How to find exact value of x/2=sinx?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the equation x/2 = sin(x) and the quest to find the exact value of its roots. Participants explore whether the roots are transcendental and discuss methods for approximating these values.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants mention that Wolfram provides an approximate root of -1.895 and inquire about finding the exact value.
  • Others question the assumption that -1.895 is a root, suggesting it may be transcendental.
  • It is noted that 0 is an exact solution, and +1.895 is also approximately a solution.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about finding an exact value for the roots near -1.895 or +1.895, suggesting numerical techniques for approximation instead.
  • Some participants propose that the equation is transcendental, referencing the Lindemann–Weierstrass theorem to support this claim.
  • Further discussion includes the implications of the theorem, stating that if sin(x) is algebraic, then x must also be algebraic, which contradicts the theorem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the roots are transcendental or if exact values can be found. Multiple competing views remain regarding the nature of the roots and the methods for approximation.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the exact nature of the roots and the applicability of numerical methods. The discussion includes references to mathematical theorems that may not be universally accepted or understood in the same way by all participants.

greswd
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According to Wolfram it is approx. -1.895

How do I find the exact value of the root though?
 
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What makes you think it is a root? It probably is transcendental.

Of course, 0 is an exact solution, and +1.895 is also approximately a solution.
 
Khashishi said:
What makes you think it is a root? It probably is transcendental.

Of course, 0 is an exact solution, and +1.895 is also approximately a solution.

so how do we find the exact value of 1.895?
 
greswd said:
According to Wolfram it is approx. -1.895

How do I find the exact value of the root though?
I don't believe there is a way to find the exact value of the root that is near either -1.895 or +1.895. You can approximate either of these roots to whatever precision is needed using any number of numerical techniques, such as Newton's Method, Newton-Raphson, bisection, and others.
 
Thanks. So is it transcendental?
 
I think it is transcendental as a consequence of the Lindemann–Weierstrass theorem.

If ##sin(x)## is algebraic (##x\neq 0##), so are ##x## (being equal to ##2sin(x)##) and ##cos(x)##.
That implies that ##e^{ix}## is algebraic too. But this contradict the Lindemann–Weierstrass theorem.
 
Last edited:
Samy_A said:
I think it is transcendental as a consequence of the Lindemann–Weierstrass theorem.
Wiki says the following:

Numbers proven to be transcendental:
...
sin(a), cos(a) and tan(a), and their multiplicative inverses csc(a), sec(a) and cot(a), for any nonzero algebraic number a (by the Lindemann–Weierstrass theorem).
...
 

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