How can I get θ out of this equation?

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In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving finding θ in a complex equation, where mu is a constant number. Various approaches are suggested, such as rewriting the equation, taking natural logarithm, and using numerical techniques like Newton's method. However, it is mentioned that this may not have a closed form solution and numerical estimation may be necessary.
  • #1
AHashemi
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Hi
I need to get θ out of this equation.
I have no Idea how. please help.

Note: mu is a constant number.

[itex]-6\mu sin\theta - 3cos\theta + 2(((e^2)^\theta)^\mu)*(1-2\mu^2)=0[/itex]
 
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  • #2
Start by writing sine and cosine in terms of the exponential: [itex]sin(\theta)= \frac{e^{i\theta}- e^{-i\theta}}{2i}[/itex] and [itex]cos(\theta)= \frac{e^{i\theta}+ e^{-i\theta}}{2}[/itex].
 
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  • #3
HallsofIvy said:
Start by writing sine and cosine in terms of the exponential: [itex]sin(\theta)= \frac{e^{i\theta}- e^{-i\theta}}{2i}[/itex] and [itex]cos(\theta)= \frac{e^{i\theta}+ e^{-i\theta}}{2}[/itex].

thanks but this just made things harder for me. now I have to deal with i too. this equation is the result of a classical mechanic problem where I need to find theta.
and mu is a positive number.
can you give me the complete answer?
 
  • #4
AHashemi said:
can you give me the complete answer?
Is this homework? Even if it isn't, you can't expect other people to do your work for you.
 
  • #5
DrClaude said:
Is this homework? Even if it isn't, you can't expect other people to do your work for you.
No it's not. I'm trying to solve a problem without removing friction.
But here's the case: I'm studying elementary physics (classical mechanics) currently but the math part of this problem is way advanced than my knowledge so I need help.
 
  • #6
Perhaps it's a good idea to complete the template below ?
I'm curious how things can have become so complicated !

Homework Statement

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
  • #7
BvU said:
Perhaps it's a good idea to complete the template below ?
I'm curious how things can have become so complicated !

Homework Statement

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


1,2. I've already given the equation.

3. this equation was half a page long and this was the shortest form of it I could get to. and I have no Idea how to solve it.

I think it's completely right to ask for help where I'm sure I can't do anything more.
I'm also curious how can you make things this complicated...
 
  • #8
AHashemi said:
Hi
I need to get θ out of this equation.
I have no Idea how. please help.

Note: mu is a constant number.

[itex]-6\mu sin\theta - 3cos\theta + 2(((e^2)^\theta)^\mu)*(1-2\mu^2)=0[/itex]
You can rewrite the equation by taking all the trigonometric terms on one side. Then you can separate the terms by taking natural logarithm on both sides.
AHashemi said:
Note: mu is a constant number.
Derivative of mu w.r.t.θ will be 0.

I don't know if that'll work..its just a suggestion.
 
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  • #9
AHashemi said:
Hi
I need to get θ out of this equation.
I have no Idea how. please help.

Note: mu is a constant number.

[itex]-6\mu sin\theta - 3cos\theta + 2(((e^2)^\theta)^\mu)*(1-2\mu^2)=0[/itex]
If by getting θ out of the equation, you mean finding the value of θ which satisfies the equation, I think the quickest way is for various values of μ, you iterate the equation with different values of θ until you find a value which makes the left hand side equal to the right hand side (i.e., zero).

You can set this calculation up on a spreadsheet. For faster convergence, you might employ Newton's method, if you can take the derivative of f(θ).
 
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  • #10
cnh1995 said:
You can rewrite the equation by taking all the trigonometric terms on one side. Then you can separate the terms by taking natural logarithm on both sides.

Derivative of mu w.r.t.θ will be 0.

I don't know if that'll work..its just a suggestion.
the problem is mu and theta are positive numbers and if I move e to on side of the equation It would be negative and we can't apply natural logarithm. right?
 
  • #11
SteamKing said:
If by getting θ out of the equation, you mean finding the value of θ which satisfies the equation, I think the quickest way is for various values of μ, you iterate the equation with different values of θ until you find a value which makes the left hand side equal to the right hand side (i.e., zero).

You can set this calculation up on a spreadsheet. For faster convergence, you might employ Newton's method, if you can take the derivative of f(θ).

By getting theta out I mean I want theta on one side of the equation and the rest in the other side. like this:
θ = something (not theta itself)

so I can give value of mu and find theta whenever.
 
  • #12
AHashemi said:
the problem is mu and theta are positive numbers and if I move e to on side of the equation It would be negative and we can't apply natural logarithm. right?
You keep e as it is and move the trigonometric part on the RHS. That way you can take natural log on both sides.
 
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  • #13
cnh1995 said:
You keep e as it is and move the trigonometric part on the RHS. That way you can take natural log on both sides.
Yeah, but you still have the log of the sum of a couple of trig functions on one side.

Remember, log (a + b) ≠ log (a) + log (b)
 
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  • #14
SteamKing said:
Yeah, but you still have the log of the sum of a couple of trig functions on one side.

Remember, log (a + b) ≠ log (a) + log (b)
That's why I suggested to take derivative of the terms w.r.t.θ to eliminate the constants but I now think it won't work. Its not the right approach.
 
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  • #15
SteamKing said:
log (a + b) ≠ log (a) + log (b)
I know:wink::smile:.
 
  • #16
If this is not a homework problem, why do you think there is a closed form solution for θ? Real-world problems are often not that simple. You may need to use numerical techniques like Newton's method to estimate the solution.
 
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  • #17
FactChecker said:
If this is not a homework problem, why do you think there is a closed form solution for θ? Real-world problems are often not that simple. You may need to use numerical techniques like Newton's method to estimate the solution.
I showed the equation to a physics professor and he said nearly the same thing that you can't always have the requested parameter in one side of the equation.

Thanks again everyone.
 
  • #18
AHashemi said:
Hi
I need to get θ out of this equation.
I have no Idea how. please help.

Note: mu is a constant number.

[itex]-6\mu sin\theta - 3cos\theta + 2(((e^2)^\theta)^\mu)*(1-2\mu^2)=0[/itex]
What is the expected range of μ for which you need to apply this?
 
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  • #19
NascentOxygen said:
What is the expected range of μ for which you need to apply this?
mu is always positive and smaller than 1.
 
  • #20
AHashemi said:
mu is always positive and smaller than 1.
I was asking whether you required the equation over a limited range of μ, because were this so then it's often possible to replace a complicated expression with a much simpler one which, for some limited range, gives results still as accurate as you'd wish. Example, for μ in the range, say, 0.6 to 0.8, you might find that a portion of a parabola would be a good approximation for your purposes.

But where you require the full range of μ, then staying with the original equation is best.
 

FAQ: How can I get θ out of this equation?

Can I use algebra to isolate θ in this equation?

Yes, you can use algebraic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to isolate θ in an equation. Remember to perform the same operations on both sides of the equation to maintain balance.

Are there any specific steps I should follow to get θ out of this equation?

Yes, there are a few steps you can follow to isolate θ in an equation. First, identify the terms that contain θ and move all other terms to the opposite side of the equation. Then, use algebraic operations to simplify the equation and eventually isolate θ on one side.

Can I use a calculator to solve for θ in this equation?

Yes, you can use a calculator to solve for θ in an equation. However, keep in mind that calculators can sometimes give approximate answers, so it's always best to double-check your solution by plugging it back into the original equation.

Is there a specific formula I can use to get θ out of this equation?

Not necessarily. The method you use to isolate θ in an equation will depend on the specific equation and terms involved. However, some common techniques include factoring, using the quadratic formula, and simplifying fractions.

Can I solve for θ if there are multiple variables in the equation?

Yes, you can still solve for θ even if there are multiple variables in the equation. The key is to identify which terms contain θ and use algebraic operations to isolate it. You may also need to use substitution or elimination methods to solve for the other variables in the equation.

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