Combining Equations with Different Domains: A Mathematical Challenge

In summary: C1, C2 and C3 are constants.Yes, it is valid to take linear combinations of the three equations above, as all variables are linear and RxLevel depends on three independent variables. So, the equation RxLevel = C1(-0.87RxQual - 72) + C2(-0.013Dis - 58) + C3(-0.2MOP - 81) is a valid way to combine the three equations into one. However, the constants C1, C2, and C3 will depend on the specific values of RxQual, Dis, and MOP being used.
  • #1
kimori
7
0
Please I need to combine these three equations to be one, though they have different domains, what can I do?
RxLevel = -0.87RxQual - 72
RxLevel = -0.013Dis - 58
RxLevel - -0.2MOP - 81
Where RxQual, Dis and MOP are variables
 
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  • #2
kimori said:
Please I need to combine these three equations to be one, though they have different domains, what can I do?
RxLevel = -0.87RxQual - 72
RxLevel = -0.013Dis - 58
RxLevel - -0.2MOP - 81
Where RxQual, Dis and MOP are variables

Hey kimori and welcome to the forums.

If you combine these equations into one single expression you won't actually get a function by just an implicit relationship. Functions that are explicit take a set of things and return a single output, so for a function you will usually take two of the three and return the one that is left over.

In terms of the relation just set them all equal and move all them to one side. In this case you have:

A = -0.87RxQual - 72, B = 0.013Dis - 58, C = -0.2MOP - 81. So when you have A = B = C you have A - B = 0, B - C = 0. Since 0 - 0 = 0, we have A - B - (B - C) = A - 2B + C = 0 - 0 = 0.

There are lots of different combinations, but this is one of them.
 
  • #3
kimori said:
Please I need to combine these three equations to be one, though they have different domains, what can I do?
RxLevel = -0.87RxQual - 72
RxLevel = -0.013Dis - 58
RxLevel - -0.2MOP - 81
Where RxQual, Dis and MOP are variables
Kimori, I get the feeling you mean RxQual, Dis and MOP to be independent variables, yet you provide equations which effectively make everything one variable. Could you explain the physical background to them to ensure we're understanding the issue correctly?
 
  • #4
The issue is that I was doing a research and trying to establish how RxQual, Dis and MOP are affecting RxLevel. After the data collection of these three parameters using a drive test I wanted to develop a mathematical model which shows how there parameters are affecting RxLevel. I used MATLAB to formulate these three equations. Now I want to come up with a single equation which shows how these three parameters are affecting RxLevel at the same instantaneous time. All these parameters RxQual, Dis and MOP are also dependent parameters.

If it not clearly, please ask for mor elaboration
 
  • #5
I'll put the question more directly: when you say RxLevel = -0.87RxQual - 72, is that holding Dis and MOP constant (at what values?), or does varying RxQual cause Dis and MOP to vary in a fixed manner?
 
  • #6
The fact is that when one parameter is analysed the others remain constant i.e., when RxLevel = -0.87RxQual - 72 the other parameters are regarded as being constant at all values and that is why I have come up with three different linear equations
 
  • #7
kimori said:
The fact is that when one parameter is analysed the others remain constant i.e., when RxLevel = -0.87RxQual - 72 the other parameters are regarded as being constant at all values and that is why I have come up with three different linear equations
OK, that's what I suspected. That means the three equations are not generally correct. Each one is only true for a specific pair of values of the other two independent variables (and I did ask what those values were).
For convenience, I'm going to abbreviate your variables as L, Q, D and M.
The general form of the relationship may be:
L = a*Q*D*M + b*Q*D + c*D*M + d*M*Q + e*Q + f*D + g*M + h
Suppose you obtained the equation L = α*Q + β with D fixed at DQ and M fixed at MQ. Then
a*DQ*MQ + b*DQ + d*MQ + e = α
c*DQ*MQ + f*DQ + g*MQ + h = β
Similarly for the other two equations you had. This gives a total of 6 equations, but you have 8 unknowns. So unfortunately you do not have enough data. You need to obtain a second equation for at least one of the independent variables using a different setting of the other two.
 
  • #8
kimori,

Please I need to combine these three equations to be one, though they have different domains, what can I do?
RxLevel = -0.87RxQual - 72
RxLevel = -0.013Dis - 58
RxLevel - -0.2MOP - 81
Where RxQual, Dis and MOP are variables

RxLevel = -0.87RxQual - 72
RxLevel = -0.013Dis - 58
RxLevel - -0.2MOP - 81
_______________________

3*RxLevel = (-0.87RxQual - 72)+(-0.013Dis - 58)+(-0.2MOP - 81)

And there you have it. One equation with all the variables. Just simplify.

Ratch
 
  • #9
Ratch said:
RxLevel = -0.87RxQual - 72
RxLevel = -0.013Dis - 58
RxLevel - -0.2MOP - 81
_______________________

3*RxLevel = (-0.87RxQual - 72)+(-0.013Dis - 58)+(-0.2MOP - 81)

And there you have it. One equation with all the variables. Just simplify.

Ratch
Really? So why not
4*RxLevel = 2*(-0.87RxQual - 72)+(-0.013Dis - 58)+(-0.2MOP - 81)
or
7*RxLevel = (-0.87RxQual - 72)+2*(-0.013Dis - 58)+4*(-0.2MOP - 81)
etc?

If you read back through the posts, I think we've established that the original statement of the problem is misleading.
 
  • #10
I am becoming more confused as Batch comes with one simple equation 3*RxLevel = (-0.87RxQual - 72)+(-0.013Dis - 58)+(-0.2MOP - 81), which contains all three variables by just adding them up while haruspex puts it in a more complicated way by asking why not 4*RxLevel = 2*(-0.87RxQual - 72)+(-0.013Dis - 58)+(-0.2MOP - 81) or
7*RxLevel = (-0.87RxQual - 72)+2*(-0.013Dis - 58)+4*(-0.2MOP - 81) etc?
For me this is a total confusion.

Again, haruspex suggests another complicated way with a lot of constants such as a, b, d, e, etc., which I don't know how to go about in order to come up with a single expression which shows the linear relationship between RxLevel, RxQual, Dis and MOP at the same instance!
 
  • #11
Is it valid to take linear combinations of the three equations above? since all the variables are linear, and RxLevel depends on 3 independent variables.

can we say:
RxLevel = C1(-0.87RxQual - 72) + C2(-0.013Dis - 58) + C3(-0.2MOP - 81)

?
 
  • #12
cocopops12 said:
Is it valid to take linear combinations of the three equations above? since all the variables are linear, and RxLevel depends on 3 independent variables.
If, as appears, these are 3 independent variables, not even the three original equations are really correct. Each is only valid for specific values of the other two variables, and we don't even know what those values were (kimori may know).
can we say:
RxLevel = C1(-0.87RxQual - 72) + C2(-0.013Dis - 58) + C3(-0.2MOP - 81)
?
No. As I pointed out, the information provided is consistent with the full equation containing terms like constant * RxQual * Dis * MOP.
kimori, I'm sorry you don't like my answer, but it is the only way. You need the following additional information:
- for each of the three equations, what were the values of the other two independent variables?
- at least one more equation; e.g. if the RxQual equation you have is for Dis = Dis0 and MOP = MOP0, get another equation using different values for Dis and MOP.
If you can supply these I'll help you derive the full equation.
 
  • #13
Thanks haruspex

so what i understand is that we need to know the domain of each independent variable and also some initial conditions to determine the constants?
 
  • #14
haruspex, I am not ver good in mathematics and that is why may be either I do not understand what you want from me or we don't understand each other. I think it is better you give me your e-mail address so that I can send you the data in excel file format with detailed explanation as an attachment and tell you exactly what I was trying to do. In this way I think you will help me with the mathematical expression I need!
 
  • #15
kimori said:
it is better you give me your e-mail address so that I can send you the data in excel file format with detailed explanation as an attachment and tell you exactly what I was trying to do. In this way I think you will help me with the mathematical expression I need!
Done. Check your notifications.
 
  • #16
cocopops12 said:
so what i understand is that we need to know the domain of each independent variable and also some initial conditions to determine the constants?
We need enough datapoints.
Given that the partial derivatives are all constants, there are 8 constants to be determined, as indicated. (With n independent variables there would be 2n.) The simplest would then be to take two values of each independent variable and find the value of the dependent variable for each of the 2n combinations of these values.
 
  • #17
haruspex said:
Done. Check your notifications.

Unfortunately, I have not seen it
 
  • #18
kimori said:
Unfortunately, I have not seen it
It was definitely sent. You're looking here: https://www.physicsforums.com/usercp.php ?
You should see that link at top right, just under the Quick Links pull-down and "Welcome, kimori".
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #19
haruspex, I have sent the data collected in your e-mail and in case more clarification is needs please let me be informed
 

FAQ: Combining Equations with Different Domains: A Mathematical Challenge

What is a mathematical function?

A mathematical function is a rule that assigns a unique output value for every input value. It describes the relationship between two sets of values, the input and the output, and can be represented using equations, graphs, or tables.

What are the main types of mathematical functions?

The main types of mathematical functions include linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and polynomial functions. Each type has a specific form and behavior, and can be used to model different real-world phenomena.

How do you determine the domain and range of a function?

The domain of a function is the set of all possible input values, while the range is the set of all possible output values. To determine the domain and range of a function, you can look at the graph or use mathematical rules such as identifying the excluded values or finding the minimum and maximum values.

What is the difference between a function and an equation?

A function is a mathematical relationship between two sets of values, while an equation is a statement that shows the equality between two expressions. A function can be represented by an equation, but an equation does not necessarily represent a function.

How is a mathematical function used in real life?

Mathematical functions are used in various fields such as physics, engineering, economics, and computer science to model and solve real-world problems. They can be used to describe the growth of populations, the motion of objects, the spread of diseases, and many other phenomena.

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