Why can't sin(x^2) be expressed in terms of sin(x)?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the importance of functions involving sin of squares of angles, roots of angles, and logarithm of angles in calculus. The question is raised whether an algebraic expression involving sinx can exist for sin(x^2) in terms of sin(x), and it is determined that such a formula cannot exist due to the periodic nature of sin(x). An example is given to illustrate the contradiction that arises when trying to use a periodic function to create a non-periodic function.
  • #1
Prem1998
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I've read explanations on the internet that the product of two angles is not something fundamentally important. So, the sin of product of two angles cannot be expressed in terms of sin of individual angles. But in calculus, we often come across these functions, we deal with functions involving sin of squares of angles, roots of angles, and even logarithm of angles. So, these functions could be important.
And, if a formula doesn't exist, then is there a proof that such a formula of sin(x^2) in terms of sin(x) can't exist?
 
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  • #2
You probably need to restrict the types of functions you allow.
You probably don't want something like ##\sin(x^2)=\sin( (\arcsin(\sin x))^2)##.
 
  • #3
robphy said:
You probably need to restrict the types of functions you allow.
You probably don't want something like ##\sin(x^2)=\sin( (\arcsin(\sin x))^2)##.
Obviously, I don't want that.
I want an algebraic expression involving sinx. Just like how sin(2x) is expressed in terms of sinx
 
  • #4
sin(x) is periodic with a period of 2 pi, sin(x2) is not. You cannot use a periodic function (and nothing else with x-dependence) to make a non-periodic function.
 
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  • #5
mfb said:
sin(x) is periodic with a period of 2 pi, sin(x2) is not. You cannot use a periodic function (and nothing else with x-dependence) to make a non-periodic function.
Is there a theorem which proves this result on periodic functions?
 
  • #6
Isn't it trivial?

##\sin(0) = 0## and ##\sin(2\pi) = 0##
No matter how you use sin(x) in a function f(sin(x)), for those two different x-values the formula will always have the same result: ##f(\sin(0)))=f(\sin(2\pi))##. Which is in contradiction to what you want to get, as ##\sin(0^2) = 0## but ##\sin((2\pi)^2) \neq 0##. The only way to fix this is to introduce an explicit x-dependence in f, e.g. add sin(x2)-sin(x) to sin(x), but as you can see that doesn't really lead to a formula that "depends on sin(x)".
 

1. Why can't sin(x^2) be expressed in terms of sin(x)?

The main reason for this is because the function sin(x) is a periodic function, meaning it repeats itself at regular intervals. However, when we square x in sin(x^2), this changes the behavior of the function and it is no longer periodic. This makes it impossible to express sin(x^2) in terms of sin(x) using basic trigonometric identities.

2. Can't we just use the power-reduction formula to express sin(x^2)?

The power-reduction formula only works for even powers, such as sin^2(x) or cos^2(x). When we have an odd power, like sin(x^2), this formula does not apply.

3. Is there any other way to express sin(x^2) in terms of sin(x)?

There are some advanced techniques, such as using Taylor series or numerical methods, that can approximate sin(x^2) in terms of sin(x). However, there is no exact algebraic expression for this conversion.

4. What about using the inverse sine function to express sin(x^2)?

The inverse sine function, also known as arcsine, is only defined for values between -1 and 1. When we square x in sin(x^2), the resulting values can go beyond this range, making it impossible to use the inverse sine function to express sin(x^2).

5. Does this mean that sin(x^2) is a completely different function from sin(x)?

Although sin(x^2) cannot be expressed in terms of sin(x), it is still a trigonometric function and has similar properties as sin(x). It still has a period of 2π and oscillates between -1 and 1. It is just a more complex function due to the squared variable.

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