Maths: Make dn Subject in Equation

  • Thread starter Thread starter questions_uk
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around manipulating an equation to isolate the variable dn. The equation involves trigonometric functions, specifically sine squared terms, and parameters such as It, Io, theta, p, and lambda.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore different interpretations of the equation, particularly regarding the correct application of sine functions. There are attempts to isolate dn by manipulating the equation through division, square roots, and inverse sine functions. Questions arise about the clarity of the equation's structure and the implications of different interpretations of the sine terms.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing various approaches to isolate dn. There is a recognition of ambiguity in the equation's formulation, prompting requests for clarification. Some participants have offered steps toward isolating dn, while others seek to confirm the correct interpretation of the equation.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the correct form of the equation due to differing interpretations of the sine terms. Participants question whether the equation is well-defined, particularly in relation to the placement of parentheses and the meaning of the sine functions.

questions_uk
Messages
74
Reaction score
0
How can dn be made the subject in the following equation?


It = Io sin2 x 4 x theta x sin2 (pi x dn x p / lambda)

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
[itex]I_t= I_0 sin(2) 4\theta sin^2(\pi d_n p/\lambda)[/itex]?
I am assuming that the first sin2 is sin(2) rather than [itex]sin^2[/itex] because sin (and so [itex]sin^2[/itex] is a <b>function</b> not a number and does not make sense if not applied to some number.

You start just the way I'm sure you have learned before: since the [itex]d_n[/itex] you want to solve for is inside the [itex]sin^2[/itex] you first divide both sides by every thing multiplying that: [itex]\frac{I_t}{4 sin(2)\theta} = sin^2(\pi dn p/\lambda)<br /> <br /> Now get rid of the square by doing the opposite of that: take the square root of each side to get [itex]\sqrt{\frac{I_t}{4 sin(2)\theta}}= sin(\pi dn p/\lamba)[/itex]<br /> <br /> Now get rid of the sin by doing <b>its</b> opposite: arcsine or [itex]sin^{-1}[/itex] (which is NOT sin to the negative one power!):<br /> [itex]sin^{-1}(\sqrt{\frac{I_t}{4 sin(2)\theta}})= \pi dn p/\lambda[/itex]<br /> <br /> Finally, multiply both sides by [itex]\lambda[/itex] and divide both sides by [itex]\pi p[/itex].[/itex]
 
HallsofIvy said:
[itex]I_t= I_0 sin(2) 4\theta sin^2(\pi d_n p/\lambda)[/itex]?
I am assuming that the first sin2 is sin(2) rather than [itex]sin^2[/itex] because sin (and so [itex]sin^2[/itex] is a <b>function</b> not a number and does not make sense if not applied to some number.

You start just the way I'm sure you have learned before: since the [itex]d_n[/itex] you want to solve for is inside the [itex]sin^2[/itex] you first divide both sides by every thing multiplying that: [itex]\frac{I_t}{4 sin(2)\theta} = sin^2(\pi dn p/\lambda)<br /> <br /> Now get rid of the square by doing the opposite of that: take the square root of each side to get [itex]\sqrt{\frac{I_t}{4 sin(2)\theta}}= sin(\pi dn p/\lamba)[/itex]<br /> <br /> Now get rid of the sin by doing <b>its</b> opposite: arcsine or [itex]sin^{-1}[/itex] (which is NOT sin to the negative one power!):<br /> [itex]sin^{-1}(\sqrt{\frac{I_t}{4 sin(2)\theta}})= \pi dn p/\lambda[/itex]<br /> <br /> Finally, multiply both sides by [itex]\lambda[/itex] and divide both sides by [itex]\pi p[/itex].[/itex]
[itex] <br /> Thanks for your reply.<br /> <br /> Both sins are sin ^ 2. Would this make a difference?[/itex]
 
questions_uk said:
Thanks for your reply.

Both sins are sin ^ 2. Would this make a difference?

In that case, we don't understand the problem. The following string of symbols:
[tex]I_t= I_0 sin^2()\cdot 4\theta sin^2(\pi d_n p/\lambda)[/tex]
does not form a well-defined equation because there's nothing in the (). What did you actually mean? Perhaps
[tex]I_t= I_0 sin^2\left(4\theta sin^2(\pi d_n p/\lambda)\right)[/tex]?
 
CRGreathouse said:
In that case, we don't understand the problem. The following string of symbols:
[tex]I_t= I_0 sin^2()\cdot 4\theta sin^2(\pi d_n p/\lambda)[/tex]
does not form a well-defined equation because there's nothing in the (). What did you actually mean? Perhaps
[tex]I_t= I_0 sin^2\left(4\theta sin^2(\pi d_n p/\lambda)\right)[/tex]?


thanks for the reply. it is (4 x theta) sin ^ 2
 
questions_uk said:
Thanks for your reply.

Both sins are sin ^ 2. Would this make a difference?


You mean it is really It= Iosin^2(4 theta) sin^2(pi dn p/lambda)? Even easier. First divide both sides by Iosin^2(4 theta) to get
It/(Io sin^2(4 theta))= sin^2(pi dn p/lambda)

Take square roots:
sqrt(It/(Io sin^2(4 theta)))= sin(pi dn p/lambda)
Take the inverse sine of each side
arcsin(sqrt(It/(Io sin^2(4 theta)))= pi dn p/lambda
and finally, divide both sides by pi d/lambda

lambda arcsin(sqrt(It/Io sin^2(4 theta)))/(pi p)= dn.
 
Hi. Thanks for the previous input. how would theta be made the subject? any input is appreciated.
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
7K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
19K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K