A “pattern” which breaks after n = 4. Any idea why?

I was experimenting with: ƒ(x) = sin²ⁿ(x) + cos²ⁿ(x) Where I found a pattern: ƒ(x) = a⋅cos(4x) + (1-a) [a = (2ⁿ⁻¹-1)/2ⁿ] The expression didn’t work at n = 0, but it seemed to hold for n = 1, 2, 3 and at n = 4 it finally broke. I don’t understand how from n = (1 to 3), ƒ(x) is a perfect sinusoidal wave but it fails to be one from after n = 4. Does anybody have any explanations as to why such pattern is followed and why does it break? (check out the attached desmos graph: https://www.desmos.com/calculator/p9boqzkvum ) As a side note, the expression: a⋅cos(4x) + (1-a), seems to be approaching: cos²(2x) as n→∞.
13 Replies
iTeachChem Helper
@Apu @Apu
iTeachChem Helper
Note for OP
+solved @user1 @user2... to close the thread when your doubt is solved. Mention the users who helped you solve the doubt. This will be added to their stats.
iTeachChem Helper
Note for OP
+solved @user1 @user2... to close the thread when your doubt is solved. Mention the users who helped you solve the doubt. This will be added to their stats.
SirLancelotDuLac
After n=4, both of the things are still sinusoidal though? Can you describe the "pattern" you mentioned? Oh nvm You mean the superposition for n=1,2,3 but not for other values of n.
caffeine exploiter
caffeine exploiterOP3mo ago
Yes, f(x) for any other values is not sinusoidal.
SirLancelotDuLac
That is true. Imma think about this :/
caffeine exploiter
caffeine exploiterOP3mo ago
actually asked the same question on reddit, thoda sa complicated way mein samjhaya unhone, but can i send the link to the post here?
SirLancelotDuLac
Yep.
SirLancelotDuLac
Oh, this explains it. Imma copy paste the comment by u/chmath80:
f(x) = (cos²x)ⁿ + (1 - cos²x)ⁿ 2ⁿf(x) = (1 + cos2x)ⁿ + (1 - cos2x)ⁿ For n < 4, the rhs contains only constant terms, and multiples of cos²(2x), which equate to multiples of cos4x plus constants. For n > 3, there are also multiples of cos⁴(2x), which introduce multiples of cos8x, which breaks the pattern.
@caffeine exploiter
caffeine exploiter
caffeine exploiterOP3mo ago
haan i cant say that i truly understood everything, thoda bits and pieces mein hi samajh aaya
SirLancelotDuLac
Yeah man. I gotta ponder over the complete thing too ig. But one thing to note is patterns involving 1/2^n can be misleading When figured out by intuition.
caffeine exploiter
caffeine exploiterOP3mo ago
i see nahi i mean the “a” constant which i figured out was purely from pattern recognition it does not even play a big role as to why for n > 3, f(x) does not remain sinusoidal even removing the constant, the cos(4x) expression is obviously sinusoidal, but f(x) isn’t for n>3 although i do see your point.

Did you find this page helpful?