Complex conjugate of absolute exponential

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around finding the complex conjugate of the expression (-0.5)^abs(x). Participants clarify that abs(x) is a nonnegative real number, making the expression real and simplifying the computation of its conjugate. There's a suggestion to use complex exponential or trigonometric forms, such as cos + i sin, to facilitate the calculation. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly interpreting the expression, especially considering the negative base. Ultimately, understanding the definitions and properties of complex numbers is key to solving the problem.
vg8open
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Hello all,

I am trying to figure out how to solve for the complex conjugate of the following: (-0.5)^abs(x)

Thanks for your help.

-Brian
 
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What is the definition of complex conjugation?? Try to apply that first on your expression.
 
vg8open said:
Hello all,

I am trying to figure out how to solve for the complex conjugate of the following: (-0.5)^abs(x)

Thanks for your help.

-Brian

abs(x), usually denoted |x|, is a nonnegative real number whether x is real or complex.

So your expression is real. Which makes its conjugate very easy to compute!
 
SteveL27 said:
abs(x), usually denoted |x|, is a nonnegative real number whether x is real or complex.

So your expression is real. Which makes its conjugate very easy to compute!

Not necessarily. What if x=1/4?
 
Char. Limit said:
Not necessarily. What if x=1/4?

Oops missed the minus sign. Thanks.
 
vg8open said:
Hello all,

I am trying to figure out how to solve for the complex conjugate of the following: (-0.5)^abs(x)

Thanks for your help.

-Brian

It's a whole lot easier if you put it into complex exponential, or even better, cos + i sin notation.
 
Char. Limit said:
It's a whole lot easier if you put it into complex exponential, or even better, cos + i sin notation.

I think I missing something here... Are you talking about these equations?
a^b = e^{(\ln(r) + \phi i)b} and e^{ix} = \cos(x) +i\sin(x)
 
Well, by complex exponential, I just mean putting it into r e^(i theta) for some theta and r. But the cos + i sin notation I was talking about, yeah, you got it.
 
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