Finding the Formula for a Coordinate Series: Rick's Query

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a generic formula for a coordinate series where variable X increases by 4 and variable Y increases by 2. Participants explore different mathematical representations and seek clarity on the relationship between X and Y, including how to derive one variable from the other.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Rick initially describes a series of coordinates (4,2), (8,4), (12,6), etc., and seeks a formula to calculate X given Y and vice versa.
  • Another participant points out that Rick's use of "factor" is misleading, clarifying that the increments are additive rather than multiplicative.
  • A participant suggests that the coordinates can be expressed as (4n, 2n) for n = 1, 2, 3..., but Rick later disputes this by stating that the actual points differ from this formula.
  • Rick acknowledges mistakes in his initial description and expresses confusion about how to derive a formula when only Y is known, particularly for larger values.
  • One participant proposes the formula (4(n-1), 2n) as a potential solution.
  • There is a question about how to determine the value of n, with some participants expressing confusion over what is being asked regarding n.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a definitive formula for the coordinate series. There are multiple competing views on how to express the relationship between X and Y, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct approach to derive one variable from the other.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the correct mathematical representation and the implications of their proposed formulas. There are also limitations in understanding how to find n based on the given Y value.

hello_math
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Hello All

I have got a very basic Math query here and hope people will not get turned off with the nature of this simple query.
My query goes like this:
variable X makes jump by factor +4.
at the same time, Y makes a jump by factor +2

in coordinate terms, I would have a series like :
(4,2) (8,4) (12, 6) (16,8) (20,10)...and so on
I would like to know the generic formula for calculating this coordinate series...for example,if Y is (say) 2867544 , then what should be X ? ( also vice versa )

can anyone tell me a formula for this please
...and hope the question was clear .

Thanks
Rick
 
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hello_math said:
Hello All

I have got a very basic Math query here and hope people will not get turned off with the nature of this simple query.
My query goes like this:
variable X makes jump by factor +4.
at the same time, Y makes a jump by factor +2
The jumps are not by a "factor" of 4 or 2. Factor implies things being multiplied. Here you're just adding 4 or 2 to the previous x or y value, respectively.
hello_math said:
in coordinate terms, I would have a series like :
(4,2) (8,4) (12, 6) (16,8) (20,10)...and so on
All of these points are on a straight line whose equation is y = (1/2)x.
hello_math said:
I would like to know the generic formula for calculating this coordinate series...for example,if Y is (say) 2867544 , then what should be X ? ( also vice versa )

can anyone tell me a formula for this please
...and hope the question was clear .

Thanks
Rick
 
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And, since ##x_n=4n,~n=1,2,3...## your coordinate pairs are ##(4n,2n)##.
 
Thanks all . Yes my 'factor' impliction was wrongly used indeed :(
there was another mistake of mine with the series. the actual points on the straight line are : ( 0,2,) ,(4,4) ,(8,6)...and so on.
and I can't use y = (1/2)x here.
and I don't think I can use (4n,2n) either. [ e.g for the 20th 'jump' , it {as per the 4n,2n) formula } should be 80,40..but actually the coordinates are (76,40) ]
so what can I use here ...and what if 'n' is not given at all. How do I go about . In other words if only Y coordinate has been given for e.g Y is (say) 2867544 .

I am asking this on behalf of my 12 year old kid, who has only a 'jump' till Y coordinate =62 in his textbook. Now this can be easily done with the fingers and the homework is finished :)...but I was looking for a more generic formula here & completely out of curiosity.

Thanks
 
Try ##(4(n-1),2n)##.
 
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allright and anyway to find the 'n' too ?
 
hello_math said:
allright and anyway to find the 'n' too ?
I don't understand what you are asking. ##n## can be ##1,2,3,4...##. Find what ##n##?
 
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nope nothing
I was a bit confused myself here.
anyway...Super. Let's close this issue here now

and Thanks all.!
 

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