How do you use Factor so that it will factor expressions inside the arguments of some bigger expression.
For example
Factor[ Cos[t w - t z]]
gives
Cos[t w - t z]
but i would like it to give:
Cos[t(w - z)]
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2 Answers
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You need to Map it:
Map[Factor, Cos[t w - t z]]
Or with infix notation:
Factor /@ Cos[t w - t z]
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$\begingroup$ For more complicated expressions,
MapAllmay prove useful, working on all levels: compareFactor //@ Cos[t w - t z + Sin[a x + a y]]toFactor /@ Cos[t w - t z + Sin[a x + a y]]$\endgroup$– VF1Feb 3, 2013 at 0:57 -
$\begingroup$ Thanks @VF1, that is the general question i was trying to address $\endgroup$ Feb 5, 2013 at 2:17
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You want to use Collect instead of Factor.
Cos[Collect[t w - t z, t]]
This gives:
Cos[t (w - z)]
Hope it helps.
answered Feb 3, 2013 at 0:35
Simplify[Cos[t w - t z]]$\endgroup$