Can this equation be simplified?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of two mathematical equations involving trigonometric functions. Participants explore the potential for simplification, share observations about the equations' contour plots, and reference computational tools for assistance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests help in simplifying two equations involving sine and cosine functions.
  • Another participant notes that apart from formatting and the identity ##1-\cos^2(x) = \sin^2(x)##, there is not much to simplify.
  • A participant expresses curiosity about the interesting contour plot generated by the equations.
  • One participant suggests that changing a parameter from 360 to 2*pi may lead to a less complex contour plot.
  • Another participant mentions that Wolfram Alpha provides a simpler-looking form for the equations when inputted for simplification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that there is limited simplification possible for the equations. However, there are differing opinions on the nature of the contour plot, with some finding it interesting while others do not.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the parameters and their implications on the equations' behavior remain unresolved, particularly regarding the choice of the constant 360 and its effect on oscillation.

rede96
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Hi, just wondering if anyone could help me simplify (if possible) the following two equations.

x = sin((cos(((1-(cos(θ/2)^2))*360)/2)+1)/2*θ)*(d/2)

x = cos((cos(((1-(cos(θ/2)^2))*360)/2)+1)/2*θ)*d/2)*2

My math is pretty crap, so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
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Apart from some formatting and ##1-\cos^2(x) = \sin^2(x)## , there is not much to simplify. It has an interesting contour plot, however.
 
mfb said:
Apart from some formatting and ##1-\cos^2(x) = \sin^2(x)## , there is not much to simplify. It has an interesting contour plot, however.

Oh well, will have to use them in the current form. Thanks anyway.

If you don't mind me asking (as I really am crap at math) why is the contour plot interesting?
 
rede96 said:
Oh well, will have to use them in the current form. Thanks anyway.

If you don't mind me asking (as I really am crap at math) why is the contour plot interesting?
It looks like right from a seismograph or a piece of modern art.
 
fresh_42 said:
It looks like right from a seismograph or a piece of modern art.

Tbh, I didn't see anything special in it either.
 
For the record (Source: https://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=sin((cos(((1-(cos(θ/2)^2))*360)/2)+1)/2*θ)*(d/2))
gif&s=59.gif
 
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I typed your equation and "simplify" into wolframalpha, and this is what I got
It has a simpler looking form for x, d and theta real.
 
mfb said:
It has an interesting contour plot, however.
fresh_42 said:
My guess is that this is incorrect, as the 360 smells of degrees, leading to a much too rapid oscillation and a crappy contour plot. Change the 360 to 2*pi and you get something much more banal.

Edgardo said:
I typed your equation and "simplify" into wolframalpha, and this is what I got
It has a simpler looking form for x, d and theta real.
This is the same result as
mfb said:
##1-\cos^2(x) = \sin^2(x)##
 

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