Does this equation already exist?

  • Thread starter Thread starter newbie7.07
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around a formula for calculating the area of a regular polygon based solely on side length, expressed as (ns2cot(180/n))/4. The formula also extends to include radius or apothem with variations like (na2tan(180/n))/4 and (nr2sin(180/n)cos(180/n))/4. Participants debate whether this equation is a discovery or simply a calculation, with references to mathematical philosophy and Plato. One contributor mentions finding a similar equation in the CRC Standard Math Tables, emphasizing that mathematical truths exist independently of their discovery. The conversation concludes with a request for clarification on a specific mathematical relationship, suggesting a deeper exploration of the formulas involved.
newbie7.07
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
This is a formula to find the area of a regular polygon with sides of equal length only using the side length.

(ns2cot(180/n))/4

Where n is equal to the number of sides and s is the side length.

Also, knowing radius (r) or apothem (a)

(na2tan(180/n))/4

(nr2sin(180/n)cos(180/n))/4

Has someone found this before?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Yes, I find it on page 122 of my copy of CRC Standard Math tables. (27th ed)
 
No offense, but that's not really an equation you can "discover." It's just a calculation.
 
Manchot said:
No offense, but that's not really an equation you can "discover." It's just a calculation.

In mathematics there is no such thing as discovery.
 
Ah.. I see you folks have never read Plato. Or won't admit to it anyway.
 
Werg22 said:
In mathematics there is no such thing as discovery.
Yes, there is. Just because a certain theorem happens to be true whether it's been found or not, it doesn't mean that it can't be discovered. "Discover" in this case simply means that you are the first human being to stumble upon it.
 
Ok, then can anyone who's read something about this explain why cot(180/n)=tan(90(n-2)/n)?
 
newbie7.07 said:
Ok, then can anyone who's read something about this explain why cot(180/n)=tan(90(n-2)/n)?

Just apply Simpson's formulas.
 

Similar threads

B Is this true? The area of a circle can be approximated by a polygon
Replies
7
Views
2K
MHB Equation for a distributiong force on a half cylinder
Replies
6
Views
3K
I Find an explicit formula for this n-sum problem
Replies
7
Views
3K
Find the area of the quadrilateral OCBAO
Replies
8
Views
1K
The origin of degree scale in angles
Replies
7
Views
3K
Why Is My Calculation of a Regular Polygon's Area Incorrect?
Replies
5
Views
4K
Geometry of circles and polygons.
Replies
4
Views
3K
B Counting intersections of lines in a triangle
Replies
30
Views
5K
Can Geometry Alone Provide an Accurate Estimation of Pi?
Replies
1
Views
398
Focussing a collimated beam using a diffraction grating
Replies
1
Views
669

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top