Is it possible to simplify this equation?

  • Thread starter Rectifier
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In summary, the conversation is about a physics problem that the speaker is struggling to simplify. They have asked for help on a physics forum and have received responses discussing the definition of "simplify" and its importance in computer algebra systems. The speaker thanks the other person for clarifying their question and states that they want to simplify the equation for solving for a certain variable.
  • #1
Rectifier
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Hey there!
This isn't actually a problem from a book or something. Its a problem I have stumbled upon when I did some physics.

The problem
I have come to this equation and I can't seem a way to simplify it
$$Q_c^2 =Q^2 \frac{d_1^4+d_2^4}{(d_1d_2)^4} \cdot (d_1^2+d_2^2)^2 $$

The attempt
As I have said, this is my last step. For those who are interested can go to the physics sub-forum and see my thread about this problem there. And don't worry this is not a double post. I ask about the mathematical side of the problem here and about the physical side of the problem there. Here is the link:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=769683
 
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  • #2
Actually not...you can't express the term (d1^4 + d2 ^ 4) as a product. That's the simplest form you reached
 
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  • #3
The expression in ##d_1## and ##d_2## is in its simplest form. As Domenico has already said!
 
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  • #4
Rectifier said:
Hey there!
This isn't actually a problem from a book or something. Its a problem I have stumbled upon when I did some physics.

The problem
I have come to this equation and I can't seem a way to simplify it
$$Q_c^2 =Q^2 \frac{d_1^4+d_2^4}{(d_1d_2)^4} \cdot (d_1^2+d_2^2)^2 $$

The attempt
As I have said, this is my last step. For those who are interested can go to the physics sub-forum and see my thread about this problem there. And don't worry this is not a double post. I ask about the mathematical side of the problem here and about the physical side of the problem there. Here is the link:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=769683

I will give you a seemingly useless but very serious answer: define "simplify". This could be "simplify for accurate and efficient computation", "simplify for later use in such-and-such" (where---really---one form might make future analysis a lot easier than another), or perhaps "simplify for solving for ##d_1##", say, or ... ? One of the major problems facing developers of computer algebra systems is the question I started with: define 'simplify', since they need to deal with it when a user asks the package to perform simplification.
 
  • #5
Thank you for validating my suspicion.

Ray Vickson said:
I will give you a seemingly useless but very serious answer: define "simplify". This could be "simplify for accurate and efficient computation", "simplify for later use in such-and-such" (where---really---one form might make future analysis a lot easier than another), or perhaps "simplify for solving for ##d_1##", say, or ... ? One of the major problems facing developers of computer algebra systems is the question I started with: define 'simplify', since they need to deal with it when a user asks the package to perform simplification.

Sorry that I wasn't clear with my question. Concidering your definitions I fould say: simplify for solving for ## Q_c ## :smile:
 

FAQ: Is it possible to simplify this equation?

Can all equations be simplified?

No, not all equations can be simplified. Some equations may already be in their simplest form or may not have a simpler solution.

How do I know if an equation can be simplified?

Look for common factors or terms that can be cancelled out or combined. Additionally, if an equation contains complex or irrational numbers, it may not be able to be simplified.

What are the benefits of simplifying an equation?

Simplifying an equation can make it easier to understand and work with. It can also help to identify patterns or relationships within the equation.

Is there a specific method for simplifying equations?

Yes, there are several methods for simplifying equations, including factoring, combining like terms, and using mathematical properties such as the distributive property or the associative property.

Can simplifying an equation change its meaning or solution?

No, simplifying an equation should not change its meaning or solution. However, it may make the solution easier to identify or work with.

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