Math Question

Wizkid

Platinum Member
Oct 11, 1999
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I came across this in a formula: || ... what does it mean?

For example: a = b || c
How would I evaluate that?


Thanks :)
 

Are you sure it didn't read a = b ||c||? I mean, is it just on one side? Recheck to be sure. I can't really recall any symbols like that without the strokes being on both sides, except the parallel symbol. Perhaps it denotes a = b [parallel] c. And if that's the case, I can't help you any further there.

If the strokes are on both sides (i.e., a = b ||c||), then the c with strokes symbolises the length of a vector c.

What course is this?
 

Oh yeah, you're right, Go Punk! It could also mean "or". But it isn't used very often, is it? Since he said math, I was thinking less of logic/discrete math. Not many books use || for "or". U or V is more common.

Actually, now I remember. It's the programming source code that people use || for "or". For most math books and logic books I'm familiar with, "U" or "V" is used to denote "or".
 

DoNotDisturb

Senior member
Jul 24, 2002
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in stats, if that was |, it would mean, a = b after c has occured.

however, in this case, it could mean lots of things, but most likely it means when b is parallel to c
 

Wizkid

Platinum Member
Oct 11, 1999
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It's in a formula for calculating the gain of an amplifier.

A = (RC || RL) / some other stuff

So its definitely not parallel, OR sounds right, but how would I pick which one to use?
 

"RC || RL"

Then it definitely means parallel. It means parallel connection. I forget the electronics stuff, but it has to do with parallel connection. Open your textbook and read.
 

Mallow

Diamond Member
Jul 25, 2001
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what level of math? in geometry a || c means two lines are parallel to each other.
 

Here's a link to confirm just what I thought (i.e., that it's an electronics symbol for parallel connection): Voltage Gain.

Excerpt:

Voltage Gain: Av = (-Rc ║ RL) / r`e

WHERE

Av = voltage gain as a ratio: Av = vo/ vI
RC ║ RL = parallel combination of the collector resistance and
the load resistance.

r`e = ac emitter resistance of the transistor

Edited for typo.
 

TuxDave

Lifer
Oct 8, 2002
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lol... I was just kidding with my solution, I didn't actually think it was gonna be correct. You should definitely specify it's for an EE class
 

Wizkid

Platinum Member
Oct 11, 1999
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I asked the teacher today and yes it is the parallel resistance. It was just a formula so I never suspected that... and we don't have a textbook otherwise I would have read it :eek:

Thanks for the help :)
 

silverpig

Lifer
Jul 29, 2001
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Originally posted by: Wizkid
I came across this in a formula: || ... what does it mean?

For example: a = b || c
How would I evaluate that?


Thanks :)

Depends on the math. If it's a logic course, then a = b || c mean:

a equals b or c

To evaluate this, you have to determine if a == b or not. If a == b => true, then you have:

true || c

In this case, the entire statement is true.

If a != b, then the entire statement will be true if c is true, and false if c is false.