It has often been stated that mathematics is the language of physics because of the use of mathematics to make it easier to discuss the ideas of physics. Mathematics makes it easier to organize and to manipulate the quantitative measurements in physics. The laws of physics are used to make quantitative predictions for which the results can be checked using mathematics. The mathematical sophistication required to understand the physics presented in this text is not formidable. Indeed, you may notice a simple pattern in the repetition of the use of equations of similar forms in various areas of study in physics. If you master the technique of solving several "standard" forms of equations, understanding new concepts that are described using equations of the same form will be easier.

Several practice exercises involving such equations are presented below.

1. Given the following equation, solve for q in terms of F and E. F = q E   Answer (35.0K)

2. Solve the following for W in terms of P and t. P = W / t   Answer (33.0K)

3. Solve the following for a in terms of x and t. x = 1/2 (a t²)   Answer (36.0K)

4. One inch equals 2.54 centimeters. How many inches are equivalent to 7.00 centimeters?   Answer (38.0K)

5.

1. How many centimeters are there in one yard?
2. How many meters are there in one yard?
3. How many millimeters are there in one yard?   Answer (43.0K)

6. An object has a mass of 2.61 megagrams. Convert this to a) kilograms and to b) grams.   Answer (33.0K)

7. Solve the following for v in terms of K and m. K = 1/2(mv²)   Answer (47.0K)

8. A recipe calls for 200 milligrams of sugar to produce enough cake to feed 8 people. How much sugar is required if you want to produce enough cake to feed 10 people?   Answer (38.0K)

9. How many kilometers are there in one mile?   Answer (38.0K)

10. How many millimeters are there in 26.34 m?   Answer (30.0K)