Complex Numbers - from Polar to Algebraic

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on converting complex numbers from polar to algebraic form, specifically for the expressions \(rcis(90^{\circ}+\theta)\) and \(rcis(90^{\circ}-\theta)\). The algebraic representations derived are \(-y + ix\) and \(y + ix\), respectively. The confusion arises from the quadrant placement of the points, with the first expression yielding a point in the second quadrant, leading to the misconception that the result should be \(-x + iy\). The correct transformations utilize trigonometric identities to arrive at the established algebraic forms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex numbers and their representations
  • Familiarity with polar coordinates and the \(rcis\) notation
  • Knowledge of trigonometric identities, specifically sine and cosine
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the conversion of complex numbers from polar to rectangular form in detail
  • Learn about trigonometric identities, particularly the sine and cosine addition formulas
  • Explore the geometric interpretation of complex numbers in the complex plane
  • Practice problems involving complex number transformations and their applications
USEFUL FOR

Students studying complex numbers, mathematics educators, and anyone interested in mastering the conversion between polar and algebraic forms of complex numbers.

Yankel
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Hello all,

I am trying to find the algebraic representation of the following numbers:

\[rcis(90^{\circ}+\theta )\]

and

\[rcis(90^{\circ}-\theta )\]

The answers in the book are:

\[-y+ix\]

and

\[y+ix\]

respectively.

I don't get it...

In the first case, if I take 90 degrees (working with degrees, not radians in this question) plus the angel, I get a point in the second quadrant. Why isn't the answer -x+iy ?

View attachment 6854

Thank you !
 

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$$z = r[\cos(90^\circ + \theta) + i\sin(90^\circ + \theta)]$$

$z = r\bigg[\cos(90^\circ)\cos(\theta) - \sin(90^\circ)\sin(\theta) + i[\sin(90^\circ)\cos(\theta) + \cos(90^\circ)\sin(\theta)] \bigg]$

$z = r\bigg[-\sin(\theta) + i \cos(\theta) \bigg]$

$z = -r\sin(\theta) + i\cdot r\cos(\theta) = -y + ix$

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

$$z = r[\cos(90^\circ - \theta) + i\sin(90^\circ - \theta)]$$

$z = r\bigg[\cos(90^\circ)\cos(\theta) + \sin(90^\circ)\sin(\theta) + i[\sin(90^\circ)\cos(\theta) - \cos(90^\circ)\sin(\theta)] \bigg]$

$z = r\bigg[\sin(\theta) + i \cos(\theta) \bigg]$

$z = r\sin(\theta) + i\cdot r\cos(\theta) = y + ix$
 
Or just recall that [math]cos(90- x)= sin(x)[/math] and [math]cos(90- x)= sin(x)[/math] from the basic definitions of "sine" and "cosine" instead of using the more general "sum" identity.
 

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