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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the question of whether the function sin(x^2) can be expressed in terms of sin(x). Participants explore the implications of periodicity, the nature of functions, and the potential need for restrictions on the types of functions considered.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the product of angles is not fundamentally important, questioning the existence of a formula for sin(x^2) in terms of sin(x).
  • Others propose that restrictions on the types of functions allowed may be necessary, indicating a desire for an algebraic expression similar to sin(2x).
  • It is noted that sin(x) is periodic with a period of 2π, while sin(x^2) is not, leading to the assertion that a periodic function cannot be used to create a non-periodic function.
  • One participant questions whether there is a theorem that proves the relationship between periodic functions and their inability to express non-periodic functions.
  • A later reply argues that the periodic nature of sin(x) leads to contradictions when trying to express sin(x^2) solely in terms of sin(x), emphasizing the need for explicit x-dependence in any proposed function.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the possibility of expressing sin(x^2) in terms of sin(x), with no consensus reached on the existence of such a formula or the implications of periodicity.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of defining the types of functions considered and the implications of periodicity, but do not resolve the mathematical steps or assumptions underlying their arguments.

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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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)##.
 
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
 
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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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?
 
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)".
 

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