Can You Solve for Theta in the Equation sin(theta)/theta = Constant?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter coolnessitself
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Constant
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The equation sin(theta)/theta = b, where b is a constant, does not have a simple explicit solution for theta. Instead, the discussion emphasizes the use of graphical methods and numerical techniques to approximate the values of theta. The complexity arises from the nature of theta, which is not confined to traditional angle values but is a combination of constants. Therefore, practical approaches involve leveraging numerical methods for effective solutions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions and their properties
  • Familiarity with numerical methods for solving equations
  • Knowledge of graphical analysis techniques
  • Basic concepts of Taylor series expansions
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore numerical methods such as the Newton-Raphson method for root finding
  • Learn how to graph functions using tools like Desmos or MATLAB
  • Study Taylor series expansions and their applications in approximating functions
  • Investigate iterative methods for solving transcendental equations
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and engineers who require solutions for complex equations involving trigonometric functions and constants.

coolnessitself
Messages
29
Reaction score
0
sin(theta)/theta = constant

I have a value theta I am trying to solve for. Theta isn't limited to any value (it isn't an angle, actually a bunch of constants multiplied together). say I have
sin(theta)/theta = b where b is another constant. Is there any way I can solve for theta=, in terms of b? I thought of taylor expanding the left hand side but then it just gets messy and I can't have an explicit value of theta...
thanks
 
Last edited:
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Unfortunately, there is no simple solution to that problem. You can get good approximations to the solutions (plural!) by graphing or by using numerical methods.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
927
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K