Is Euler's Formula Valid When Using a Non-Power Series Method?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the validity of Euler's formula when approached through a method that does not utilize power series. Participants explore the derivation and implications of the formula, examining mathematical steps and potential pitfalls in the reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a derivation of Euler's formula using a method involving differentiation and integration of complex functions.
  • Another participant suggests that the derivation is incomplete and offers a simplification of a step involving the imaginary unit.
  • A later reply highlights potential issues with the integral of 1/z, specifically mentioning the multi-valued nature of the logarithm and the implications of equating real and imaginary components.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the completeness and correctness of the derivation, with some acknowledging the need for further clarification on certain mathematical aspects. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of the multi-valued nature of the logarithm in this context.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential oversight of the multi-valued nature of the logarithm and the implications of equating real and imaginary parts in the derivation.

daster
I was messing around and decided to prove Euler's 'formula' using a method that doesn't involve power series. Here's how I did it:

[tex]z=\cos\theta + i \sin\theta[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dz}{d\theta} = -\sin\theta + i\cos\theta[/tex]

[tex]i\frac{dz}{d\theta} = -i\sin\theta + i^{2}\cos\theta = -i\sin\theta - \cos\theta = -(\cos\theta+i\sin\theta) = -z[/tex]

[tex]-i\int \frac{1}{z} \; dz = \int \; d\theta[/tex]

[tex]-i \log|z| = \theta + C[/tex]

When [itex]\theta=0[/tex], [itex]z=1[/itex], so [itex]C=0[/itex]. Now:<br /> <br /> [tex]\log|z| = \frac{-\theta}{i}[/tex]<br /> <br /> [tex]z=e^{\frac{-\theta}{i}}[/tex]<br /> <br /> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f615.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":confused:" title="Confused :confused:" data-smilie="5"data-shortname=":confused:" />[/itex]
 
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daster said:
I was messing around and decided to prove Euler's 'formula' using a method that doesn't involve power series. Here's how I did it:

[tex]z=\cos\theta + i \sin\theta[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dz}{d\theta} = -\sin\theta + i\cos\theta[/tex]

[tex]i\frac{dz}{d\theta} = -i\sin\theta + i^{2}\cos\theta = -i\sin\theta - \cos\theta = -(\cos\theta+i\sin\theta) = -z[/tex]

[tex]-i\int \frac{1}{z} \; dz = \int \; d\theta[/tex]

[tex]-i \log|z| = \theta + C[/tex]

When [itex]\theta=0[/tex], [itex]z=1[/itex], so [itex]C=0[/itex]. Now:<br /> <br /> [tex]\log|z| = \frac{-\theta}{i}[/tex]<br /> <br /> [tex]z=e^{\frac{-\theta}{i}}[/tex]<br /> <br /> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f615.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":confused:" title="Confused :confused:" data-smilie="5"data-shortname=":confused:" />[/itex]
[itex] Nice work. Calculate 1/i in terms of a+ib, where a and b are real. <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":smile:" title="Smile :smile:" data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":smile:" />[/itex]
 
Nothing as far as I can tell; you just didn't finish.

[tex]\frac{-\theta}i = \frac{-\theta i}{i^2} = \frac{-i\theta}{-1} = i\theta[/tex]

ETA: Oops, too slow on the draw.
 
Nice! I was too busy checking my first steps to notice that I had to simplify my answer!

Thanks.
 
There are, though, several things you have sidestepped when doing that integral of 1/z, such as the fact that log is an many valued function, and why when you exp log of |z| you don't get |z|, for instance. I mean, in

log|z| = \theta/i

the lhs is strictly real and the rhs is strictly imaginary.
 

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