Solve F = ma for a

Step by step

The question

Question: solve for a in F = ma.

We treat the other letters like numbers.

1 a on the left

a is on the right.

We swap the two sides, so a is on the left.

They are still equal.

2 Remove the m

ma means m times a.

We want just a.

To remove times m, we divide by m.

We do it on both sides.

m divided by m is 1.

So just a is left.

So a = F over m.

3 Check

Let's check with numbers.

We pick F = 4, m = 2.

Our answer gives a = 2.

Now we put all the numbers into the start.

First the left side.

Now the right side.

Both sides are 4.

So our answer is right!

Let's look back.

First: a on the left.

Then: remove the m.

Last: check.