Is it possible to simplify this equation?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of a mathematical equation related to physics, specifically the expression involving variables \(Q_c\), \(Q\), \(d_1\), and \(d_2\). Participants are exploring whether the equation can be simplified further.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the possibility of simplifying the equation and question the definition of "simplify." There are attempts to clarify what simplification means in different contexts, such as for computation or solving for specific variables.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants asserting that the expression is already in its simplest form. Others are exploring the implications of defining simplification in various ways, indicating a productive dialogue about the nature of mathematical simplification.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a related thread in a physics sub-forum, indicating that the problem has both mathematical and physical aspects. Participants are considering the context in which simplification is desired.

Rectifier
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Hey there!
This isn't actually a problem from a book or something. Its a problem I have stumbled upon when I did some physics.

The problem
I have come to this equation and I can't seem a way to simplify it
$$Q_c^2 =Q^2 \frac{d_1^4+d_2^4}{(d_1d_2)^4} \cdot (d_1^2+d_2^2)^2 $$

The attempt
As I have said, this is my last step. For those who are interested can go to the physics sub-forum and see my thread about this problem there. And don't worry this is not a double post. I ask about the mathematical side of the problem here and about the physical side of the problem there. Here is the link:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=769683
 
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Actually not...you can't express the term (d1^4 + d2 ^ 4) as a product. That's the simplest form you reached
 
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The expression in ##d_1## and ##d_2## is in its simplest form. As Domenico has already said!
 
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Rectifier said:
Hey there!
This isn't actually a problem from a book or something. Its a problem I have stumbled upon when I did some physics.

The problem
I have come to this equation and I can't seem a way to simplify it
$$Q_c^2 =Q^2 \frac{d_1^4+d_2^4}{(d_1d_2)^4} \cdot (d_1^2+d_2^2)^2 $$

The attempt
As I have said, this is my last step. For those who are interested can go to the physics sub-forum and see my thread about this problem there. And don't worry this is not a double post. I ask about the mathematical side of the problem here and about the physical side of the problem there. Here is the link:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=769683

I will give you a seemingly useless but very serious answer: define "simplify". This could be "simplify for accurate and efficient computation", "simplify for later use in such-and-such" (where---really---one form might make future analysis a lot easier than another), or perhaps "simplify for solving for ##d_1##", say, or ... ? One of the major problems facing developers of computer algebra systems is the question I started with: define 'simplify', since they need to deal with it when a user asks the package to perform simplification.
 
Thank you for validating my suspicion.

Ray Vickson said:
I will give you a seemingly useless but very serious answer: define "simplify". This could be "simplify for accurate and efficient computation", "simplify for later use in such-and-such" (where---really---one form might make future analysis a lot easier than another), or perhaps "simplify for solving for ##d_1##", say, or ... ? One of the major problems facing developers of computer algebra systems is the question I started with: define 'simplify', since they need to deal with it when a user asks the package to perform simplification.

Sorry that I wasn't clear with my question. Concidering your definitions I fould say: simplify for solving for ## Q_c ## :smile:
 

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