MathGroup Archive 2003

[Date Index] [Thread Index] [Author Index]

Search the Archive

Re: solved in a non algebraic way?

  • To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
  • Subject: [mg42219] Re: [mg42189] solved in a non algebraic way?
  • From: Daniel Lichtblau <danl at wolfram.com>
  • Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2003 01:27:05 -0400 (EDT)
  • References: <200306220057.UAA01320@smc.vnet.net>
  • Sender: owner-wri-mathgroup at wolfram.com

Nick Chin wrote:
> 
> hello,
> 
> ive been trying to solve an equation of the form
> 
> tan(kx) + m tan(x) = 0 , solving for x
> 
> but mathematica says " The equations appear to involve the variables to
> be solved for in an essentially non-algebraic way. "
> 
> So is there another way to use mathematica to solve, or is it powerless
> for this problem?
> 
> thanks
> 
> Nick

For specific integer or rational values of 'k' you can solve as below.

In[2]:= InputForm[Solve[Tan[3*x]+m*Tan[x]==0, x]]

Solve::ifun: Inverse functions are being used by Solve, so some
solutions may
     not be found; use Reduce for complete solution information.

Out[2]//InputForm= 
{{x -> 0}, {x -> -Pi}, {x -> Pi}, 
 {x -> -ArcCos[-(Sqrt[1 + 3*m]/Sqrt[4 + 4*m])]}, 
 {x -> ArcCos[-(Sqrt[1 + 3*m]/Sqrt[4 + 4*m])]}, 
 {x -> -ArcCos[Sqrt[1 + 3*m]/Sqrt[4 + 4*m]]}, 
 {x -> ArcCos[Sqrt[1 + 3*m]/Sqrt[4 + 4*m]]}}

For generic 'k' I have no idea what you might expect as a solution set.

Daniel Lichtblau
Wolfram Research


  • Prev by Date: Re: NonlinearFit
  • Next by Date: Compile Module w/ Function inside?
  • Previous by thread: solved in a non algebraic way?
  • Next by thread: Re: solved in a non algebraic way?