Mathematica/Matlab Tan[x] == 1/x

  • Context: MATLAB 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equation tan(x) = 1/x using Mathematica and Matlab, with a focus on finding the first 10 positive solutions. Participants explore numerical methods and alternative tools for approximating these solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express difficulty in using Mathematica and Matlab to solve tan(x) = 1/x, noting that Mathematica cannot provide a solution directly.
  • Others suggest using numerical methods or alternative tools like the Desmos calculator to approximate the solutions.
  • One participant mentions using Maxima as an alternative software for finding solutions, asking about the desired accuracy.
  • Another participant provides a list of approximate values for the first ten positive solutions, but questions the reliability of these values when using Desmos.
  • Concerns are raised about the accuracy of the intersection points found on Desmos, prompting a suggestion to use the "points of interest" feature for clarity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the challenges of using Mathematica and Matlab for this problem and the potential of numerical methods or other tools. However, there is no consensus on the best approach or the reliability of the solutions provided.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the software tools discussed, which may affect their ability to implement suggested methods. There is also uncertainty regarding the accuracy of the solutions obtained through different approaches.

Dustinsfl
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How can I tell Mathematica or Matlab to solve tan x = 1/x?

In Mathematica, I tried NSolve[Tan[x]==1/x,x] but I was told Mathematica can't do this.

I am trying to find the the first 10 positive values.

In Matlab, I tried
Code:
syms x
solve(tan(x) == 1/x)

I want to return the first 10 values. Matlab returned -263
 
Last edited:
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dwsmith said:
How can I tell Mathematica or Matlab to solve tan x = 1/x?

In Mathematica, I tried NSolve[Tan[x]==1/x,x] but I was told Mathematica can't do this.

I am trying to find the the first 10 positive values.

In Matlab, I tried
Code:
syms x
solve(tan(x) == 1/x)

I want to return the first 10 values. Matlab returned -263

You can find the approximate values using a numerical method. Alternatively the values(accurate for two decimal places) can be found using the Desmos calculator. Click on the "points of interest" and you can find the points of intersection of the two graphs.

[graph]4hhttfxqvi[/graph]
 
Sudharaka said:
You can find the approximate values using a numerical method. Alternatively the values(accurate for two decimal places) can be found using the Desmos calculator. Click on the "points of interest" and you can find the points of intersection of the two graphs.

[graph]4hhttfxqvi[/graph]

Isnt there a way for Matlab or Mathematica just to solve it numerical and spit out the the positive first 10 solutions?
 
dwsmith said:
Isnt there a way for Matlab or Mathematica just to solve it numerical and spit out the the positive first 10 solutions?

I don't know much about Matlab or Mathematica as I don't use them (I use Maxima). However you can implement numerical methods through both programs(such as >>this<<). To what accuracy do you expect the solutions?
 
Sudharaka said:
I don't know much about Matlab or Mathematica as I don't use them (I use Maxima). However you can implement numerical methods through both programs(such as >>this<<). To what accuracy do you expect the solutions?

Thanks but I don't understand Matlab that well to decipher that into what I need.
 
dwsmith said:
Thanks but I don't understand Matlab that well to decipher that into what I need.

If it helps, I can use Maxima to find the solutions to a given accuracy. To what accuracy do you want the solutions?
 
Sudharaka said:
If it helps, I can use Maxima to find the solutions to a given accuracy. To what accuracy do you want the solutions?

A few decimal points.
 
dwsmith said:
A few decimal points.

In that case I think Desmos will give you reasonably good approximations. I was thinking whether you want an accuracy that exceeds three decimal places. Here's the first ten,

0.86, 3.426, 6.437, 9.529, 12.645, 15.771, 18.902, 22.036, 25.172, 28.31
 
Sudharaka said:
In that case I think Desmos will give you reasonably good approximations. I was thinking whether you want an accuracy that exceeds three decimal places. Here's the first ten,

0.86, 3.426, 6.437, 9.529, 12.645, 15.771, 18.902, 22.036, 25.172, 28.31

But how do we know when clicking near the intersection on Desmos if it is actually that location and not a little left or right?
 
  • #10
dwsmith said:
But how do we know when clicking near the intersection on Desmos if it is actually that location and not a little left or right?

As I have indicated in my post #2 click on the "points of interest" in the menu bar. Then the points will be marked on the graph.
 

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