What is the inverse of sinc(x) or sin(x)/x?

  • Thread starter Thread starter eddiechai2003
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The inverse of sinc(x), defined as sinc(x) = sin(x)/x, cannot be expressed in terms of elementary functions. While the sine function has an inverse when restricted to the interval [0, π], the inverse of sinc(x) does not yield a simple functional form. To find x in terms of a, where sinc(x) = a, one would typically resort to graphical methods or numerical solutions, as the equation xy = sin(x) cannot be solved algebraically for x.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the sinc function and its properties.
  • Knowledge of inverse functions and their definitions.
  • Familiarity with graphical methods for solving equations.
  • Basic concepts of trigonometric functions and their inverses.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore numerical methods for solving transcendental equations.
  • Study the properties of the sinc function in detail.
  • Learn about graphical solutions for equations involving trigonometric functions.
  • Investigate the implications of restricting the domain of sine for finding inverses.
USEFUL FOR

Students in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus and trigonometry, as well as educators seeking to understand the complexities of inverse functions and their applications.

eddiechai2003
Messages
9
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Does anyone know the inverse of sinc(x) or \frac{sin(x)}{x}?

Homework Equations



If sinc(x)=a, x=f(a). What is x in function of a?

The Attempt at a Solution



If I knew the exact value of a, I could find the corresponding value of x graphically. But how do I find x if I didn't know a?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
"sin(x)" itself does not have a true inverse. If you restrict x to between 0 and \pi, sin(x) and sinc(x) have inverses but the inverse of sinc(x) cannot be written in terms of simple functions. If y= sinc(x)= sin(x)/x, then finding the inverse function would be the same as solving xy= sin(x) for x which cannot be done in terms of simple functions.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
2K