In binary star systems we can often measure the sum of the masses of the stars and the ratio of their masses. If m1+ m2= Mtot, and m1/m2= Y, derive an expression for the mass of each star in terms of just Mtotand Y. Solution =>m1/m2 = Y m1 =Ym2-------------1 =>m1+m2 =Mtot Ym2+m2 = Mtot (Y+1)m2 =Mtot =>m2=Mtot/(Y+1) From 1 =>m1= [Y/(Y+1)]Mtot.