Complex exponential (properties)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around breaking down the complex exponential function resulting from a second order ordinary differential equation (ODE) into its real and imaginary parts. The context includes mathematical reasoning related to ODEs and their solutions, particularly focusing on the properties of complex numbers and exponential functions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to separate the exponential function exp(sqrt(4+i)) into its real and imaginary components, emphasizing the need for the imaginary part as the solution to their problem.
  • Another participant questions the simplicity of the request given the complexity of the ODE, suggesting that a numerical solution might be necessary due to the nonconstant factors involved.
  • A participant provides a mathematical breakdown of (4+i)^{1/2}, expressing it in terms of trigonometric functions and suggesting a method for exponentiation.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for the assistance but clarifies that they only need the imaginary part for their solution, indicating a focus on practical application rather than full resolution of the exponential function.
  • There is a light-hearted exchange regarding the perceived simplicity of the mathematical task in contrast to the complexity of the ODE itself.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the approach to solving the problem, with some suggesting numerical methods while others focus on analytical techniques. The discussion reflects differing views on the complexity of the original ODE and the task of breaking down the exponential function.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the properties of complex exponentials and the specific form of the ODE, which may not be universally applicable without further clarification of definitions and conditions.

gomez
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Hi, I am solving a second order ODE. the result I got is an exponential to the power of a real and an imaginary part, both of them inside a square root. I need to brake this result into an imaginary and a real part because in this particular case just the imaginary part of the solution is my solution. My question is How can a brake exp (square root of (4+i))?

thanks

gomez
 
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The ODE is f(r)'' + 1/R* f'(r) - (i+1/r^2)f(r)=0 ; and my boundary conditions are F(r=r1)=1 and F(r=r2) =0. I solved this ODE and I found my two constants but this ODE comes from a PDE which boundary condition is sine(t) whis is the imaginary part of exp(it). my specific question is how can I break and exponential function that comes as a solution of the ODE? I need this solution to have two parts one imaginary and one real, because my solution will be just the imaginary part... is something similar to stoke's problem solution ( fluid mechanics )
 
The equation is quasi linear,i don't think it can be solved that easy.That nonconstant factor spoils everything.I think a numerical solution is the only answer.

Daniel.
 
Again, my specific question is about the exponential fuction, my solution is exp(root square(4+i)), how can I break this expression into a real part and an imaginary part. is there any property of the exponential function with complex numers that I'm missing?.

thanks

pd: the number 4 in my solution just indicates any real number.
 
[tex](4+i)^{1/2}=...?[/tex]

[tex]4+i=\sqrt{17}\left(\cos\arctan \frac{1}{4}+i\sin\arctan \frac{1}{4}\right)[/tex] (1)

Then

[tex](4+i)^{1/2}=17^{1/4}\left(\cos\frac{\arctan\frac{1}{4}}{2}+i\sin\frac{\arctan\frac{1}{4}}{2}\right)[/tex] (2)

Simple stuff.

Daniel.

P.S.(as an edit) I hope u know how to exponentiate that animal (#2),don't u?
 
Last edited:
thanx man, you are really good at this.

P.S: I don't really have to take the exponential of that, I will just take the imaginary part and represent it as my solution, exp(imaginary).

P.S.2: people in my lab are still laughing about your "simple stuff" comment

thanks again
 
I don't know what u have to do,i said it's weird that u asked for such a simple thing,when the ODE u posted looks awfully difficult.

Daniel.
 

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