Final answer:
To solve for time t in physics, identify known quantities before selecting the appropriate equation. In kinematics, use equations such as v = vo + at to solve for t. With quadratic motion equations like t² + 10t - 200 = 0, use the quadratic formula.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the time t when solving physics problems, one must first identify the known quantities and then select the appropriate physical equation that includes t as the variable to solve for. For example, when given a quadratic equation such as t² + 10t - 200 = 0, one can solve for t by applying the quadratic formula. This process begins by rearranging the equation to get zero on one side, then substituting the coefficients into the quadratic formula.
In the context of kinematics, when known variables include initial velocity vo, final velocity v, acceleration a, and displacement y, one can solve for t by choosing an equation like v = vo + at or y = vot + (1/2)at², depending on which quantities are known.