What Is the Partway Function Between x and sin(x)?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of a "partway function," specifically exploring what such a function would be between the linear function x and the sine function sin(x). Participants are attempting to define this term and investigate its implications in mathematical terms, including references to functional equations and related concepts.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a partway function is defined as a function that satisfies a specific relationship, such as f(f(x)) = sin(x), and inquire what f(x) would be.
  • Others express confusion over the term "partway function" and request a clear definition.
  • One participant mentions Schroder's equation and the concept of a "functional square root," suggesting it may relate to the question of finding f(x) such that f(f(x)) = sin(x).
  • Another participant cautions against using the notation ff(x) to represent (f(x))^2, as it could be misinterpreted as a composite function.
  • There are discussions about the implications of working with real versus complex numbers in the context of the equations presented.
  • Some participants share approximations and theorems related to sine functions, indicating a pattern in their observations.
  • Questions arise regarding the notation used in the mathematical expressions and whether calculators exist for specific functions mentioned.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definition of a partway function or the specific form of f(x). There are multiple competing views and ongoing clarifications regarding the mathematical notation and concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the clarity of definitions, the interpretation of mathematical notation, and the assumptions made about the functions being discussed. The exploration of both real and complex domains adds complexity to the conversation.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying functional equations, mathematical analysis, or anyone curious about the relationships between different types of functions, particularly in the context of sine and polynomial functions.

Dalek1099
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What I mean by a partway function is this:
ff(x)=6x now as you probably know that f(x)=√6(x) or you could argue f(x)=-√6(x), with that function that you have just found being the partway function between x and f(x)=6x-Do you understand?
But what about more complex partway functions like ff(x)=sin(x) so what is f(x)= to?, which is the same as saying what is the partway function between x and sin(x).
 
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Dalek1099 said:
What I mean by a partway function is this:
ff(x)=6x now as you probably know that f(x)=√6(x) or you could argue f(x)=-√6(x), with that function that you have just found being the partway function between x and f(x)=6x-Do you understand?
No. Please provide a definition for this term - partway function.

Dalek1099 said:
But what about more complex partway functions like ff(x)=sin(x) so what is f(x)= to?, which is the same as saying what is the partway function between x and sin(x).
 
Dalek1099 said:
What I mean by a partway function is this:
ff(x)=6x now as you probably know that f(x)=√6(x) or you could argue f(x)=-√6(x), with that function that you have just found being the partway function between x and f(x)=6x-Do you understand?
But what about more complex partway functions like ff(x)=sin(x) so what is f(x)= to?, which is the same as saying what is the partway function between x and sin(x).

If I understand correctly, you are asking, if

$$f(f(x)) = \sin x,$$
then what is ##f(x)##?

This particular equation has been studied, but I'm afraid I can't remember the name of the function or the wikipedia article.

Edit: Ah! Here's the wikipedia article I was thinking of:

Schroder's equation

In particular, it discusses the "functional square root", a function such that ##h_{1/2}(h_{1/2}(x)) = h(x)##, which is relevant to the question of ##f(f(x)) = \sin x##.
 
I would avoid using ff(x) to represent (f(x))^2 since it looks like the composite f(f(x)).

Also, I'm a bit confused about what you mean by complex (complex numbers or complicated).

That is, for y^2=6x, x>=0 if x is real or all x if we're using complex numbers.

In the case of y^2=sin(x), assuming we're working with real numbers, sin(x)>=0 so x€U(n)[2nπ,(2n+1)π] for n€Z.
So, y=+-√sin(x) for the same x in that set. (These are two distinct functions.)

If we work with complex functions, then y=+-√sin(x) for all complex numbers x.

Is this what you're looking for?
 
Mute said:
If I understand correctly, you are asking, if

$$f(f(x)) = \sin x,$$
then what is ##f(x)##?

This particular equation has been studied, but I'm afraid I can't remember the name of the function or the wikipedia article.

Edit: Ah! Here's the wikipedia article I was thinking of:

Schroder's equation

In particular, it discusses the "functional square root", a function such that ##h_{1/2}(h_{1/2}(x)) = h(x)##, which is relevant to the question of ##f(f(x)) = \sin x##.

You are on the right lines but your link doesn't include any information on that specific equation.
 
Dalek1099 said:
You are on the right lines but your link doesn't include any information on that specific equation.

Yes, it doesn't discuss f(f(x)) = sin x in particular, but rather a more general problem. If you can solve the functional equation ##\Psi(\sin x) = s \Psi(x)## for ##\Psi(x)## (which you may not be able to do analytically), then the "half" sine function would be given by ##h_{1/2}(x) = \Psi^{-1}(s^{1/2} \Psi(x))##, such that ##h_{1/2}(h_{1/2}(x)) = \sin x##. By searching some papers about solving Schroder's equation perhaps you can find one which discusses the case of sin x.
 
If you click on the link, "functional square root", you would find that rin(rin(x))=sin(x) where rin(x) is the function you supposedly wanted.

@dalek, in you first post where you said ff(x)=6x, and you also said f(x)=√6(x) which could mean either √(6x) or (√6)x. This was not clear as (f(x))^2 = 6x, and f(f(x))= 6x for the corresponding choice of f(x), respectively.
 
Mute said:
Yes, it doesn't discuss f(f(x)) = sin x in particular, but rather a more general problem. If you can solve the functional equation ##\Psi(\sin x) = s \Psi(x)## for ##\Psi(x)## (which you may not be able to do analytically), then the "half" sine function would be given by ##h_{1/2}(x) = \Psi^{-1}(s^{1/2} \Psi(x))##, such that ##h_{1/2}(h_{1/2}(x)) = \sin x##. By searching some papers about solving Schroder's equation perhaps you can find one which discusses the case of sin x.

Can you go through the notation because I don't understand it and is there a calculator on the internet for them, with degrees and radians?One of the reasons, I have asked this is that I have discovered some nice theorems to approximate such functions where x is in degrees,sin[2]x=sin sin x, sin[0.5]x roughly=(xsinx)^0.5, sin[0.25]roughly=x*(sinx/x)^0.25, sinx roughly=x*(sinx/x)^i - you should be able to see a nice pattern going on there.
 
Klungo said:
If you click on the link, "functional square root", you would find that rin(rin(x))=sin(x) where rin(x) is the function you supposedly wanted.

@dalek, in you first post where you said ff(x)=6x, and you also said f(x)=√6(x) which could mean either √(6x) or (√6)x. This was not clear as (f(x))^2 = 6x, and f(f(x))= 6x for the corresponding choice of f(x), respectively.

Is there a rin(x) calculator on the internet?
 

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