Creating a Variable Bend in a Function with Preserved Properties

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    Bend Variable
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around modifying a specific mathematical function to create a variable bend while preserving certain properties. The focus is on the theoretical aspects of function modification, including curvature and behavior across different values of a parameter.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a function with fixed properties at specific points and seeks to introduce a variable bend while maintaining those properties.
  • Another participant suggests a simplification of the original function and proposes an alternative function that alters the curvature but behaves differently for negative values of x.
  • A participant expresses the need for a parameter representing curvature in the modified function.
  • A similar function is proposed that incorporates the curvature parameter, which is acknowledged positively by another participant.
  • There is a discussion about naming the newly proposed function, with differing opinions on the importance of naming conventions and the appropriateness of certain terms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the naming of the function and its classification, indicating a lack of consensus on this aspect. However, there is agreement on the need for a parameter to represent curvature in the modified function.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the behavior of the proposed functions, particularly regarding their curvature and behavior for negative values of x, remain unresolved. The implications of the curvature parameter on the function's properties are also not fully explored.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying mathematical functions, particularly in the context of curvature and function modification, as well as individuals exploring theoretical aspects of function behavior in mathematics.

Ad VanderVen
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TL;DR
With a given function how to make a variable bend.
I have the following function: $$y = s-1 + exp (-ln (-1 / (s-1)) x)$$ with 0 < s < 1. For ##x = 0## you have ##y = s## and for ##x = 1## you have ##y = 0##. The function has a fixed bend, but now I want to make the bend variable, while the two properties, that for ##x = 0## you have ##y = s## and for ##x = 1##, ##y = 0##, should remain unchanged. How do I do that?
 
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Where did you get that equation from? Do you realize it can be simplified to ## y = (1-s)^x + s - 1 ##? What is 'bend'? If you mean you want a similar function with an increased radius of curvature, try ## y = (1-s)^{x^2} + s - 1 ##, although that has a very different behaviour for ## x < 0 ##. How do you think you could modify this to get a curve that is similar for any value of ## x ##?
 
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I want a similar function with the same restrictions as described above with a parameter, say ##b##, representing the curvature.
 
Ad VanderVen said:
I want a similar function with the same restrictions as described above with a parameter, say ##b##, representing the curvature.
Have you looked at the function I suggested? How do you think you could incorporate the parameter ## b ## into it?
 
Yes, I looked at the function you suggested and the function $$s-1+(1-s)^{x^b}$$ with ## 0<b<1 ## would do perfectly. I cannot say how grateful I am..
 
What could you call such a function? Is it a special case of some well-known function?
 
I'm not a big fan of naming things: some people (and some educational cultures) get over-obsessed with naming and categorization.

I suppose you could call it a sub-exponential function (and for b = 0.5 a half-exponential function) but I have only seen this term used for increasing functions (i.e. ## s < -1 ##) so I think using that term in this context would not be helpful.
 
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@pbuk Anyway, thanks for the attempt.
 

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