Can e^jwt be simplified to 2cos(wt) using complex exponentials?

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    Complex Multiplication
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of the expression ejwt using complex exponentials, specifically whether it can be expressed as 2cos(wt). The scope includes mathematical reasoning and conceptual clarification regarding the properties of complex numbers and trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that ejwt can be rewritten as cos(wt) + jsin(wt), and argues that jsin(wt) can be interpreted as cos(wt), leading to the conclusion that ejwt = 2cos(wt).
  • Another participant corrects the first by asserting that j is not equal to 1, but rather the square root of -1.
  • A different participant claims that the square root of -1 can be represented as 1 with an angle of 90 degrees or -90 degrees, suggesting a phase interpretation.
  • One participant challenges the initial reasoning by explaining that multiplying by j does not equate to a simple phase shift for sine functions, providing a more complex representation of sine in terms of exponentials.
  • Another participant clarifies the notation, stating that while j is commonly used in engineering, it represents the square root of -1, contrasting with the mathematical convention of using i.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the interpretation of j and the simplification of ejwt. There is no consensus on the validity of the initial claim that ejwt simplifies to 2cos(wt>.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the understanding of phase shifts and complex multiplication, as well as the notation differences between mathematical and engineering contexts.

palgun kumar
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it is given that e^jwt=cos(wt)+jsin(wt)...
but j=1 with angle 90 degrees..now by multiplying any function by j means multiplying the magnitude by 1 and phase change of 90 degree...
so,
jsin(wt)=sin(wt)*1 with angle 90 degrees
= sin(wt+90)
=cos(wt)
so can we write e^jwt=cos(wt)+cos(wt)
=2cos(wt)
 
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j is not 1. It is the square root of -1.
 
square root of -1 is 1 with angle of 90 degrees or 1 with angle of -90 degrees
 
palgun kumar said:
now by multiplying any function by j means multiplying the magnitude by 1 and phase change of 90 degree...
You could see it this way, if you like, but then you should be aware that sin(x) is composed of two parts with different phases! In particular

[tex]\sin(x)=\frac12\left(e^{i(x-\frac{\pi}{2})}+e^{i(-x+\frac{\pi}{2})}\right)[/tex]
Note the minus sign in the second term.

Now if you advances both phases you get
[tex]i\sin(x)=\frac12\left(e^{ix}+e^{i(-x+\pi)}\right)[/tex]

Which is not
[tex]\sin(x+\frac{\pi}{2})=\frac12\left(e^{ix}+e^{-ix}\right)[/tex]

So this rule of thumb rule you mention isn't really working.

The explanation is: Advancing phases in the sense you have learned is not the same as multiplying with complex numbers! That only works for pure exponentials.
 
napyan said:
j=square(-1)

No it's the square root of (-1).

Usually it's given the symbol "i" but in Engineering it's quite common to use the symbol "j" instead. The reason is because in Electrical Engineering it's very often used in AC circuit analysis where the symbol "i" is already used to denote electrical current.
 

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