Complex Numbers Tips: Find Mod/Arg, Express in Cartesian

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The discussion revolves around solving complex number problems, specifically finding the modulus and argument of z, expressing z^5 in Cartesian form, and determining w/z in polar and Cartesian forms. The modulus of z is confirmed as 2 and the argument as π/3, with z^5 expressed using De Moivre's Theorem. Participants clarify that the conjugate of a complex number retains the same modulus but has a negative angle, aiding in calculations for zbar to the power of negative 5. The conversation also touches on the utility of exponential notation for simplifying complex number operations and deducing values like cos(π/12). Overall, the thread emphasizes the importance of understanding complex number properties and notation for efficient problem-solving.
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I was wondering if someone can check my solutions and perhaps give me a faster more logical way of working through this question. Thanks.

Homework Statement



If z = 1 + i*root3

i) Find the modulus and argument of z
ii) Express z^5 in Cartesian form a + ib where a and b are real
iii) Find z*zbar
iv) hence, find zbar to the power of negative 5

If w = root2 cis (π/4)

i) Find w/z in polar form.

ii) Express z and w in cartesian form and hence find w/z in cartesian form.

iii) Use answers from i) and ii) to deduce exact value for cos(π/12)


The Attempt at a Solution



i) Modulus is 2, Argument is π/3

ii) Using De Moivre's Theorem, 2^5cis(5*(π/3))
= 32cis(-pie/3)
Then changing to Cartesian form - 32 (cos(-π/3) + isin(-π/3))
= 32(0.5 + (root3/2)i)
= 16 + 16i*root3

iii) z = 1 + i*root3, zbar = 1 - i*root3
z*zbar = 4

iv) Now this part I don't understand the "hence", as in how am I meant to use previous results to get this answer?

I try - zbar = 2cis(-π/3) -> (Is it true that the "bar" of any complex number is just the same modulus and negative angle?)

Then zbar^-5 = Using DM Theorem, (1/32)cis(5π/3)
= (1/32)cis(-π/3)
Then convert to cartesian - (1/32)(cos(-π/3) + isin(-π/3))
= (1/32)(0.5 + iroot3/2)
= 1/64 + iroot3/64


If w = root2 cis (π/4)

i) Find w/z in polar form.
I found it in cartesian - (1+i)/(1 + root3 i) then realising, gives (1 + root3)/4 + (1-root3)/4 * i

But how do I change to Polar form? I am also stuck on how to get cos(pie/12) as exact value. Thanks.
 
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\sin\frac{-\pi}{3}=-\sin\frac{\pi}{3}

w=|w|e^{i\theta}
 
dextercioby said:
\sin\frac{-\pi}{3}=-\sin\frac{\pi}{3}

w=|w|e^{i\theta}

Hello I'm still very basic in this, and I don't understand your notation in the second part. Would you be able to explain further? Thanks!
 
I thought the complex exponential was the "polar form".
 
exp(i*theta)=cis(theta). He may not know the exponential notation.
 
"(Is it true that the "bar" of any complex number is just the same modulus and negative angle?)"

Sure. bar(cis(a))=cis(-a). It's also handy to convince yourself that cis(a)*cis(b)=cis(a+b) and cis(a)/cis(b)=cis(a-b). This is easy to see in the exponential notation. Now note pi/12=pi/3-pi/4. Does that help?
 
Dick said:
He may not know the exponential notation.

Yes I have never heard of it, does it make doing the question easier? If so, can you explain?
 
The "hence" part is due to this:
\left(z\bar{z}\right)^5= z^5 \bar{z}^5[/itex]<br /> You know that the left side is 4<sup>5</sup>= 1024 and you have already calculated z^5 so you can easily solve for \bar{z}^5.
 
Eulers Formula:

e^{ix} = \cos x + i \sin x. This let's us write complexs numbers in better ways. O and, De Moirves Theorem is an easy proof with this baby.
 
  • #10
O and just incase you want to see how its proved, expand and simplify the taylor series of e^(ix) and see wat you get, or

let f(x)=cis(x)/e^(ix), find f'(x), once u prove its zero, just find one value and its obvious.

EDIT: O and iii is much easier with it i think, but i have to go, someone else will tell you.
 
Last edited:
  • #11
The nice thing about the exponential notation is that it turns an equation like cis(a)*cis(b)=cis(a+b) into e^{i a} e^{i b}=e^{i (a+b)}. Written this way you don't have to remember it as a special rule for the cis function. It's a general property of exponentials. Because cis IS an exponential.
 
  • #12
Erm, Halls, you're being obtuse for no good reason:

(z*)^5 = (z^5)*

* is the same as the over bar.
 
  • #13
Well, that happens occaissionally! Perhaps more often that I would like!
 

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