Finding an annihilator operator

  • Thread starter Thread starter bcjochim07
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Operator
Click For Summary
To find an annihilator operator for (cosx)^2, the user initially calculated the first, second, and third derivatives, noting challenges with the resulting terms. They considered the operator D^2 + 2 but were hindered by the presence of the 2(sinx)^2 term. A suggestion was made regarding the operator D^3 + 4*D, which ultimately clarified the solution. The user recognized the oversight and expressed gratitude for the assistance. The discussion highlights the process of deriving an appropriate annihilator operator through derivative calculations.
bcjochim07
Messages
366
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Find an annihilator operator for (cosx)^2


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


first derivative -2cosxsinx
second derivative 2(sinx)^2 - 2(cosx)^2
third derivative 4sinxcosx +4cosxsinx

This isn't getting me anywhere (D^2 + 2) is close but I still have the 2(sinx)^2 term.

Any suggestions?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What's wrong with (D^3+4*D)? It's staring you in the face.
 
Of course! I see it now. Thanks.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K