Solving one equation with multiple variables

Hia,

I'm trying to solve this equation: s(t) = 1/2*a*t^2 + v*t + s, for the variables a, v, and s. I am given that the distance(s(t)) from the orign at t=1/2, t=1, and t=3/2 is 7, 11, and 17 respectively. How do I solve for multiple unknown variables?

Answer 1

[Walter Roberson]

Substitute the first known time and known s(t) to get a linear equation. Do the same with the other two known values. You will end up with three linear equations in three unknowns.

There are various ways to solve sets of linear equations. The easiest way is to use the \ operator.