What is Functions: Definition and 1000 Discussions

In mathematics, the trigonometric functions (also called circular functions, angle functions or goniometric functions) are real functions which relate an angle of a right-angled triangle to ratios of two side lengths. They are widely used in all sciences that are related to geometry, such as navigation, solid mechanics, celestial mechanics, geodesy, and many others. They are among the simplest periodic functions, and as such are also widely used for studying periodic phenomena through Fourier analysis.
The trigonometric functions most widely used in modern mathematics are the sine, the cosine, and the tangent. Their reciprocals are respectively the cosecant, the secant, and the cotangent, which are less used. Each of these six trigonometric functions has a corresponding inverse function (called inverse trigonometric function), and an equivalent in the hyperbolic functions as well.The oldest definitions of trigonometric functions, related to right-angle triangles, define them only for acute angles. To extend these definitions to functions whose domain is the whole projectively extended real line, geometrical definitions using the standard unit circle (i.e., a circle with radius 1 unit) are often used. Modern definitions express trigonometric functions as infinite series or as solutions of differential equations. This allows extending the domain of sine and cosine functions to the whole complex plane, and the domain of the other trigonometric functions to the complex plane from which some isolated points are removed.

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  1. Feodalherren

    Efficient Matrix Multiplication with Nested Functions for MATLAB Homework

    Homework Statement Homework Equations [/B] ---------------------- function [C]=mymatmult(A,B) [L1 C1]=size(A); [L2 C2]=size(B); if C1 ~= L2 error('dimension mismatch'); end %if ERROR C=zeros(L1,C2); for i=1:L1 for j=1:C2 C(i,j)=A(i,:)*B(:,j); end %in for end %out for end %function...
  2. Chef Hoovisan

    Solving a system of recursive functions

    I've run across a system of recursive functions (call them f and g). The system looks like this: f(x) = a f(x-1) + b g(x-1) g(x) = a g(x-1) + c f(x-1) I also know that f(0) = 0 and g(0)>0. Finally, I know for other reasons that are too complicated to go into here that the system is somehow...
  3. D

    Composite Functions, please confirm

    New to composite functions here. Lesson has been vague and unhelpful.. again. Here is what I've worked on so far but not sure on the last equation in particular, or that I have done my multiplication properly when working with a squared set of brackets, multiplied by an number.. (b and c) Any...
  4. C

    Critical points and of polynomial functions

    Homework Statement A rectangular region of 125,000 sq ft is fenced off. A type of fencing costing $20 per foot was used along the back and front of the region. A fence costing $10 per foot was used for the other sides. What were the dimensions of the region that minimized the cost of the...
  5. Emmanuel_Euler

    Integration and special functions.

    what is the relationship between special functions and integration ? why integral of some function like (sqrt(ln(x)) and (cos(1/x) and more) are entering us to special functions?? PLEASE HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND.
  6. S

    MHB [Limits] Help with Delta-Epsilon Proofs for Multivariable Functions

    Hi guys, just having some confusions on the Delta-Epsilon proofs for multivariable limit functions. here is my question: Apply Delta-Epsilon proof for the Lim (x,y) --> (0,0) of (y^3 + 5x^2y)/(y^2 + 3y^2) to show the limit exists. The part that has me confused is the y to the power of 3, where...
  7. M

    Subtraction of step functions

    Hi. Here is one example from my book. Calculate Fourier transform of signal: Here is solution: We can write x(n) as: , where x1(n) is u(n+N)-u(n-N-1). We can write: (we used that cos(n)=(1/2)*(exp(j*n)+exp(-j*n)). Using properties of Fourier transform of discrete signal: , Fourier...
  8. M

    Can different weights help determine the difference between two functions?

    Hi PF! Can any of you help me determine a good measure for how "different" two functions are from each other? I've thought of using something like ##\int_\Omega (f-g)^2 \, dx##. Can anyone recommend a good technique and direct me to the theory so I can understand it well? Thanks so much! Josh
  9. Shackleford

    Determine whether functions are harmonic

    Homework Statement Determine whether or not the following functions are harmonic: u = z + \bar{z} u = 2z\bar{z} Homework Equations z = u(x,y) + v(x,y)i \bar{z} = u(x,y) - v(x,y)i A function is harmonic if Δu = 0. The Attempt at a Solution Δu = Δz +Δ \bar{z} = u_{xx} + v_{xx} +...
  10. T

    Is the difference of two state functions a state function?

    Hello everybody, For my thermodynamics test I have to tell whether or not a quantity is a state function, which is obviously not all too difficult when regarding entropy, enthalpy etc. on their own. However there are a lot of questions where it is about "H-S" or "G-H". Are these not always...
  11. S

    MHB Write the piecewise function in terms of unit step functions.

    Write the piecewise function \[ f(t) = \begin{cases} 2t, & 0\leq t < 3 \\ 6, & 3 \le t < 5 \\ 2t, & t \ge 5 \\ \end{cases} \] in terms of unit step functions. So here is what i;ve got just guessing , I don't think I'm correct. I really need some help. But I got...
  12. D

    Potential Step and Wave Functions

    Homework Statement Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution For x>b, Ψ(x) = Ae-ikx + Beikx , where k = (√2mE)/hbar a<x<b Ψ(x) = Ce-ik'x + Deik'x , where k = (√2m(U2 - E)/hbar This is the problem part 0<x<a Ψ(x) = Fsink''x...
  13. anemone

    MHB Value of $\dfrac{2k^2}{k-1}$: Solving the Equation

    Determine the value of $\dfrac{2k^2}{k-1}$ given $\dfrac{k^2}{k-1}=k^2-8$.
  14. CAH

    Domain and range of composite functions?

    hey! How do you work out the domain and range of fg(x), do you work out what range of g(x) will fit the domain of f(x)? I have no clue. Thanks
  15. J

    What makes these initial functions so special?

    People say that if you could break a function down into these three functions (constant, successor, projection or sometimes called initial/basic functions) using some operators, then it is primitive recursive. What makes these three functions so special?
  16. Q

    MHB Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

    y=CektA) First find k. [Hint:Use the given information of y=100 when t=2, and y=300 when t=4 to compute k.] B) Finally, find the value for C. [Hint use ine of the two pieces of information given in the problem to solve for C. in other words, use either y=100 when t=2 or use y=300 when 4=4 to...
  17. K

    How do you integrate dirac delta functions?

    Homework Statement ∫δ(x3 - 4x2- 7x +10)dx. Between ±∞. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Well I don't really know how to attempt this. In the case where inside the delta function there is simply 2x, or 5x, I know the answer would be 1/2 or 1/5. Or for say δ(x^2-5), the answer would...
  18. Cookiey

    Inverse Function of Greatest Integer Function in a Given Domain

    Homework Statement If f:(2,4)-->(1,3) where f(x)=x-[x/2] (where[.] denotes the greatest integer function), then find the inverse function of f(x). Homework Equations (None I believe.) The Attempt at a Solution I know that for a function to be invertible, it must be both one-one and onto...
  19. R

    Questions related to Relations and Functions

    Homework Statement 1. Range of the function ## \sqrt {x^2+x+1} ## is equal to? 2.ƒ:R---->R is defined as ƒ(x) = x2 -3x +4, then f -1 (2) is equal to?Homework Equations NA The Attempt at a Solution For the first one tried squaring on both the sides but that does not give linear x in terms of...
  20. ElijahRockers

    Convolution of gaussian functions

    Homework Statement Recall that we have defined the Gaussian ##f_s## by ##f_s (t) = \sqrt{s}e^{-st^2}## and shown that ##\hat{f_s}(\lambda) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}e^{\frac{-\lambda^2}{4s}}##. Show that ##f_3 \ast f_6 (t) = \sqrt{\pi}f_{1/2}(t) = \sqrt{\pi/2}e^{-t^{2}/2}## The Attempt at a...
  21. S

    Finding Function Values on a Graph: f(30) and f(-14) Explained

    1. Homework Statement A graph of y=f(x) is shown. Find the following function values and justify your answers. f(30)= f(-14)= Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I know the graph is periodic, I know it's max and min, and I know it's amplitude because of that. But I don't know what...
  22. D

    Trigonomic Functions, Plotting from equation

    Hi All, Having a tough time with this one and I'm not sure why. Need to state amplitude, period and phase shift of f(x)=3cos2[x-(π/4)]+1. Amplitude being 3, period being 2π/2=π and phase shifted (π/4) to the right. Midline would also be at y=1 Good so far? Right, so I know that 1/4 phase...
  23. I

    First law of thermodynamics & state functions

    Homework Statement 1 kg air at the pressure ##10^6##Pa and the temperature ##125^\circ C = 398K## expand until the volume is 5 times larger. The expansion is done with change in heat at every moment being ##1/4## of the work done by the gas. Calculate the end pressure.Homework Equations ##dU...
  24. C

    MHB Surjective functions from a set of size n+3 to a size of n

    Hello, I wonder if anyone could settle a disagreement I'm having with one of my peers. The question is 'How many surjective functions are there from a set of size n+3 to a set of size n?'. Now, I've already proven that there are (n+1 choose 2)n! surjective functions from a set of size n+1 to a...
  25. T

    Domain and range of multivariable functions

    Homework Statement Specify the domain and range of f(x, y) = arccos(y − x2). Indicate whether the domain is (i) open or closed, and (ii) bounded or unbounded. Give a clear reason in each case.Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution y-x2 >= -1 y >= x2 -1 y-x2 <= 1 y <= x2 +1 I sketched it...
  26. E

    MHB Working with Piecewise Functions

    I'm given the following Piecewise function when $f:[0,1]\to[0,1]$: $f(x) = x$ when $x\in\Bbb{Q}$ $f(x) = 1-x$ when $x\notin\Bbb{Q}$ I need to prove that $f$ is continuous only at the point $x=\frac{1}{2}$. For this problem, I know I need to use the fact that a function $f$ is continuous at a...
  27. kostoglotov

    Q about 2nd derivative test for multivariable functions

    Homework Statement So the test is to take the determinant (D) of the Hessian matrix of your multivar function. Then if D>0 & fxx>0 it's a min point, if D>0 & fxx<0 it's a max point. For D<0 it's a saddle point, and D=0 gives no information. My question is, what happens if fxx=0? Is that...
  28. AdityaDev

    Proving sinx+cosx is not one-one in [0,π/2]

    Homework Statement Prove that sinx+cosx is not one-one in [0,π/2] Homework Equations None The Attempt at a Solution Let f(α)=f(β) Then sinα+cosα=sinβ+cosβ => √2sin(α+π/4)=√2sin(β+π/4) => α=β so it has to be one-one [/B]
  29. C

    MHB Injective and surjective functions

    Hello, I've been reading about injectivity from Z to N and surjectivity from N to Z and was wondering whether there was some kind of algorithm that could generate these specific types of functions?
  30. F

    How to prove some functions are scalar field or vector field

    Homework Statement Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I solved #2,4 but I don't understand what #1,3 need to me. I know that scalar field is a function of points associating scalar value. But how can I prove some function is scalar field or vector field?
  31. DrPapper

    Exploring Mary Boas' Theorem III: Analytic Functions & Taylor Series

    On page 671 Mary Boas has her Theorem III for that chapter. Roughly it tells us that if f(z) -a complex function- is analytic in a region, inside that region f(z) has derivatives of all orders. We can also expand this function in a taylor series. I get the part about a Taylor series, that's...
  32. ellipsis

    [Algebra] Proving equations involving modulo functions.

    I would like to know some general properties of the modulo (remainder) function that I can use to rewrite expressions. For example, say we wanted to prove the following by rewriting the right-hand-side: $$ \Big{\lfloor} \frac{n}{d} \Big{\rfloor} = \frac{n - n \pmod d}{d} $$ I have no idea how...
  33. Khronos

    Optimisation - Critical Numbers for Complex Functions.

    Hi everyone, I need a little bit of help with an optimization problem and finding the critical numbers. The question is a follows: Question: Between 0°C and 30°C, the volume V ( in cubic centimeters) of 1 kg of water at a temperature T is given approximately by the formula: V = 999.87 −...
  34. N

    Einstein's Field Equations: Effective Potential Functions

    I have seen written out in various places (including this forum) the effective potential function that comes from the solutions to the Schwarszschild Geodesic. But I haven't been able to find the effective potential functions for other solutions to Einstein's field equations. Are there...
  35. nuclearhead

    What functions of fields describe particles?

    I was thinking about the connection between fields and particles. For instance the scalar field Φ(x) and the field Φ(x)+a both represent the same scalar particle. Because the action ∫∂Φ∂Φdx^4 is unaltered and the propagator <0|[Φ(x)+a,Φ(y)+a]|0> is presumably the same. What about if we replace...
  36. M

    MHB Yes, $2^{2^{2^n}}$ is a good example for $p(n)$ and $q(n)$ could be $n!$.

    Hey! :o Find an order $f_1, f_2, \dots f_{30}$ of the functions that satisfies the relations $f_1=\Omega(f_2), f_2=\Omega(f_3), \dots, f_{29}=\Omega(f_{30})$$$\frac{n}{\lg n} , \ \ n^{\lg n} ,\ \ (\sqrt{2})^{\lg n}, \ \ n^2, \ \ n!, \ \ (\lg n)! ,\ \ \left( \frac{3}{2} \right)^n ,\ \ n^3 ,\ \...
  37. G

    What Is the Correct Calculation for 643 + 364 Using Defined Functions?

    Homework Statement For positive integers m, k, and n , let mkn be defined as mkn = kmn , where k\frac {m}{n} is a mixed fraction. What is the value of 643 + 364 ? Homework Equations I attempt the other few similar questions where the solution are as follow 832 + 382 = \frac {169}{24} 641 +...
  38. evinda

    MHB Relation between the functions

    Hello! (Smile)I want to determine if $\sqrt{n}$ is $\Theta $ / $O$ / $\Omega$, $o$, $\omega$ of $n^{\sin n}$. To do so we could calculate the limit: $$\lim_{n \to +\infty} \frac{\sqrt{n}}{n^{\sin n}}$$ right? But how can we find the limit, although $\lim_{n \to +\infty} \sin n$ does not...
  39. P

    Function notation and shifting functions

    Suppose two people, X and Y, have two different stopwatches. X starts his/her stopwatch as some particle passes an origin. We can model the velocity of the particle by ##\vec{v}(T)##, where ##T## is the reading on the first stopwatch. After an amount of time ##\Delta t##, Y starts his/her...
  40. G

    Solving for variables as functions of other variables

    Homework Statement Show that the equations xy^2+zu+v^2=3 x^3z+2y-uv=2 xu+yu-xyz=1 can be solved for (x,y,z) as functions of (u,v) near the point (x,y,z,u,v)=(1,1,1,1,1) and find dy/du at (u,v)=(1,1) Homework Equations Multivariable calculus differentiation 3. The Attempt at a Solution I...
  41. A

    A sequence of functions evaluated at a sequence

    What are the rules if you have a sequence f_n of real-valued functions on \mathbb R and consider the sequence f_n(x_n), where x_n is some sequence of real numbers that converges: x_n \to x. All I have found is an exercise in Baby Rudin that says that if f_n \to f uniformly on E, then f_n(x_n)...
  42. J

    Rolls Theorem (trig functions)

    Homework Statement f(x) = sin5x ; [π/5,2π/5] finding the point c which f'(x) =0. I understand the theorem and how to complete it, my issue is using the triq functions Homework Equations f'(x) = 5cos5x The Attempt at a Solution 5cos5x=0 cos5x=0 5x=π/3 x=π/15 my answer is not correct, I am...
  43. A

    Evaluate 2 logistic functions for the best x to minimize OR.

    Here are conditions I use to define my problem: 1) I use cumulative distribution of 2 logistic functions g1(x) and g2(x) with g2 is translated to the right of the g1(x) on x-axis. 2) I make a transformation to eliminate both tails of the function which will not have a significant contribution to...
  44. Fallen Angel

    MHB Find All Functions $F(x)$ with $(x-y)^2$ Inequality

    Find all functions $F(x):\Bbb{R}\longrightarrow \Bbb{R}$ such that $F(x)-F(y)\leq (x-y)^2$ for all $x,y\in \Bbb{R}$ Edited for correct a typo.
  45. R

    Component functions and coordinates of linear transformation

    Let A(a, b, c) and A'(a′,b′,c′) be two distinct points in R3. Let f from [0 , 1] to R3 be defined by f(t) = (1 -t) A + t A'. Instead of calling the component functions of f ,(f1, f2, f3) let us simply write f = (x, y, z). Express x; y; z in terms of the coordinates of A and A, and t. I thought...
  46. Mr Davis 97

    Justification for cancellation in rational functions

    For example, say we have ##\frac{x^4(x - 1)}{x^2}##. The function is undefined at 0, but if we cancel the x's, we get a new function that is defined at 0. So, in this case, we have ##x^2(x - 1)##, then ##x^2(x - 1)(1)##, and since ##\frac{x^2}{x^2} = 1##, we then have ##\frac{x^4(x - 1)}{x^2}##...
  47. L

    MHB Trigonometric functions problem

    Hello, I am trying to solve this. This material is not covered in my class, but I still want to know how to do it. If cos(t)=$\frac{-9}{10}$ where $\pi$ <t<$\frac{3\pi}{2}$ find the values of cos(2t)= sin(2t)= cos($\frac{t}{2}$)= sin($\frac{t}{2}$)= Give exact answers, do not use decimal...
  48. Shackleford

    Show that the functions are not equicontinuous

    Homework Statement [/B] By using the Ascoli-Arzela theorem, show that the functions fn(z) = zn in Δ(1)n = 1, 2,..., are not equicontinuous. Homework Equations [/B] A family F of complex-valued functions on A is called equicontinuous if ∀ε > 0, ∃δ > 0 such that |f(z) - f(w)| < ε, ∀z, w ∈ A...
  49. S

    Sound waves frequency (Hankel functions)

    Homework Statement Let's study harmonic sound waves with frequency ##\omega ##, that is emitted by a long wire. Let's approximate the earth, above which the wire is, with an infinite rigid plate. If the space wasn't limited by the earth, than the velocity potential of the source would be ##\Phi...
  50. N

    Why Are My Composite Function Solutions Incorrect?

    Homework Statement 1. Find a formula for (f g)(x) = ? 2. Find a formula for (f f )(x) = ? 3. Find a formula for the composition below. g(h(x)) = 4. Find a formula for the composition below. (h g)(x) =The Attempt at a Solution 1. f(g(x)) 2. f(f(x)) 3. (g º h)(x) 4. h(g(x)) Why are these...
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