: You could have written IR
But if you have a lot of the same sort of calculation to do, or if you are instead - it's just the same.
prone to making mistakes when writing out large numbers, then you're
better off with the second method. In either case, you need to follow the Now we get I on its own - so divide by R:
same approach and remember a few simple rules. The general principals to V
remember when rearranging are: I= R

You must ALWAYS do the same thing to BOTH sides of

the equation.
To get rid of something, you need to do its opposite Exam Hints - Quick Methods
eg to get rid of + 4 , you must do its opposite, that is 4.
Triangles
You can use a triangle to help you with any equation that can be written as:
1. Basic Method something = two things multiplied together (like V = IR or m=V).
To rearrange an equation, follow these steps:
First simplify it, if possible. Put the letter on its own in the top of the triangle, and the other two letters
Then, focusing on the side of the equation containing the letter you want to underneath:
find:
V
1. Get rid of any pluses or minuses that are not part of fractions
2. Get rid of any denominators (bottoms) of fractions by multiplying I R
through by them - even if they include the letter you want to find
(careful! the WHOLE of the equation must be multiplied - you may Then you cover up the letter you want to find; what's left shows you the
need to use brackets!) formula.
3. Get rid of any pluses or minuses that are left
4. Get rid of any numbers/letters in front of the one you want by dividing
by them (again - the whole equation must be divided) V V
Example: To find R, cover it up. We are then left with . So R =
I I

Example 1: Make t the subject of the equation: v = u + at.

You may also see this sort of equation written as something = fraction;
We must do something about the + first whatever's on the top of the fraction goes in the top of the triangle
Tip: u + at means the
same as at + u. Rewrite
We want to keep the "at" (since it's "t" we it this way if you find it
want) so we need to get rid of the u that's easier!
added to it. Cross-Multiplying
For equations that look like one fraction = another fraction, you can save
The opposite of "+ u" is " u". So we subtract u from both sides: some time by multiplying the top of each fraction by the bottom of the other:
v u = at
a c
Now we must get rid of the "a" in front of the "t". = becomes ad = bc (check this).
b d
We divide the whole equation by a:
v-u Tip: NOT v-u/a = t.
t= a Both the v and the u
must be divided by a.

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 Maths for Physics I - Algebraic Manipulation Physics Factsheet

2. Equations with Squares and Square Roots Example 1: Make x the subject of ax + b = d - fx
If the letter that you want to make the subject of the equation is squared or
square rooted, you need to do the following: First we get all the terms containing x Tip: It's usually easier to
1. Get the part that is squared/ square-rooted on its own (careful! ax2 onto one side - we add fx to both sides: get the x's onto the side
means just the x is squared). ax + b + fx = d where they are positive.
2. Get rid of the square/ square-root by doing the opposite to the whole
of both sides of the equation Now we get rid of the terms not involving x from the left hand side -
3. Then rearrange as necessary. we subtract b from both sides:
ax + fx = d b
k
Example 1: Make m the subject of the equation: =
m Now we take x out as a common factor on the left hand side:
x(a + f) = d b.
We already have the square-rooted part on its own, so we now do the
opposite of square-rooting - we square both sides:
k Now we divide by the bracket next to the x:
2
= d b
m x= Tip: Do NOT try to simplify algebraic
a+ f fractions unless there is a common
Multiply by m to get rid of the denominator:
m2 = k factor on the top & bottom.
Divide by 2 to get m on its own:
k
m= 2

Tip: We can't
subtract the v, since
uv
Example 2: Make u the subject of the equation: v2 = u2 + 2as Example 2: Make u the subject of f = it's in a fraction.
u+v

First get the squared part on its own:

We need to get rid of the denominator on the right hand side first, so we
v2 2as= u2
multiply by (u + v): Tip: Those brackets must be
f(u + v) = uv there, since we are multiplying by
Now we do the opposite of squaring - we square -root both sides:
the whole of u+v
(v2 2as) = u
Tip: This is NOT THE
SAME as v2 (2as) In order to get the u terms together, we'll need to multiply out
the brackets: Tip: ONLY multiply out
fu + fv = uv brackets if the letter you are
looking for is inside them.

Now we can get the u terms on one side:

3. Equations where the letter you want is in two places fv = uv fu
In equations like this, you need to do the following:
Factorise:
1. Get all the terms involving the letter you want onto one side, and the fv = u(v f)
other terms on the other side.
2. Take out the letter you want as a factor Divide:
3. Divide by the bracket next to the letter you want. fv
u=
v f

Table 1. Some common errors in algebra

The commonest algebraic errors arise because of fear of fractions and brackets. If you stick to the above rules (dont invent any of your own!), and do
the calculation in steps rather than all at once, you should be able to avoid mistakes. Here are some of the most common errors that students make:

Wrong version Correct version Comments

a(b+c) = ab + c a(b+c) = ab + ac The a multiplies both b & c

a - (b - c) = a - b - c a - (b - c) = a - b + c The - (ie -1) multiplies both b and c

aX + bX = (a + b)X2 aX + bX = (a + b)X Having two Xs doesnt mean you have to multiply them to get X2...

aX + bX = 2X(a + b) aX + bX = (a + b)X ... nor do you add them to get 2X as if the a and the b were irrelevant.

means d d , which is d d , equal to d

2 2
Area of circle: A = ( d ) 2 A = ( d )2 = d ( d2 ) 2
2 2 4 2 2 22 4
= d2/2
ab + c = d ab + c = d a = (d - c)/b You shouldnt make this mistake if you do the calculation in steps:
a = d/b - c ab + c = d ab = d - c (subtract c from both sides)
a = (d - c)/b (divide both sides by b)
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 Maths for Physics I - Algebraic Manipulation Physics Factsheet

Solving Basic Equations rL

5. The formula R = A relates the resistance of a length of wire (R),
Solving equations involves finding the value of a letter. The method is very
similar to rearranging equations - you are making the letter you want to find its resistivity (), its length (L metres) and its cross-sectional area
the subject of the equation. (A metres2).

Example 1. Solve the equation 8 + 2x = 6 3x a) Rearrange this equation into a suitable form for calculating
resistivity.
Since x occurs in two places, we need to get all the x terms on one side,
and everything else on the other side: b) A piece of wire has resistivity 0.00024 m, resistance 6 and
Add 3x: length 0.5 metres
8 + 2x + 3x = 6 Calculate its radius.

Subtract 8: Solutions
2x + 3x = 6 8
1. a) 2ab + 2a 3b b) 8x2 x + 5 c) 6a2
Simplify: d) 4e5 e) 6a2b f) 2x
5x = - 2 3b a+b
g) h)
c c-b
Divide by 5:
x = -0.4 2. a) 6a 3ab b) 3x2 4x c) -8y 20y2
d) -12a2b + 3a3 2
e) x x - 6 f) 2x2 19x + 35
g) -28x2 x + 2 h) 2x3 + 5x2 + 4x + 10
r
Example 2: Solve the equation 4 = 3. a) 2(3x 2) b) x(2x 5) c) 2x(3 2x)
r 2 d) 7a(b 3) e) r(r + 2L) f) 4ab(2a + 3b)
Cross multiply: g) ac(b d) h) 8x3(3 4x)
4 2 = r r
1
u = s - at GMm
2
Simplify: 4. a) t 2 b) m = Fr c) r=
GM F
8 = r2
Q gT2 2 - 3y
d) t= e) t = 2 f) x=
I 4p y +1
To get rid of the square, square- root:
r = 8=2. 83 (3 SF)
h) v = (u2 + 2as)
R 2R
g) R 1 =
R2 - R

Questions RA
5. a) r =
L
1. Simplify the following as far as possible rL
a) 3ab + 2a 3b ab b) 2x2 + 3x 4x + 5 + 6x2 b) A =
R
A = 0.000002 m2
c) 2a 3a d) e2 4e3 A = r2 0.000002 = r2 r = 7.98 10-4 m
2x 2
e) 3ab 2a f)
x
6ab a+b
g) h) c-b Related "Maths for Physicists" Factsheets
2ac
Numerical Calculations & Data Handling
2. Multiply out the following brackets, and simplify the answer as far Numerical Calculations & Units
as possible Indices
a) 3a(2 b) b) x(3x 4) c) -4y(2 + 5y)
Exponentials and Logs
d) -3a2(4b a) e) (x + 2)(x 3) f) (2x 5)(x 7)
g) (1 4x)(2 + 7x) h) (x2 + 2)(2x + 5)
Further Algebraic Manipulation
Geometry
3. Factorise the following Graphs 1
a) 6x 4 b) 2x2 5x c) 6x 4x2 Graphs 2
d) 7ab 21a e) r2 + 2rL f) 8a2b + 12ab2 Graphs 3
g) abc cad h) 24x3 - 32x4

4. Rearrange each of the following to make the letter indicated the Further Practice
subject Any GCSE Mathematics Higher Tier textbook will provide further
GMm practice on rearranging and solving equations.
a) s = ut + at2 u b) F = m
r2
Q Acknowledgements:
GMm
c) F = r d) I = t t This Physics Factsheet was researched and written by Cath Brown
r2 The Curriculum Press,Unit 305B, The Big Peg,120 Vyse Street, Birmingham, B18 6NF
L 2-x
e) T = 2p g
Physics Factsheets may be copied free of charge by teaching staff or students, provided that
L f) y = x
3+ x their school is a registered subscriber.
No part of these Factsheets may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted,
1 1 1
g) R = R 1 + R 2 R1 h) 2as = v2 u2 v in any other form or by any other means, without the prior permission of the publisher.
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