Confused about answer wolfram alpha spat out to me.

In summary, the conversation revolved around solving a difficult equation and using WolframAlpha to get an answer in radians. The output given was "theta ≈ 0.74559 + 6.28319n for integer n", indicating multiple possible solutions with n being any integer. The question about converting radians to degrees was also addressed.
  • #1
Clever_name
125
0

Homework Statement



Ok well I had a real nasty equation in which i could not solve.
I used wolfram alpha to get out this answer "theta ≈ 0.74559 + 6.28319n for integer n".

can someone please tell me what this statement means.

do i assume theta in degrees equals 0.74559(180/pi)?

Thanks for the help!

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
Clever_name said:

Homework Statement



Ok well I had a real nasty equation in which i could not solve.
I used wolfram alpha to get out this answer "theta ≈ 0.74559 + 6.28319n for integer n".

can someone please tell me what this statement means.

do i assume theta in degrees equals 0.74559(180/pi)?
That would be one value, with n = 0. The other values are .74559 + 2##\pi##, .74559 + 4##\pi##, .74559 + 6##\pi##, and so on. It would also include negative multiples of 2##\pi##, as in .74559 - 2##\pi##, .74559 - 4##\pi##, .74559 - 6##\pi##, and so on.
 
  • #3
As to your last question: WolframAlpha gave you answers in radians. Your method of conversion to degrees looks right.
 
  • #4
So if i was solving an equation say something like x'(theta) =0 would n be zero when solving for theta?
 
  • #5
Clever_name said:
So if i was solving an equation say something like x'(theta) =0 would n be zero when solving for theta?
n is any integer. You can't say what it "is." It means that the equation has multiple solutions.
 
  • #6
Ok thanks for clearing that up guys.
 

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