Find t to Satisfy e^iat=e^ia_0, e^ibt=e^ib_0, e^ibct=e^ic_0

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a value of t that satisfies the equations e^{iat} = e^{ia_0}, e^{ibt} = e^{ib_0}, and e^{ibct} = e^{ic_0} simultaneously, under the conditions that a, b, and c are distinct non-zero values. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and exploration of conditions for solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that if there is no upper limit on t, it might be possible to find a t such that all three equations are satisfied, or at least come arbitrarily close to being satisfied.
  • Another participant counters that in general, it may not be possible to satisfy all equations simultaneously, providing a specific example with values a=2, b=1, a0=0, and b0=0.1, where a solution for one equation does not approximate the other.
  • It is suggested that if a, b, and c do not have any pair that shares a common multiple, there could be approximations to arbitrary precision, but exact solutions may not exist.
  • A participant clarifies that their assumption about a not being a multiple of b, etc., is not sufficiently general, as even distinct values can lead to common multiples, affecting the possibility of finding a solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the possibility of finding a solution for t that satisfies all equations simultaneously. Some believe approximations may be possible under certain conditions, while others argue that exact solutions are generally unattainable.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of the relationships between a, b, and c, particularly regarding common multiples, which influence the existence of solutions.

maka89
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If there is no upper limit on t, can you find a t such that: e^{iat} = e^{ia_0}, e^{ibt} = e^{ib_0} and e^{ibct} = e^{ic_0} at the same time?

No matter what a,b and c is, though given a != b , a!=c, b!=c and a!= 0, b!= 0, c!=0

Or maybe rather:
at=a_0 +k_12\pi, bt=b_0 +k_22\pi and ct=c_0 +k_32\pi, where the k's are integers

I think it seems reasonable that you can, or at least come arbitrarily close to the equations being satisfied... But don't know how to prove it, or if I am right... Any pointers?
 
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Are you really talking factorials up there, or were you trying to type "not equals" (≠)?
 
Not in general.

Consider a=2, b=1, a0=0 and b0 = 0.1. Clearly t=kπ solves the first equation, but does not solve or even approximate the second one.

If you require that a,b,c do not have a pair which have a common multiple, there should be approximations to arbitrary precision. In general there won't be an exact solution here either.
 
Not equals, mjc123 ;)

Thanks mfb! Forgot to mention, I assumed a is not a multiple of b etc.
 
maka89 said:
I assumed a is not a multiple of b etc.
That is not general enough.
a=2 and b=3 still lead to a common multiple of 6, and the same result.

If we don't have that case, in general all you get is an approximation.
 

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