The discussion centers around the possibility of solving for the variable "t" in a formula related to finding the quickest route between two horizontal points, specifically in the context of the brachistochrone problem. Participants explore the implications of known values for A and B on the ability to determine t, considering both algebraic and numerical methods.
Participants generally do not reach a consensus on whether t can be solved analytically when A and B are known. Multiple competing views remain regarding the methods of finding t and the nature of the solutions.
Limitations include the complexity of the equations involved, the dependence on definitions of rational and irrational numbers, and the unresolved nature of the mathematical steps required to find t from A and B.
pbuk said:I don't think you can. In any case the mathematical solution is useless, this is an engineering problem and yopu need to non-neglect all the neglected variables.
The resulting problem is only solvable (but trivially solvable) by computational methods.
... where still the mathematical formula should be discussed, and not the physical system which led to it.pbuk said:There's tons of open sourced info about this in Musk's hyperloop project, no need to pursue it further here.