Argument value in complex numbers in polar form.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the argument of the complex number -1 - √3i in polar form. The correct calculation reveals that the magnitude r is 2, and the angle θ is 240 degrees, placing the number in the third quadrant of the complex plane. The initial incorrect angles of -60 and 120 degrees were identified as inappropriate for this quadrant. The final conclusion confirms that the polar representation is 2(cos 240° + i sin 240°), or 2 cis 240°, contradicting the solution manual's incorrect answer of 2 cis 210°.

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kayanian
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-1-(under root)3 i
here we find that
r=2(hypotenuse)
a=-1(base)
b=-(under root)3

when i take sin theat= p/h=-(under root)3 / 2
theat from sin is -60

when i take cos theta = b/h =-1 / 2
which gives 120

now one is -60 and other is 120, which is the angel , i have to follow and what do i add it to?
 

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Think about where -1- \sqrt{3}i is on the complex plane. It has negative real part and negative imaginary part so it is in the third quadrant. Neither -60 or 120 degrees is in the third quadrant- they are both wrong.

tan(theta)= -sqrt{3}/-1= sqrt(3) gives theta= 60 degrees but since this number is in the third quadrant, theta= 180+ 60= 240 degrees.

cos(240)= -1/2 and sin(210)= -sqrt(3)/2.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Think about where -1- \sqrt{3}i is on the complex plane. It has negative real part and negative imaginary part so it is in the third quadrant. Neither -60 or 120 degrees is in the third quadrant- they are both wrong.

tan(theta)= -sqrt{3}/-1= sqrt(3) gives theta= 60 degrees but since this number is in the third quadrant, theta= 180+ 60= 240 degrees.

cos(240)= -1/2 and sin(210)= -sqrt(3)/2.

So the answer is :

2{cos 120+ i sin 120)
= 2 cis 120
??

but my solution manual gave me this answer

2 Cis 210
which i myself think is wrong

the table of cos and sin positive value is also used if i m right.and when cos and sin are yielding different results, we go to tangent.ok i get it now but i m lil confused because my solution manual gave wrong answer so please confirm.
 

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2cis210 is incorrect. As HallsofIvy mentioned the correct argument is 240.

--Elucidus
 

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