Simplifying Summation of Tan Functions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of a summation involving tangent functions, specifically the expression \(\sum_{1}^{n} \tan(a f_{n})\), where \(f_{n}\) is defined in terms of other variables. Participants are exploring the mathematical properties and potential simplifications related to trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the assumptions behind the problem, particularly what is meant by \(f_{n}(x)\) and how it influences the summation. There is an attempt to clarify the expression for \(f_{n}\) and its components. Some participants express uncertainty about existing equations for summing sine or cosine functions and how they might relate to the tangent function.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the definitions and relationships between the variables involved. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to clarify the function \(f_{n}\) and the goal of simplifying the tangent function. There is no explicit consensus yet, as participants are still exploring different interpretations and approaches.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of arbitrary constants and the potential complexity of the function \(f_{n}\), which may affect the summation. Participants are also grappling with the clarity of the problem statement and the implications of the tangent function in the context of the summation.

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Find

[tex]\sum_{1}^{n} \tan(a f_{n} )[/tex]

[tex]\cos x = 1 - {x^2 \over 2!} + {x^4 \over 4!} - \cdots[/tex]
[tex]\sin\left( x \right) = x - \frac{x^3}{3!} + \frac{x^5}{5!} - \frac{x^7}{7!} + \cdots[/tex]
[tex]\tan(x) = \sin(x) / \cos(x)[/tex]

There might be equations for the summation of a series of sine functions or an equation for the summation of a series of consine functions. I don't know what they are. I have no idea how to go about deriving this.
 
Last edited:
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What are you assumed to find?
 
What is the fn(x)? Everything depends on that doesn't it?
 
Sorry. That wasn't very clear.

Find t
[tex]B = \sum_{1}^{n} \tan( f_{n} t )[/tex]


Right now I'm just trying to get rid of the tan function. Getting rid of the summation sign might help.

I wrote down [tex]f_{n}[/tex] incorrectly.
[tex]f_{n} = a n^{2}+c b_{n}^{2}[/tex]

where [tex]b_{n}[/tex] is an arbitrary constant
 
Last edited:

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