Cos(x) question How would you call 'x'?

  • Context: High School 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the terminology used to refer to the variable 'x' in trigonometric functions, particularly in the context of integration and substitution. Participants explore how to describe this variable generically and its role in mathematical expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion over the term to describe 'x' in the context of integration and substitution, indicating it varies across different equations.
  • Another participant suggests that 'x' could be referred to as a variable, noting there is no specific term for it in trigonometric functions.
  • A further contribution describes the concept of function application, where the term inside the function can be referred to as the "argument".
  • A participant with a programming background reinforces that 'x' is the argument or parameter to the function, which can take various forms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a specific term for 'x', with multiple perspectives on how to describe it, including "variable", "parameter", and "argument". The discussion remains unresolved regarding a universally accepted term.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity on the definitions and terminology used in different mathematical contexts, which may lead to varying interpretations of the term for 'x'.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students and educators in mathematics, particularly those dealing with trigonometric functions and integration techniques.

mimzy
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So I have this integration to solve but I needed help and I just couldn't make up a term to call that 'x' ><! the term that is inside the parenthesis! I know I've learned it somewhere but I just can't remember and it's making me nuts! >A<

Also, what would you do in order to solve an equation that involves let's say sin(x)/cos(2x) [its just made up so I can explain myself a little better :D] and you need to combine both terms... but in order to combine them you got to make a substitution for that 'x' term ><

thanks in advance :D
 
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Integration by Substitution? Let x = \theta? The symbol \theta is pronounced theta? No idea what you are talking about.

Just so you know, there is no simpler form to:

<br /> \frac{sin(\theta)}{cos(2 \theta)}<br />

IT DOES NOT EQUAL:
<br /> tan(\frac{1}{2} \theta)<br />

No idea if this helps, still have no clue what you are asking...
 
im just wondering for the name of that theta since it won't always be the same thing on all equations... it changes depending on what u are asked for... like x, theta, pi and so on... just he generic name of that >< sorry if I wasn't clear enough
 
A variable? There's no set word to describe whatever variable you insert inside of a trigonometric function. You just say that it is the parameter in terms of which the function is defined...?
 
This is a function application expression:
A(B)
It is composed of two subexpressions:
  • The expression A, which should be of function type
  • The expression B, whose type should be contained in domain of A
In such expressions, B is sometimes called the "argument", such as in the sentence "B is the argument passed into the function A".
 
Speaking as a programmer, given cos(x), x is the argument or parameter to the function cos(). It can be a literal, such as 20, a variable, or an expression.

Fred
 

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