Determining the number of independent equations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the number of independent equations that can be formed from geometric relationships involving triangles, particularly when these triangles are situated within a circle. Participants explore the concepts of dependent and independent equations in the context of basic geometry and algebra, seeking to understand how to avoid redundancy in their equations.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to avoid dependent equations when writing relations for multiple triangles, seeking to know the maximum number of independent equations possible.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of polynomials and ideals in algebraic geometry, suggesting that the main challenge lies in determining a minimal system of generating polynomials for the ideal associated with the geometric problem.
  • A participant expresses concern that the discussion has strayed from basic geometry and algebra, emphasizing a preference for simpler methods.
  • One participant reflects on the complexity of the problem, noting that they often find themselves returning to initial equations due to the complications arising from redundancies in their relationships.
  • Another participant mentions Gröbner bases as a relevant framework for addressing the problem of independent equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the best approach to the problem. There are multiple competing views regarding the complexity of the equations and the appropriate level of mathematical rigor needed.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the dependencies among equations and the conditions under which certain equations can be used without leading to redundancy. The discussion highlights the limitations of relying solely on basic geometry and algebra rules in complex scenarios.

guideonl
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TL;DR
geometry, determining number of independet equations
Hi everyone,
In geometry problems involved with triangles (inside a circle in my case), I can write different equations based on some known measures using pythagoras theorem, similarity , trigonometric and geometric relations. But, if I write all these equations I propably get some dependent equations.
My question is: how can I avoide depending equations? in other words, for n given triangles, how many independet equations/relations i can write?
Also, please note if there are dependent equations/relations in which using one- you may not use the other, otherwise you get dependent equations.

Thanks
 
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The important part first: I do not know an answer.

In geometry we have usually linear and quadratic equations, that is a set of polynomials ##S=\{\,p_1,\ldots,p_n\,\}## which generate an ideal ##\mathcal{I} \subseteq \mathbb{R}[X_1,\ldots,X_m]##.
Now there are some problems: the ##p_i## are not linear, the variables are not independent, i.e. we have uniqueness up to ##\mathcal{I}## and we do not know ##\mathcal{I}##, and there are many variables: angles and distances. A geometric statement is thus the question whether a certain polynomial is in ##\mathcal{I} ## or not.

I guess the main problem will be ##\mathcal{I} ## and your question is: How can we find a minimal system of generating polynomials for ##\mathcal{I} ?## This leads via algebraic geometry into ring theory. However, there is no general way to determine the generators of ##\mathcal{I} ## that I knew of, other than in the case of linear polynomials.
 
Thank you fresh_42...
Well, you took the problem far away.. I meant using basic geometry & algebra rules...
 
guideonl said:
Thank you fresh_42...
Well, you took the problem far away.. I meant using basic geometry & algebra rules...
Your thread is labeled with an "A" prefix, meaning that you want the discussion at the Advanced / graduate school level. I'll change it for you now to "I" = Intermediate (undergraduate level). :smile:
 
guideonl said:
Thank you fresh_42...
Well, you took the problem far away.. I meant using basic geometry & algebra rules...
I ran so many times in complicated circles, arriving with an equation I could have started with, that I doubt there is an easy solution. You can only list all variables and attach to every variable what you know, e.g. given a triangle intersected by one of its heights, then we have ##\alpha+\beta+\gamma =\pi## but may only add one of the partial triangles to the list of equation. However, we might need an angle in the other part and all of a sudden we have a redundancy.
 
guideonl said:
Thank you fresh_42...
Well, you took the problem far away.. I meant using basic geometry & algebra rules...
Here is the corresponding framework: Gröbner bases.
 

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