Why is √(x^2)/x not equal to sin(x)?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Albeaver89
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Proof
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the expression √(x^2)/x and its relationship to the sine function, specifically questioning the validity of the claim that they are equal. Participants explore the implications of the square root and the sign function in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants attempt to clarify the expression by suggesting that √(x^2)/x is equal to the sign function of x, while others question the original claim of equality with sin(x). There are discussions about the implications of the square root function and its definition, particularly regarding positive and negative values.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and questioning assumptions about the square root function and its properties. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of √(x^2) and its relation to the signum function, but no consensus has been reached on the original claim.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the definition of the square root, particularly in relation to negative values, and how this affects the equality being discussed. There is also mention of the implications of using complex numbers in the context of the square root.

Albeaver89
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
This isn't a homework question, but I felt it was appropriate...

Proof that √(x^2)/x=sin(x)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K