Rectangular function & Inequalities

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the manipulation of the rectangular function, specifically exploring the equality \(\prod (x^2) = \prod (\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}})\). Participants examine the implications of different arguments and inequalities related to the rectangular function, which is defined based on absolute values.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that \(\prod (x^2) = \prod (\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}})\) by manipulating the inequalities associated with the rectangular function.
  • Another participant points out that for \(\prod (x^2)\), the condition is that \(x^2 < 1/2\), leading to the interval \((-1/\sqrt{2}, 1/\sqrt{2})\).
  • In contrast, for \(\prod (\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}})\), the condition translates to \(x < 1/\sqrt{2}\), suggesting the interval \((-∞, 1/\sqrt{2})\).
  • One participant questions the treatment of the argument \(\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}}\) in terms of absolute values, suggesting that it should be expressed as \(|\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}}| < \frac{1}{2}\).
  • Another participant acknowledges the oversight regarding absolute values in the function definition, indicating that the previous reasoning is acceptable.
  • A later reply suggests that the inclusion of absolute values could justify the equivalence of the two functions, leading to the inequality \(-1/2 < \frac{x}{\sqrt{2}} < 1/2\).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether \(\prod (x^2)\) and \(\prod (\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}})\) are equivalent. While some acknowledge the importance of absolute values in the definitions, consensus on the equivalence remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the treatment of absolute values in the rectangular function's definition, which may affect the interpretation of the inequalities presented. The discussion also highlights the dependence on the definitions used for the rectangular function.

radiator
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Note: I think I solved this while writing this topic, did not want to scrap it! if you think its wrong let me know!

I am trying to manipulate the rectangular function with different arguments and came across a confusing one
Trying to show: [tex]\prod (x^2) = \prod (\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}})[/tex]
Recall that the rectangular function is given by:
[tex]\prod (x) = \begin{cases} 1 & if |x| < 1/2 \\ 0 & if |x| >1/2 \end{cases}[/tex]
if x -> x/T then
as a general case:
[tex]\prod (\frac{x}{T}) = \begin{cases} 1 & if |x| < T/2 \\ 0 & if |x| >T/2 \end{cases}[/tex]

this still gives the the rect function a width of T by solving
[tex]-T/2 < x < T/2[/tex]
How about an argument such as

[tex]x \rightarrow x^2[/tex]
trying to solve this ineqality
[tex]\begin{eqnarray} |x^2| & < & 1/2 \ if x \in R \\ x^2-1/2 & < & 0 \\ -\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} < x & < & \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \\ -\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} < x & < & \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \\ -\frac{1}{2} < \frac{x}{\sqrt{2}} & < & \frac{1}{2} \\ | \frac{x}{\sqrt{2}} |< | \frac{1}{2} | \end{eqnarray}[/tex]
Therefore:
[tex]\prod (x^2) = \prod (\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}})[/tex]
 
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radiator said:
Note: I think I solved this while writing this topic, did not want to scrap it! if you think its wrong let me know!

I am trying to manipulate the rectangular function with different arguments and came across a confusing one
Trying to show: [tex]\prod (x^2) = \prod (\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}})[/tex]
Recall that the rectangular function is given by:
[tex]\prod (x) = \begin{cases} 1 & if |x| < 1/2 \\ 0 & if |x| >1/2 \end{cases}[/tex]
if x -> x/T then
as a general case:
[tex]\prod (\frac{x}{T}) = \begin{cases} 1 & if |x| < T/2 \\ 0 & if |x| >T/2 \end{cases}[/tex]

this still gives the the rect function a width of T by solving
[tex]-T/2 < x < T/2[/tex]
How about an argument such as

[tex]x \rightarrow x^2[/tex]
trying to solve this ineqality
[tex]\begin{eqnarray} |x^2| & < & 1/2 \ if x \in R \\ x^2-1/2 & < & 0 \\ -\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} < x & < & \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \\ -\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} < x & < & \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \\ -\frac{1}{2} < \frac{x}{\sqrt{2}} & < & \frac{1}{2} \\ | \frac{x}{\sqrt{2}} |< | \frac{1}{2} | \end{eqnarray}[/tex]
Therefore:
[tex]\prod (x^2) = \prod (\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}})[/tex]

[STRIKE]They're not the same.[/STRIKE]
For ∏(x2), ∏(x2) = 1 if x2 < 1/2
The inequality on the right is equivalent to -1/√2 < x < 1/√2.

So ∏(x2) = 1 for x ##\in## (-1/√2, 1/√2).

For ∏(x/√2), ∏(x/√2) = 1 if x/√2 < 1/2.

Edit: I didn't notice that the ∏ function used absolute values.

[STRIKE]This inequality is equivalent to x < 1/√2.
Here ∏(x/√2) = 1 if x ##\in## (-∞, 1/√2).[/STRIKE]
 
Last edited:
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Mark44 said:
For ∏(x/√2), ∏(x/√2) = 1 if x/√2 < 1/2.
This inequality is equivalent to x < 1/√2.

why don't we put the argument x/√2 in an absolute value and have it
[tex]|\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}}|< \frac{1}{2}[/tex]

I am kind of confused now! how do we prove them to be the same?
 
Sorry, I missed the absolute values in your function definition. What you have is fine.
 
so that would justify them to be equivalent ? since the absolute value would mean that
[tex]-1/2 < x/\sqrt{2} < 1/2[/tex]
 
Thanks Mark, Really appreciate it :)
 

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