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$\pi$ is irrational, therefore there exist no finite integers $m,n$ such that $n=(m+\frac{1}{2})\pi$, therefore there is no $\sin(n)=\pm1$. So if n defined to be a finite integer, I am comfortable saying $|\sin(n)|<1$. But what if $m,n$ are only specified to be integers? Can integers be infinite? Then could $n=(m+\frac{1}{2})\pi$ and $\sin(n)=\pm1$?

I realize that the answer lies in the subtleties of the precise definition of irrational.

Eclipse Sun
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Jerry Guern
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4 Answers4

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An integer or a real number cannot be infinite. There are no integers $n, m$ such that $n = \left(m+\frac 12\right)\pi$. Hence we are safe concluding

$$\left|\,\sin n \,\right| < 1 \quad\text{ for all integers } n$$

Simon S
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  • So then we could also say that sin(n) is irrational? Or Transcendental? – Jerry Guern Oct 01 '15 at 15:08
  • $0$ is an integer and $\sin(0)$ is rational. – bof Oct 01 '15 at 15:18
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    For $n \neq 0$ that is an interesting question; I don't know the answer. I've asked here: http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/1459757/for-integers-n-neq-0-is-sin-n-irrational-or-transcendental The set of all such $\sin n$ is dense in $[0,1]$. – Simon S Oct 01 '15 at 15:37
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No, nothing subtle about it. An integer is finite. There are no integers $n$ and $m$ with the property you mention, and yes it follows that $|\sin(n)|<1$ for every integer $n$. Exactly as you said.

0

Assume that

$$|\sin(n)| \not \lt 1$$

Where $n$ is an integer. Then, $$\sin(n)=1$$ or $$\sin(n)=-1$$ Must be true for some $n$. Solving for $n$, we have,

$$n=\pm \left(m+{1 \over 2} \right) \cdot {{\pi} \over 2}$$

Where $m$ is an integer. If we isolate the equation for ${{\pi} \over 2}$, we get,

$$\pm {{\pi} \over 2}={{n} \over {m+1/2}}$$

However, $\pi$ is irrational, so this equation can never be true for any combination of $m$ and $n$. Therefore, we have a contradiction. If the assumption is false, then, $$|\sin(n)| \lt 1$$

Must be true.

Zach466920
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If there exist an $n$ such that $|\sin(n)|=1$, then $\pi$ would be rational, which is a contradiction. Therefore $|\sin(n)|<1

Surb
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