Solving System of Equations for t and b

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a system of simultaneous equations involving variables t and b, with a focus on integer solutions and potential numerical methods. The equations include trigonometric functions and algebraic expressions, raising questions about the feasibility of finding solutions without graphing calculators or numerical methods.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the first equation indicates t must be an integer, while the second equation further restricts t.
  • There is a question about the algebraic solvability of the system and whether numerical methods can be applied effectively, especially given the integer constraints.
  • One participant suggests rewriting the second condition to find integer solutions, indicating that only a limited set of integers can satisfy the equations.
  • Another participant mentions that there are 8 integers that can make the right-hand side of a specific equation an integer, while also discussing the count of integers that satisfy the conditions.
  • Edwin proposes a general method for solving similar systems of equations for composite numbers formed by two odd prime factors, expressing a desire to find an efficient factoring method for large composite numbers.
  • Edwin elaborates on a specific case with the composite number 35, detailing a method to derive its prime factors using the equations presented.
  • There is an expression of uncertainty regarding the existence of an efficient general method to solve these systems, with a request for further assistance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the integer constraints imposed by the equations, but there is no consensus on the effectiveness of numerical methods or the existence of a general solution method for larger composite numbers. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the feasibility of finding a general solution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to integer solutions and the applicability of numerical methods, as well as the complexity introduced by the specific forms of the equations. There are unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions regarding the nature of the integers involved.

Edwin
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How would you solve the following system of simultaneous equations for t and b?

sin(pi*t) = 0

sin(pi*(t^2 + 35)/(2*t)) = 0

(t^2 + 35)/(2*t) - t/2 - b/2 = 0

t^2/35 +35/t^2 -t/b - b/t = 0

t*b = 35

inquisitively,

Edwin G. Schasteen
 
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For starters, you should recognize the first equation tells you t is an integer. Likewise, the second tells you

[tex]\frac {t^2 + 35}{2t}[/tex]

is also an integer.
 
That is true. But how do you solve for t algebraically? Is it even possible to solve these systems of equations without using a graphing calculator? Is it possible using numerical methods? If so, which methods?

Inquisitively,

Edwin
 
Simple observation and common sense go along ways in this sort of problem. I do not know of any numerical method which will work well. The problem comes when you are restricted to the integers. This is not the natural domain of numerical methods which are planted firmly in the real number line.

As Tide pointed out your first equations restricts you to the integers, the second further restricts you to a small set of integers.

Rewrite your 2nd condition as

[tex]2n = t + \frac {35} t[/tex]

So the RHS is an even integer, there are only 3 integers which can satisfy this equation. Can you complete the problem?
 
If you are referring to t, there are 8 integers that will make the right hand side an integer.

If you are referring to n, there are 4 integers that will satisfy it.
 
HallsofIvy said:
If you are referring to t, there are 8 integers that will make the right hand side an integer.
If you are referring to n, there are 4 integers that will satisfy it.
I can see 4 integers, 1,5,7,35...I missed the 35 before, But 8? Are you counting negitives as well?
 
Thanks for the help guys. Notice that the numbers 5 and 7 are prime factors of 35. What I am actually trying to do find is to find a general method to solve these systems of equations, if possible, for numbers Cp that are composites of two odd prime numbers.

sin(pi*t) = 0

sin(pi*(t^2 + Cp)/(2*t)) = 0

(t^2 + Cp)/(2*t) - t/2 - b/2 = 0

t^2/Cp +Cp/t^2 -t/b - b/t = 0

t*b = Cp

With the domain restriction on t -> D:{1<t<=Cp}

I constructed these systems of equations because the only values of t in the domain of t given above are the odd prime factors of Cp.

This is true no matter how big Cp is. To find a general and efficient method to solve these equations for large Cp would be to find an efficient method to factor large Cp.

I think

[tex]2n = t + \frac {35} t[/tex]

is one step closer to solving this problem.

By the way the n of interest is always (a+b)/2 where a and b are the odd prime factors of Cp.

For example, (7+5)/2 = 12/2 = 6, 6 is the only interesting even integer n that satisfies the second condition, and with it, you can immediately factor Cp = 35 as follows.


6^2 - 35 = 1

The prime factors of 35 are then just 6 + 1 = 7 and 6 - 1 = 5

The odd prime factors of Cp can always be solved for by the following algorithm.

{[(a+b)/2]^2 - Cp}^(1/2) = m

a = n + m

b = n - m

So the overall drive to solve the systems of equations above for large Cp is to find n which will enable one to factor large values of Cp.

Any further assistance would be most appreciated. I've found so far that these problems equations are difficult to solve, and it is my conjecture that there exists no efficient general method to solve the system of equations above. Please prove me wrong:smile:

Best Regards,

Edwin
 

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