Results

In this video we’re going to discover how to factorise quadratics that don’t have 1 as the coefficient of the x-squared term. These are called non-monic quadratics. We can do it by trial and error and just spotting the factors, but this takes a lot of trial an error. Luckily there is a different method we can use instead, which we will looks at in this video.

• Identify when forces are balanced vs unbalanced.
• Determine the sum of forces (net force) on an object with more than one force on it.
• Predict the motion of an object with zero net force.
• Predict the direction of motion given a combination of forces.

Determining how fast something will be traveling upon impact when it is released from a given height. 

In this chapter, we’ll use vectors to expand our understanding of forces and motion into two dimensions. Most real-world physics problems (such as with the game of pool pictured here) are, after all, either two- or three-dimensional problems and physics is most useful when applied to real physical scenarios. We start by learning the practical skills of graphically adding and subtracting vectors (by using drawings) and analytically (with math). Once we’re able to work with two-dimensional vectors, we apply these skills to problems of projectile motion, inclined planes, and harmonic motion.

Plotting projectile displacement, acceleration, and velocity as a function of time.

• Determine how each parameter (initial height, initial angle, initial speed, mass, diameter, and altitude) affects the trajectory of an object, with and without air resistance.
• Predict how varying the initial conditions will affect a projectile’s path, and provide an explanation for the prediction.
• Estimate where an object will land, given its initial conditions.
• Determine that the x and y motion of a projectile are independent.
• Investigate the variables that affect the drag force.
• Describe the the effect that the drag force has on the velocity and acceleration.
• Discuss projectile motion using common vocabulary (such as: launch angle, initial speed, initial height, range, time).

Visualising position, velocity and acceleration in two-dimensions for projectile motion.

Outcomes

In this course you will learn how to:

1. Solve quadratic equations by factorisation.
2. Solve quadratic equations by using the quadratic formula.
3. Solve simultaneous equations involving quadratic equations
4. Solve word problems involving quadratic equations.

By the end of this unit you will be able to:

• Solve equations with a single variable which are called linear equations
• Solve equations with a single variable that is squared (quadratic equations) by factorisation.

By the end of this unit you will be able to:

• Solve a quadratic equation by completing the square.