Examples of closed loop functions

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter CraigH
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Closed Functions Loop
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying examples of closed loop functions, particularly those that can be expressed in the form of y=f(x) rather than multi-variable forms. Participants explore the characteristics of closed loop functions and inquire about methods to determine if a function forms a closed loop without graphical representation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions the equation of a circle, y² + x² = r², as an example of a closed loop function.
  • Another participant argues that closed loop functions cannot be represented in the form y=f(x) because they would yield multiple values for a single x.
  • A suggestion is made that closed loop functions can be represented by parametric equations, such as x=x(t) and y=y(t).
  • It is proposed that a function can be identified as a closed loop if there exist values t0 and t1 such that x(t0)=x(t1) and y(t0)=y(t1), indicating a loop of length t1 - t0.
  • Clarification is sought regarding the meaning of "pair of functions" and "pair of values" in the context of closed loops.
  • An example is provided using the functions x=sin(t) and y=cos(t) to illustrate the concept of closed loops.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether closed loop functions can be represented in the form y=f(x), with some asserting that this is not possible due to the nature of closed loops. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the criteria for identifying closed loop functions without plotting.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the implications of using parametric equations and the conditions under which a loop is formed, but the limitations of these approaches and definitions are not fully explored.

CraigH
Messages
221
Reaction score
1
Can someone please give me a list of examples of closed loop functions, the only one I know is the equation for a circle

y^2 + x^2 = r^2

Also are there any closed loop functions that aren't multi variable, i.e in the form y=f(x) and not z=f(x,y)

Is there a way to tell that a function is a closed loop without plotting it?

Thanks!

PS, I'm not asking about closed loop integrals here, just functions where the line joins back to itself.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
CraigH said:
Also are there any closed loop functions that aren't multi variable, i.e in the form y=f(x) and not z=f(x,y)

Not in form of y=f(x), since will be multiple values.

More general is to present it by pair of functions x=x(t), y=y(t)

z=x^2+y^2 may be represented as x=sin(t), y=cos(t)

Is there a way to tell that a function is a closed loop without plotting it?

For any pair of functions x(t) and y(t), with pair of values t0, t1,
such that x(t0)=x(t1) and y(t0)=y(t1),

there is a loop of length t1 - t0
 
Ah okay thank you, this has cleared a few things up, but what do you mean by:
Graniar said:
For any pair of functions x(t) and y(t), with pair of values t0, t1,
such that x(t0)=x(t1) and y(t0)=y(t1),

there is a loop of length t1 - t0

This confuses me, do you mean y=f(t) and x=f(t)? And what do you mean by pair values?
 
For example, will take that z=x^2+y^2 <=> x=sin(t), y=cos(t)

Pair of functions: x=sin(t), y=cos(t)
Pair of values: t0=0, t1=2*pi

sin(t0) = sin(0) = 0 = sin(2*pi) = sin(t1)

cos(t0) = cos(0) = 1 = cos(2*pi) = cos(t1)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K