Variable Definition and 1000 Threads

A variable star is a star whose brightness as seen from Earth (its apparent magnitude) fluctuates.
This variation may be caused by a change in emitted light or by something partly blocking the light, so variable stars are classified as either:

Intrinsic variables, whose luminosity actually changes; for example, because the star periodically swells and shrinks.
Extrinsic variables, whose apparent changes in brightness are due to changes in the amount of their light that can reach Earth; for example, because the star has an orbiting companion that sometimes eclipses it.Many, possibly most, stars have at least some variation in luminosity: the energy output of our Sun, for example, varies by about 0.1% over an 11-year solar cycle.

View More On Wikipedia.org
  1. J

    Heisenberg's Uncertainty or hidden variable

    Intuitively it seems more plausible that there should be a hidden variable influencing the path of particles when they travel, than having a fundamental mechanism of nature be truly random, but what do I know. I just don't understand how you can ever completely rule out a hidden variable. I know...
  2. P

    MHB Expected Value of Negative Binomial Random Variable

    Given $X$ as a negative binomial random variable with parameters $r$ and $p$. Find $E(\frac{r-1}{X-1})$. As $E(g(X))$ is defined as $\sum_{x\in X(\Omega)}g(x)p(x)$, this is my attempt in which I am stuck. What can I do next? In the case $y=r-1$, is the sum invalid? Thanks in advance!
  3. B

    Variable change in definite integration

    I am having trouble understanding how the author of the textbook "Physics for scientists and engineers" (Randall D Knight), is performing the variable change in the definite integral of the picture that I have taken a screen clipping of. Can someone please help me figure this out?
  4. Q

    Trying to solve complex equation with 1 variable,

    Homework Statement Guys, could you please help me solve this equation for x: 220000=\sqrt{1.4*10^{32}*\left[ln(\frac{6.17*10^{20}+x}{6.17*10^{20}})-\frac{x}{6.17*10^{20}+x}\right]*\frac{1}{x}} It's supposed to give me the radius of the Milky Way's dark matter halo. I expect to get a...
  5. E

    Is it possible to create a metal ring with a variable diameter using segments?

    I am interested to see if there is a way of creating a metal ring which has a variable diameter, the only way I imagine that this can be done is using segments which come together to form a circle, once pulled away the diameter changes however, the problem I face is that when the segments are...
  6. N

    Statistics: variable transformation proof?

    Homework Statement Ok this might be a stupid question, but: https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t31/q77/s720x720/10001118_10202561443653973_1625797585_o.jpg Why is this the case? I think for all of this to be right, then the assumption of ##Y=u(X) \Leftrightarrow...
  7. A

    Amplifing variable 0-5 v dc voltage to 0-10 voltge range

    i am middle of engg project . to make an automatic irrigation system ,using plc , main problem is humidity sensor which i am using gives out put of 0-5 volt but plc require more output for better results,...can anyone suggest a voltage amplifier or any circuit using op amp
  8. L

    Derivative of a function whose variable is a matrix

    Homework Statement Let ##f: M_{n \times n} \rightarrow M_{n \times n}## with ##f(X) = X^2##, where ##M_{n \times n}## denotes the vector space of ##n \times n## matrices. Show ##f## is differentiable and find its differential. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution So far...
  9. S

    Projectile Motion Question To Find Unknown Variable (Initial Velocity)

    Hey all! I've tried solving this problem every way I could think of and I wanted to see if I'm doing this even remotely right. Mind helping me out? Homework Statement Problem: A mountain climber is stranded on a ledge 30 m above the ground. Rescuers on the ground want to shoot a projectile to...
  10. J

    MHB Problem solving 2 variable equal triangle problem

    I solved this many years ago, but after revisiting Trig in order to tutor my daughter, I revisited this to stimulate myself but am hitting a brick wall. Problem: A 4 inch square sits in a corner(picture x,y origin). A 12 inch ruler or line leans against the wall at an angle such that there are...
  11. M

    How to Understand the Change of Variable in a Vectorial Function Integral?

    Hi there, I got across the integral $$\int_{\omega} \nabla y(x) \mathrm{d}x$$. It would be better to perform the integration over the domain $$\Omega$$, the two domains being related by a transformation $$Y:\omega \to \Omega$$. Using the change of variable rule I wrote $$\int_{\Omega}...
  12. S

    Probablity: What's the p.d.f. of the random variable Z = X|X|

    Homework Statement If the probability density function(p.d.f.) of a random variable X is f(x) = 1/6 * e-|x|/3 where x is lying in (-∞,∞) and |-x| = x if x≥0, then what is the p.d.f. of the random variable Z = XY = X*|X| where Y = |X| ? Homework Equations Nothing special. The Attempt at a...
  13. T

    Optimising 2 variable s to maximise a third

    Hi, I am sure there must be something already on here about this kind of thing so if you could point me in that direction that is fine, or to a site anywhere. Basically I have three columns of data, let's say Column A, Column B and Column C. Column A is dependant upon both Columns B & C...
  14. M

    Ansys workbench-spring with variable stiffness

    Hello every body, I am simulating a 1 dof spring-mass model in ansys workbench. I need to change the stiffness of spring at every substep based on an "if condition". It means that, in every substep, if a specified condition is satisfied, the stiffness will be changed to a defined value. Also...
  15. J

    Changing variable in summation

    Like in the integration, exist a formula to compute the summation by parts, that is: \frac{\Delta }{\Delta x}(f(x)g(x))=\frac{\Delta f}{\Delta x}g+f\frac{\Delta g}{\Delta x}+\frac{\Delta f}{\Delta x}\frac{\Delta g}{\Delta x}\sum \frac{\Delta }{\Delta x}(f(x)g(x))\Delta x = \sum \frac{\Delta...
  16. J

    Can't Identify Variable in QM Question

    Hello, my question is a simple one: I am attempting to do problem 2.31 in Griffiths' QM book (latest edition). The question states, "The Dirac Delta function can be thought of as the limiting case of a rectangle of area 1, as the height goes to infinity and the width to zero. Show that the...
  17. Borek

    Java Coding in Java - replacement for a global variable

    I was forced into learning Java. I feel reasonably fluent in C++, so the main problem is with the differences between the way languages are designed. There are no global variables in Java. However, I need one - or at least some equivalent. I have something like a database object that I want...
  18. S

    Conditional distribution for random variable on interval

    Homework Statement Find the conditional distribution function and density for the random variable X defined on R given that X is in some interval I = (a,b) where P(X in I) > 0. Assume that the density and distribution for the random variable X is known Homework Equations fX|X\inI =...
  19. P

    Solving System of Linear Equations: x_2 Free Variable?

    Homework Statement |1 0-1-2-8 | -3| |0 0 1 2 7 | 1| |0 0 0 1 -4 | -13| I think that x_{2} is a free variable, so when writing the general solution in a solution set, what would I put for it? Nothing?
  20. B

    Determining Which Variable Is Independent

    Hello, I have a question with regards to solving problems that require knowledge of which variable is dependent and which is independent. Suppose I am presented with the differential equation x^5 y^{(4)} - x^3 y'' + 6y = 0; for this differential equation I am asked to determine if it is linear...
  21. U

    Solving Unknown Variables in Homework Problems

    Homework Statement The problem is attached. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I've been trying to take the Log for both sides but the problem is I have (1+0.05X) if I just have e^-0.1 X, I will take Log for both sides and solve it but in this case I have (1+0.05X) too...
  22. alyafey22

    MHB Solutions of symmetric three variable equations.

    Inspired by this http://mathhelpboards.com/challenge-questions-puzzles-28/solving-system-equations-8521.htmlit is interesting to look at the solutions of xz+y=a xy+z=a zy+x=a where we look at the case a>0 Assume the following a=bc where a\neq 0 Then we have If we assume that c is a...
  23. J

    Ferrite core variable inductor

    Hi all, I'm working on designing a variable inductor using a ferrite core. The basic idea is that I have a large wound inductor on the central arm which I pass a DC-current through, and a smaller, variable inductor on one of the side arms. As you increase the current through the main winding...
  24. F

    Why Does Changing the Direction of Δv Affect the Rocket Equation Results?

    I'm having some issues with the rocket equation. I'm deriving the velocity as a function of time for a descending rocket (so the rocket is accelerating upwards in order to slow the descent). The result I should obtain is v=v0+gt+uln(mf/mi) where mf is the final mass, mi is the initial...
  25. H

    Solving Variable Velocity Water Pouring Problem with Calculus

    I've been relearning c++ and my friend gave me a problem to try and solve programmatically. Here is the set up: There is a pitcher with a gallon of water. The water is being poured out beginning at a rate of 2x milliliters per second. x begins at 1 and increases by 1 over 5 seconds. The...
  26. jk22

    Proof that no non-local variable can exist ?

    Suppose we consider the measurement of A\otimes B-A\otimes B'+A'\otimes B+A'\otimes B'at angles 0, 45, 90, 135 degrees. If there exist a non-local variable that determine the result of the pair of result, then one gets for result of measurement 0, 4, -4 Whereas in quantum mechanics, the...
  27. C

    MHB Intersection Points & Finding Unknown Variable

    The line with equation y = x + k, where k is a real number, intersects the parabola with equation y = x^2 + x − 2 in two distinct points if I first made the equations equal each other x + k = x^2 + x − 2 0 = x^2 -2 -k From here i thought you use the discriminate a=1 b=o c=-2-k but this...
  28. P

    Solving for a variable, transposing equation

    I have an equation, where acceleration is affected by a driving power and air resistance. The acceleration is given by: a = (2P / m + u^2)^0.5 - (k*p*A*u^2 / 2m) - u I'm trying to make "u" the subject, which is previous velocity, to find at what velocity does acceleration become 0, the...
  29. Y

    MHB Bivariate discrete random variable

    Hello I am trying to solve this problem: A coin is given with probability 1/3 for head (H) and 2/3 for tail (T). The coin is being drawn N times, where N is a Poisson random variable with E(N)=1. The drawing of the coin and N are independent. Let X be the number of heads (H) in the N draws...
  30. Lebombo

    Change in domain as variable changes in Parametric Equations.

    This question is from the parametric equations chapter of my calc book. I am given x =\frac{1}{\sqrt{t+1}} and y = \frac{t}{t+1}, for (x> -1) Solving the x(t) for t, we get \frac{1- x^{2}}{x^{2}} Eliminating the parameters by substitution, we get y = 1 - x^{2} for (x > 0) My question is...
  31. D

    Probabilty with random variable

    Homework Statement A couple is expecting the arrival of a new boy. They are deciding on a name from the list S = { Steve, Stanley, Joseph, Elija }. Let X(ω) = first letter in name. Find Pr(X = S). Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Ok the answer is 2/3. How is it 2/3...
  32. N

    Simple C programming problem, variable stuck at initialised value

    Simple C programming problem, variable "stuck" at initialised value Hello! This is most likely an error in my code but I just can't see what it is! I am new to C programming and maybe I have just been staring at it for so long that I can't see the obvious error. I was playing around with a...
  33. M

    Finding the minimum of a 2 variable function.

    Homework Statement ind the absolute minimum value of the function f(x,y) = 6 + 3xy -2x- 4y on the set D. D is bounded by the parabola y=x^2 and y=4 Homework Equations Partial derivatives and a theorem where if F is continuous on a closed bounded set in R(2) then F has an abs. max and...
  34. J

    Limits of Integration Variable

    Knowing that the limits of integration of a any function, for example: \int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}\delta (x)dx=1 I know that's correct call your primitive through the limit superior as a variable, so H(x)=\int_{-\infty}^{x}\delta (x)dx But, and if I want to describe your primitive through the...
  35. X

    Where can I have custom made a variable dc switching power supply?

    What sort of company would I contact to have something like this made? I am looking to have made a Variable DC power supply capable of outputting up to 300-400 amps and up to 30v(and as little as well below 1 into the decimal region). Preferably as small as possible. My only requirements for...
  36. F

    Double Integral Choosing Change of Variable

    Homework Statement Evaluate the following integral with a change of variable of your choice. \int_0^{1} \int_y^{y+2} \sqrt{(x-y)}dxdy The Attempt at a Solution I'm supposed to choose a u and v that will simplify the integral, but I have no idea how to even start this. I tried...
  37. D

    F is continuous then F is continuous in each variable separately

    Homework Statement Let F: X x Y -> Z. We say F is continuous in each variable separately if for each ##b \in Y## the function h: X -> Z, h(x) = F(x,b), and for each ##a \in X##, the function g: Y -> Z, g(y) = F(a,y) is continuous. Show that if F is continuous, then F is continuous in each...
  38. B

    Can anyone explain how to store a string as a variable?

    I don't have any big programs. I just write programs to get me through my math classes. But I want to have the output look pretty. Like one program I have is for my finance class. prompt p if p = 1 then Prompt b,r,n,t r/100→x b/(1+x/n)^(n*t)→l disp l else Prompt b,r,n,t r/100 →...
  39. A

    Do you integrate a variable charge density when solving for Q?

    For example, let's say there was an block infinitely long in the x and y direction and in the z direction bounded by positive and negative a. I am trying to find the charge of a imaginary partition infinitely long in the x and y direction and in the z direction bounded by positive and...
  40. S

    Basic Statistics: Reciprocal Variable Better Fit?

    Hello, I have some data that I am looking into correlation factors (Pearson). Let's say I have two data sets: X and Y. I have Graph X vs. Y then graph 1/X vs. Y. The reciprocal (1/X) yields a more linear relationship. Why does this occur? Thanks in advance!
  41. S

    One Variable at a Time Approach

    hi guys, i am going to machine aluminum using EDM die sinking to study the MRR, TWR and Surface finish. i have read many papers where "One Variable at a Time Approach is used" but do not understand how the input parameters are chosen or i can choose them randomly? thanks
  42. M

    Why do we say the upper limit is the variable?

    While doing work, I always see notation like: F(x) = ∫0xf(t)dt - first equation F(x) = ∫1xf(t)dt What is the exact reasoning we always use the upper limit? What is the lower limit was a variable? From FTC 2, the answer for the first equation is F(x) - F(0) right yet is written as F(x) when...
  43. J

    Derivatives with multiple variable, help

    Homework Statement This is an Optimization Problem, find the maximum value. P(R)=(E^2*R)/(R+r)^2 Homework Equations P'(R)=? The Attempt at a Solution I have the solution to this problem, and I can solve it, I just don't understand some parts. I tend to think that the...
  44. S

    Center of Mass w/ variable density

    Homework Statement A box with one corner at the origin and the opposite corner at (a,b,c). The density is:##\rho=\rho_o\frac{z^2}{c^2}## Homework Equations ##r_{cm}=\frac{\int\vec{r}dm}{\int dm}## The Attempt at a Solution I calculated the mass...
  45. R

    3 variable process controls - I have no idea

    Brand spanking new to the forum. Registered just to ask this question... We have a machine at work that has the following parameters: tempurature pressure time This machine machine processes a prodcut that has two properties: quantity stiffnes shade (Not really sure if the shade...
  46. M

    Multiple Random Variable Question

    Homework Statement A and B agree to meet at a certain place between 1 PM and 2 PM. Suppose they arrive at the meeting place independently and randomly during the hour. find the distribution of the length of time that A waits for B. (If B arrives before A, define A's waiting time as...
  47. G

    Raindrop Velocity and Mass Dynamics: Finding Space Traversed Over Time

    Homework Statement Water vapor condense in a raindrop with rate μ units of mass per time. The raindrop starts with 0 velocity with initial mass $$ M_0 $$ and falls horizontally. Find the space it traverses as a function of time (g is given).Homework Equations ∂m/ ∂t= μ The Attempt at a...
  48. N

    MHB Canceling fractions when more than 1 variable in an equation

    EDIT: If you're reading this and are still learning algebra basics, IGNORE this. I made a wrong assumption, thanks to MarkFL for pointing that out! So far, I was led by my own assumptions to believe that this: a1 \frac{1}{5} + \frac{y}{2} = 7 could be turned into this: a2 \frac{2}{10} +...
  49. I

    Moment generating function, CDF and density of a random variable

    Assume X is a random variable under a probability space in which the sample space ?= {a,b,c,d,e}. Then if I am told that: X({a}) = 1 X({b}) = 2 X({c}) = 3 X({d}) = 4 X({e}) = 5 And that: P({a}) = P({c}) = P({e}) = 1/10 P({b}) = P({d}) = 7/20 Find the C.D.F of X, the density of X...
  50. M

    Work Energy Theorem for Variable Mass Systems

    How do we know that the work-energy theorem holds for variable mass systems? Or rather, since I'm sure that we can at least know it to be true experimentally, what is the mathematical basis for the work-energy theorem? I know for fixed mass systems, a rather simple derivation comes from...
Back
Top