Need help understanding algebra involved with nodal and antinodal lines

AI Thread Summary
To determine the number of nodal or antinodal lines, the formula |dsinθmax = n*λ| is used, where d is the distance and λ is the wavelength. By rearranging the equation, it can be shown that |(n*λ)/d ≤ 1| leads to |n ≤ (d/λ)|. In the example provided, with d at 51 cm and λ at 4, solving for n gives n = 12.75. The algebraic transition from step 3 to step 4 involves multiplying both sides by d/λ, ensuring the inequality holds. Understanding this manipulation is key to grasping the concept of nodal and antinodal lines in wave physics.
jono240
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There is a crucial aspect of this unit that I am not understanding and that is how to find how many nodal or anti nodal lines are in the equation.

relevant formulas:
So if I am looking for how many anti nodal lines exist I use the formula | dsinθmax = n*λ |

So let's say I have d and λ
d = 51cm and λ = 4

So we need to solve for n

1. Now on the board, the teacher will write the formula | dsinθmax = n*λ |

2. from there we get | sinθmax = (n*λ) / d | which cannot be greater than 1.

3. so | (n*λ) / d ≤ 1 |

4. then we get | n ≤ (d / λ) |

5. n = (51 / 4)

6. n = 12.75

then you get the answer for n.
I just don't get at all how you get from 3. to 4. algebraically
i really need this cleared up. I need to understand how that works. I hope someone can explain it to me
thanks
 
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I'm not entirely sure if this is real, but regardless, here you go:

\left| \frac{n\lambda}{d}\leq1\right|
\left| \frac{n\lambda}{d}\frac{d}{\lambda}\leq \frac{d}{\lambda} \right|
\left| n\leq\frac{d}{\lambda}\right|
 
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