Complex Conjugates with sin and cos

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of complex conjugates and operators in mathematical physics, specifically regarding the transition from sine to cosine functions and the use of the partial derivative operator, denoted as \frac{\partial}{\partial x}. The participant seeks clarity on why the sine function changes to cosine during differentiation and how to correctly apply the partial derivative operator. The consensus is that the operator should be applied to the subsequent factor, leading to a clearer expression: \frac{\partial}{\partial x}(\sqrt{\frac 2 L} \sin(\frac{n\pi x}{L})).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex conjugates in mathematics
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically sine and cosine
  • Knowledge of calculus, particularly differentiation and partial derivatives
  • Basic grasp of mathematical notation used in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of complex conjugates in mathematical analysis
  • Learn about differentiation of trigonometric functions, focusing on sine and cosine
  • Explore the application of partial derivatives in multivariable calculus
  • Review mathematical notation and conventions used in physics for clarity
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This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in physics and mathematics, particularly those dealing with complex functions, calculus, and wave mechanics.

Oaxaca
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I am rather new to the whole idea of complex conjugates and especially operators.

I was trying to understand the solution to a problem I was doing, but the math is confusing me rather than the physics. In the last row of calculations, why does the sin change to a cos, and the d/dx change to what it is. I recognize that n(pi)/L is the first derivative of the inside function for the trig functions, but don't understand how it got there.

Thank you for any help and sorry in advance if I posted this in the wrong section, I'm not positive what section this would fall under.
 

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Oaxaca said:
I am rather new to the whole idea of complex conjugates and especially operators.

I was trying to understand the solution to a problem I was doing, but the math is confusing me rather than the physics. In the last row of calculations, why does the sin change to a cos, and the d/dx change to what it is. I recognize that n(pi)/L is the first derivative of the inside function for the trig functions, but don't understand how it got there.
In the next -to-last line, there is a ##\frac{\partial}{\partial x}## operator. They're taking the partial derivative of what's to the right, with respect to x.
Oaxaca said:
Thank you for any help and sorry in advance if I posted this in the wrong section, I'm not positive what section this would fall under.
 
Mark44 said:
In the next -to-last line, there is a ##\frac{\partial}{\partial x}## operator. They're taking the partial derivative of what's to the right, with respect to x.

That makes a lot more sense, I didn't realize that the partial would act as an operator for the proceeding sin. However, how do you choose what to apply the operator to? Is that always the order of the formula?
 
Oaxaca said:
That makes a lot more sense, I didn't realize that the partial would act as an operator for the proceeding sin. However, how do you choose what to apply the operator to? Is that always the order of the formula?
The operator should be applied to the following factor, not the preceding one. The way this is written is a bit confusing to me. An improvement, I believe, would be
$$\frac{\partial}{\partial x}(\sqrt{\frac 2 L} \sin(\frac{n\pi x}{L})$$
IOW, without that ) immediately following the partial derivative.
 
Mark44 said:
The operator should be applied to the following factor, not the preceding one. The way this is written is a bit confusing to me. An improvement, I believe, would be
$$\frac{\partial}{\partial x}(\sqrt{\frac 2 L} \sin(\frac{n\pi x}{L})$$
IOW, without that ) immediately following the partial derivative.

I got that much (I wrote "proceeding"- improper english on my part, but not a typo :wink:), but I was referring to line six as it seems they move the operator in between the two wave functions, when it was originally outside.
 
Last edited:

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