How can I find the angle for a combined SHM graph without using a calculator?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter sadhu
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Function Harmonic
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the angle for a combined Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) graph without using a calculator. The user initially attempted to use the inverse tangent function, which only provides principal values between -π and π, leading to incorrect waveforms. The solution involves recognizing that tangent is periodic with a period of π, allowing for continuous angle increases by adding multiples of π. The user seeks a mathematical expression to facilitate this process using Microsoft Math for graph plotting.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically tangent and inverse tangent
  • Familiarity with periodic functions and their properties
  • Basic skills in using Microsoft Math for graph plotting
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the periodic properties of trigonometric functions
  • Learn how to derive angles in SHM using mathematical expressions
  • Explore advanced features of Microsoft Math for plotting complex functions
  • Study the implications of phase shifts in SHM graphs
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, mathematicians dealing with trigonometric functions, and anyone interested in graphing combined SHM without relying on calculators.

sadhu
Messages
155
Reaction score
0
while doing physics , i just stuck on problem regarding mathematics

i wanted to plot the graph of combined SHM but in the formula there is a big problem regarding finding the angle of the given tangent.

i first used inverse tan but got a very weird wave, later i realized that inverse tan can give solutions between 0 -[tex]\pi[/tex] but what i wanted was a continuous increase in angle.
i.e > [tex]\pi[/tex]or2*[tex]\pi[/tex], as angle increases with time(x -axis)

can somebody tell how to find angle
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Your calculator is giving the "principal value", specifically that value of t between [itex]-\pi[/itex] and [itex]\pi[/itex]. Since tangent is periodic with period [itex]\pi[/itex] your other values will be that number, plus [itex]\pi[/itex], plus [itex]2\pi[/itex], plus [itex]3\pi[/itex], etc.
 
the problem is that i am not working with a calculator , i am dealing with microsoft math
it can plot a graph once you have given the function to it. so nothing can be done manually , i just wanted an expression which works
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
11K