Why? exp(ixA)=cos(x)I+isin(x)A if A*A=I

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the expression exp(ixA) and its equivalence to cos(x)I + i sin(x)A, where A is a matrix satisfying A*A = I. The subject area includes linear algebra and operator theory.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the notation and clarify whether I refers to the identity matrix or the imaginary unit. There is an examination of the power series expansion of the exponential function and its implications for the identity involving A.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the series expansion of the operator and questioning the assumptions about the properties of A. Some guidance on the formal treatment of the series is noted, but there is no explicit consensus on the original poster's claim.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions regarding the nature of A as a linear operator or matrix, and the discussion acknowledges the need for convergence properties in the context of series rearrangements.

dream_chaser
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why? exp(ixA)=cos(x)I+isin(x)A if A*A=I
 
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Your notation is not the friendliest..is I the same as i?

Anyway [tex]e^{ixA}=\cos (xA) + i \sin (xA)[/tex] So i don't think it does...
 
I think in the post I is the identity matrix, and A some matrix.
The way you can see the identity you gave is true is if you expand the operator [itex]e^{ixA}[/itex] as a power series in x,

[tex] e^{ixA} = \sum_{k=0}^{\infty}\frac{(ixA)^{k}}{k!}[/tex]

For all the even terms in the above summation [itex]A^{2k}=I[/itex], while for all the odd terms [itex]A^{2k+1}=A[/itex]. Resum the remaining series and you end up with the expression you quoted.
 
I assume [itex]A[/itex] is a linear operator or a matrix, that the space of operators has a norm, and there are convergence properties that justify my rearrangements (below) of infinites series. In physics, we typically pretend that everything is okay and proceed formally.

From [itex]A^2 = 1[/itex], [itex]A^n = 1[/itex] if [itex]n[/itex] is even, and [itex]A^n = A[/itex] if [itex]n[/itex] is odd.

[tex] \begin{equation*}<br /> \begin{split}<br /> \exp{ixA} &= 1 + ixA + \frac{1}{2!}\left(ixA\right)^2 + \frac{1}{3!}\left(ixA\right)^3 ...\\<br /> &= \left(1 - \frac{1}{2!} x^2A^2 + ...\right) + \left(ixA - \frac{1}{3!}ix^3A^3 + ...\right)\\<br /> &= \left(1 - \frac{1}{2!}x^2 + ... \right) + i\left(x - \frac{1}{3!}x^3 + ... \right)A<br /> \end{split}<br /> \end{equation*}[/tex]
 
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thank you very much!

thank you very much!
 

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