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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the terminology used for the variable 'x' in trigonometric functions, specifically within the context of integration and substitution. Participants clarify that 'x' can be referred to as a "parameter" or "argument" when discussing functions like cos(x) and sin(x)/cos(2x). The term 'theta' (θ) is introduced as a common substitution for 'x', but it is emphasized that the specific name of the variable can vary depending on the context. The conversation also touches on the mathematical expression sin(θ)/cos(2θ) and its simplification, confirming that it does not equal tan(1/2 θ).

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  • Understanding of trigonometric functions, specifically sine and cosine.
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, particularly Integration by Substitution.
  • Basic knowledge of mathematical terminology, including parameters and arguments.
  • Awareness of function application expressions in programming contexts.
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  • Research the concept of Integration by Substitution in calculus.
  • Learn about the properties and applications of trigonometric functions.
  • Explore the differences between parameters and arguments in programming and mathematics.
  • Study the implications of variable substitution in trigonometric identities.
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Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focusing on calculus and trigonometry, as well as programmers interested in the application of mathematical functions in coding.

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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