Why is √(x^2)/x not equal to sin(x)?

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The discussion centers on the misconception that √(x^2)/x equals sin(x). Participants clarify that √(x^2)/x actually equals the sign function, sign(x), which is defined as |x|/x. They emphasize that √(x^2) is equal to |x|, not x, leading to the conclusion that x does not equal √(x^2) unless x is non-negative. The conversation also touches on the implications of logarithmic functions and the properties of square roots in complex numbers. Overall, the key takeaway is the distinction between the absolute value and the variable itself in mathematical expressions.
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This isn't a homework question, but I felt it was appropriate...

Proof that √(x^2)/x=sin(x)
 
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Albeaver89 said:
This isn't a homework question, but I felt it was appropriate...

Proof that √(x^2)/x=sin(x)

You're going to have a very difficult time proving this - it isn't true.
 
Albeaver89 said:
This isn't a homework question, but I felt it was appropriate...

Proof that √(x^2)/x=sin(x)
I think that should be:

\displaystyle \frac{\sqrt{x^2}}{x}=\text{sign}(x)\ .
 
SammyS said:
I think that should be:

\displaystyle \frac{\sqrt{x^2}}{x}=\text{sign}(x)\ .


Sorry that's what I thought i had...my bad :redface:
 
Oh nevermind, so basically 1 = sinx .
So x = arcsin 1
What is really amasing is how they waste the ink to write X as sqrt(x²)
Unless there's something hidden here, I cannot see the point.
Well sin X = 1 if X is Pi and the way that the sine's sinusoidal graph repeats itself you can get the other possibilities for X.
 
Last edited:
Albeaver89 said:
Sorry that's what I thought i had...my bad :redface:

Edit your original post, & make a note there that you've edited it.
 
lendav_rott said:
Oh nevermind, so basically 1 = sinx .
No for a couple of reasons. First, the OP meant sign(x) not sin(x). Second,
## \frac{\sqrt{x^2}}{x} \neq 1##
lendav_rott said:
So x = arcsin 1
What is really amasing is how they waste the ink to write X as sqrt(x²)
No. x ≠ ##\sqrt{x^2}##
lendav_rott said:
Unless there's something hidden here, I cannot see the point.
Well sin X = 1 if X is Pi and the way that the sine's sinusoidal graph repeats itself you can get the other possibilities for X.
 
Wait, x =/= sqrt(x²)??

I cannot see what you are trying to say - do you mean that sqrt(x²) = +/- X?
This is actually something I was arguing over with my math's lector and he said that the square root of X or X² for that matter, is defined as sqrt(X²) = |X|

And after thinking about it, i thought about

A^x = B
x lnA = lnB
if B were negative then this wouldn't hold true and the only explanation is that Sqrt(A²) = |A|
 
lendav_rott said:
Wait, x =/= sqrt(x²)??
Yes, that's exactly what I mean. As an example, do you think that ##\sqrt{(-2)^2} = -2##?
lendav_rott said:
I cannot see what you are trying to say - do you mean that sqrt(x²) = +/- X?
No, I don't mean that either. The square root of a nonnegative expression produces a single value, not two of them, as ± x implies.
lendav_rott said:
This is actually something I was arguing over with my math's lector and he said that the square root of X or X² for that matter, is defined as sqrt(X²) = |X|
Your lecturer is correct.
lendav_rott said:
And after thinking about it, i thought about

A^x = B
x lnA = lnB
if B were negative then this wouldn't hold true and the only explanation is that Sqrt(A²) = |A|
Also, your second step isn't valid if A ≤ 0, because ln(A) wouldn't be defined.
 
  • #10
the reason why x is not equal to root of x squared is this-

If a, b are positive numbers, and you take root of that (in complex numbers, of course), then the relation √-a × √-b = √(-×-)ab = √(+ab) does not hold valid

instead, √-a × √-b = i√a × i√b = -√ab

that's the reason... and also, √x2 / x should be equal to signum function of x which equals modulus of x divided by x
 
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