Complex exponential expressions.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around complex exponential expressions, particularly in the context of a Signals class. Participants express confusion regarding the simplification processes and the implications of adding multiples of \(2\pi\) in relation to angles and periodicity in complex numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to understand the rationale behind adding \(4\pi\) and other multiples of \(2\pi\) to angles in complex exponentials. Questions arise about the nature of multiple answers in relation to cube roots and the periodicity of complex exponentials.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide insights into the periodic nature of complex exponentials and the significance of working within the unit circle. Others seek further clarification on specific aspects of the simplifications and the reasoning behind multiple solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note a lack of detailed explanations in their textbook, which may contribute to their confusion about the underlying concepts of trigonometry and complex numbers.

lucasfish1
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Homework Statement



I just need some kind of explanation in layman's terms of what exactly is going on here. It seems as though I am missing some key element from trig. I am in a Signals class and the book lacks an explanation of the reduction used and ultimately why.

Homework Equations



I have attached a .pdf of the files.
View attachment Document1.pdf

The Attempt at a Solution



Ok, so in "b": I do not understand the simplification or reduction to the side, where 4pi is added. Also I think the same method occurs in the third answer of "d".

Also, is the reason there are 3 answers for "d" because of the cube root? If someone could just provide a short explanation as to why, that would be helpful.


Thank you so much in advance!
 
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lucasfish1 said:

Homework Statement



I just need some kind of explanation in layman's terms of what exactly is going on here. It seems as though I am missing some key element from trig. I am in a Signals class and the book lacks an explanation of the reduction used and ultimately why.

Homework Equations



I have attached a .pdf of the files.
View attachment 50347

The Attempt at a Solution



Ok, so in "b": I do not understand the simplification or reduction to the side, where 4pi is added. Also I think the same method occurs in the third answer of "d".
What they're doing in b is adding multiples of 2##\pi## so as to get a positive angle.

From Euler's formula, eix = cos(x) + i*sin(x). This represents a complex number whose magnitude is 1, and that makes an angle of x radians measured counterclockwise from the positive Real axis. Note that mathematicians use i for the imaginary unit, and engineers use j.

Adding 2##\pi## or multiples of 2##\pi## to the exponent to get ei(x + 2##\pi##) doesn't change anything except the angle. This complex number still has a magnitude of 1 - the only difference is that the angle is now x + 2##\pi##, which gets you to exactly the same point on the unit circle.


lucasfish1 said:
Also, is the reason there are 3 answers for "d" because of the cube root? If someone could just provide a short explanation as to why, that would be helpful.
In the same way that a number has two square roots, it will have three cube roots, four fourth roots, and so on. A real number, such as 8 has one real cube root (2) and two complex cube roots.
lucasfish1 said:
Thank you so much in advance!
 
So, it is just commonplace to work within the unit circle? I mean for my calculator both arguments produce the same answer, I just appropriate the negative when using Euler's formula.

Thanks again.

Oh and by the way, I am on my way to be an EE so its "j" for me -here on out!
 
The complex exponential is periodic with (argument) period equal to 2Pi. So if you

go around n times, then ez= ez+2n∏ for n=1,2,... and

ez+2n∏ is equivalent to going around a circle n times.
 

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