Struggling to convert imported formula to function

Questions
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1

I have successfully imported a formula into Mathematica. The formula is detailed in the “Euclidean.m” file. It is in piecewise form, and I set it equal to “de”, which is how the formula is defined in the file.

I would like to convert this “de” formula to the function dE[t]. When I try to do this, I am told t_ is protected. I have read about this issue, but I am stuck. The fix should be simple, but I am just not seeing it. Relevant files are attached. Any suggestions?

Euclidean.m (2.18 KB)

2
Open in Wolfram Cloud ↗
3

The file Euclidean.m already contains a definition for dE. When you try to define dE[t_]:=de, that dE gets evaluated and so your definition is actually trying to create a downvalue for that entire piecewise expression. But Piecewise is protected, so redefining it isn’t allowed.

You can plot the piecewise function directly:

Plot[dE, {t, 0, 2}]

If you really want a new function, you could do something like this:

newDE = dE /. t -> # &

but I don’t really recommend that.

4

Does this work well for you?:

Clear[t];
deOLD = dE; (* assuming you've done the Import[] *)
ClearAll[dE];
dE[t_] = deOLD; (* = here, not := *)
5

Thank you.

6

Thank you. I knew I could work around the issue, but I just wanted to make sure I could convert it to a function.