Complex Numbers- Square root 3i

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the expression (1 - sqrt(3i))^3, with participants exploring the complexities of handling the square root of a complex number, specifically 3i. The subject area includes complex numbers and their polar representation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of De Moivre's theorem and polar representation for simplifying the expression. There are questions about the correct interpretation of the square root involving complex numbers and the implications of different notations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing guidance on how to approach the problem, including suggestions to express the complex number in polar form and to clarify the notation used. There is recognition of the ambiguity in the problem statement, which has led to varied interpretations.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding whether the expression involves the square root of 3 times i or the square root of the product of 3 and i, which affects the approach to the problem. Participants are also considering the implications of different variable names for angles in polar coordinates.

JC_003
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(1- sqrt 3i) ^3

I am having trouble solving the sqrt 3i part. I think I need to use de moivres theorem but I am unsure. If someone could push me in the right direction that would be a massive help. Thanks.
 
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What's the question exactly? You want to write that complex number in its polar representation or as x+iy? Either way start with writing [itex]1-\sqrt{(3i)}[/itex] in the polar representation. Once you have that it is easy to compute [itex](1-\sqrt{(3i)})^3[/itex].
 
Last edited:
I think he meant:

[tex]\sqrt[3]{1-i\sqrt{3}}[/tex]

Use De Moivre's theorem to find all the solutions.
 
The question is:

If z= 5 +4i, write the number z(|z|^2-(1- sqrt3i)^3) in the form a+bi.

I am able to sub everything in but I want to simplify the (1- sqrt3i)^3. The square root has thrown me off.
 
I take it the i is inside the square root? Try to write it in the form [itex]3i=|z|e^{i\phi}[/itex] then take the square root on both sides.
 
Is that meant to the theta or phi? Silly question I know. I have in my notes a simalar formula for Eulers formula but that uses theta not phi... Another silly question I know but by changing the sq root 3i into a simple number going to give me the same result as getting the polar representation of the whole (1 - sqrt3i) ^3?
 
It doesn't matter whether it's called phi, theta or JC_003 it is just a variable which represents the angle between |z| and the positive real axis. You will get the same answer both ways, as it should. However the angle theta is pretty hard to find for [itex]1-\sqrt{3i}[/itex]. I suggest you write [itex]\sqrt{3i}=x+iy[/itex] first and then continue from there.
 
If this is an exercise from a text, I'd be very carefull about whether the question concerns

[tex](\sqrt{3})i[/tex]​

or

[tex]\sqrt{(3i)}[/tex]​

Huge difference.

The question is not clear enough for me to help effectively, but I suspect -8 shows up somewhere.

--Elucidus
 

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