What is the proper notation for angle wrapping in a mathematical function?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the proper notation for representing angle wrapping in mathematical functions, particularly in the context of defining a function involving angles in degrees. Participants explore how to express the constraints on the angle θ, specifically the range of -180 to 180 degrees.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a formal notation to represent the angle wrapping condition for the function y=exp(θ), specifically the range -180 ≤ θ < 180.
  • Another participant suggests a numerical method for angle wrapping, involving division by 360 and adjustments based on the absolute value.
  • A different participant emphasizes the need for a notation rather than a numerical recipe, questioning how to express the wrapping condition in a formulaic way.
  • One participant proposes that the modulo operation could be used to express the wrapping of angles, indicating that it relates to finding remainders after division.
  • Another participant suggests simply stating the angle constraints explicitly in words rather than through notation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best notation for angle wrapping, with multiple competing views on how to express the concept, including both formal notation and verbal descriptions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various approaches to angle wrapping, but there is no resolution on the most appropriate notation or method to express the constraints on θ.

billiards
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Hi I am looking for the proper notation to represent angle wrapping in a mathematical function.

For example if I have a function of the form:

y=exp(θ)

(and θ is an angle in degrees.)

How do I write this function to explicitly assert that: -180 ≤ θ < 180 ?

So that for example if one had an angle of numerical value 190, then θ = -170.
 
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Take your number A, divide it by 360. If the new number's absolute value is less than or equal to 1/2, keep the number A. Otherwise, subtract 360 from A if it's positive, add 360 if A is negative. Then repeat process with division by 360.
 
Sure. To be clear though, I'm not looking for the numerical recipe. I'm looking for the notation. How would one write this in a formula?

i.e.

[itex]y = exp(\theta)[/itex]

would be written like how, something like this? :

[itex]y = exp([\theta]^{180}_{-180})[/itex] ?
 
I would just state explicitly as a sentence "for angles between -180 and 180, define y as..."
 

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