Complex Roots of Z^n = a + bi: Finding Solutions Using De Moivre's Theorem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the complex roots of the equation z^4 + 80i = 0, utilizing De Moivre's Theorem. Participants are exploring the implications of the complex plane and the correct application of formulas for determining roots.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of De Moivre's Theorem and question the correctness of their derived roots. There is an exploration of the values of k in the context of finding roots, with some suggesting it should be k = {0, 1, 2, 3} and others examining the implications of negative angles.

Discussion Status

Some participants express uncertainty about their calculations and the correctness of their roots, while others provide feedback on the validity of the approaches taken. There is a recognition of potential errors in the setup and calculations, particularly regarding the modulus and the argument of the complex number.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of correctly identifying the modulus and argument of the complex number involved, with some indicating that there may have been a misunderstanding regarding the values used in calculations. The discussion also highlights the need for clarity in the presentation of mathematical work.

Wi_N
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Homework Statement



I just can't seem to get the right answer. z^4+80i=0
looking at the complex plane u see the radius=r=80 (obviously)

using De Moivre extension: z^n=(r^(1/n))(cos((x/n)+k2pi/n)-isin((x/n)+k2pi/n)z1=((80)^(1/4))(cos(3pi/8)+isin(3pi/8)

shouldnt this be a root?z2= -((80)^(1/4))(cos(3pi/8)+isin(3pi/8)

z3=((80)^(1/4))(cos((3pi/8)+(k2pi/8)))+isin((3pi/8)+(k2pi/8))

for k=1, 2.

what am i doing wrong?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Shouldnt it be k = { 0 , 1, 2, 3} I used this formula to find roots: (edited)

80*e^{-i\frac{((3/4)\Pi) + 2\Pi*K }{4}}
 
Last edited:
Bipolar Demon said:
Shouldnt it be k = { 0 , 1, 2, 3} I used this formula to find roots:

80*e^{\frac{-i((3/4)\Pi) + 2\Pi*K }{4}}

yes but first root already has k=0
 
Wi_N said:

Homework Statement



I just can't seem to get the right answer. z^4+80i=0
looking at the complex plane u see the radius=r=80 (obviously)

using De Moivre extension: z^n=(r^(1/n))(cos((x/n)+k2pi/n)-isin((x/n)+k2pi/n)z1=((80)^(1/4))(cos(3pi/8)+isin(3pi/8)

shouldnt this be a root?
Yes. This looks ok to me. Is there some reason you think it is not?
z2= -((80)^(1/4))(cos(3pi/8)+isin(3pi/8)

z3=((80)^(1/4))(cos((3pi/8)+(k2pi/8)))+isin((3pi/8)+(k2pi/8))

for k=1, 2.

what am i doing wrong?
This also looks correct to me. Maybe I'm overlooking something. What makes you think that you are wrong?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

For the homework format, you should separate your work into the appropriate sections, not just append empty sections.
 
FactChecker said:
Yes. This looks ok to me. Is there some reason you think it is not?This also looks correct to me. Maybe I'm overlooking something. What makes you think that you are wrong?For the homework format, you should separate your work into the appropriate sections, not just append empty sections.

getting wrong answer from the machine...
 
Bipolar Demon said:
Shouldnt it be k = { 0 , 1, 2, 3} I used this formula to find roots:

80*e^{\frac{-i((3/4)\Pi) + 2\Pi*K }{4}}
This looks wrong to me. 'i' should multiply the entire argument and the argument of -80i is 3π/2 or -π/2.
 
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FactChecker said:
This looks wrong to me. 'i' should multiply the entire argument and the argument of -80i is 3π/2 or -π/2.

yes, sorry. 80*e^{-i\frac{((3/2)\Pi) + 2\Pi*K }{4}}
 
so in short my answer is correct?
 
Wi_N said:
so in short my answer is correct?
I think so. Maybe something went wrong when you checked it.
 
  • #10
Wi_N said:

Homework Statement



I just can't seem to get the right answer. z^4+80i=0
looking at the complex plane u see the radius=r=80 (obviously)

using De Moivre extension: z^n=(r^(1/n))(cos((x/n)+k2pi/n)-isin((x/n)+k2pi/n)z1=((80)^(1/4))(cos(3pi/8)+isin(3pi/8)

shouldnt this be a root?z2= -((80)^(1/4))(cos(3pi/8)+isin(3pi/8)

z3=((80)^(1/4))(cos((3pi/8)+(k2pi/8)))+isin((3pi/8)+(k2pi/8))

for k=1, 2.

what am i doing wrong?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

There are at least a couple of errors here.

Your z1 looks good.

z2 is not. How can you have a negative modulus?

Write ## -80i\ ## in terms of a negative angle, and work with that, (if that's what you intended by the negative).

For z3 (& z4 ?): Why are you dividing 2π by 8 ? It's not an 8th root that you want, is it?
 
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  • #11
SammyS said:
There are at least a couple of errors here.

Your z1 looks good.

z2 is not. How can you have a negative modulus?

Write ## -80i\ ## in terms of a negative angle, and work with that, (if that's what you intended by the negative).

For z3 (& z4 ?): Why are you dividing 2π by 8 ? It's not an 8th root that you want, is it?

because when z^n and n is an even number the first roots are +-

if z1 is good then i don't know what the problem is. as for z3 z4 i probably wrote them wrong. point is that the argument is (3pi/2)/n in this case n=4

so 3pi/8 + k2pi/8

edit: yes its its a mistake it shouldb k2pi/4. thanks. strange that i got a wrong answer for z1 though.
 
  • #12
SammyS said:
There are at least a couple of errors here.

Your z1 looks good.

z2 is not. How can you have a negative modulus?
It's just -z1, which is another 4'th root.
Write ## -80i\ ## in terms of a negative angle, and work with that, (if that's what you intended by the negative).

For z3 (& z4 ?): Why are you dividing 2π by 8 ? It's not an 8th root that you want, is it?
Good catch. That is a mistake.
 
  • #13
Wi_N said:
because when z^n and n is an even number the first roots are +-

if z1 is good then i don't know what the problem is. as for z3 z4 i probably wrote them wrong. point is that the argument is (3pi/2)/n in this case n=4

so 3pi/8 + k2pi/8
But shouldn't it be 3pi/8 + k2pi/4 ?
 
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  • #14
FactChecker said:
But shouldn't it be 3pi/8 + k2pi/4 ?

yes realized that now thanks. but i didnt use any k value for z1 and i still got the wrong answer =(.
 
  • #15
Wi_N said:
yes realized that now thanks. but i didnt use any k value for z1 and i still got the wrong answer =(.
You should re-check your check with the computer calculation. I'm suspicious of that.
 
  • #16
FactChecker said:
You should re-check your check with the computer calculation. I'm suspicious of that.

edit: i feel like the biggest idiot on the planet. its 81 not 80...

thanks to everyone for their help-
 
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  • #17
Wi_N said:
edit: i feel like the biggest idiot on the planet. its 81 not 80...

thanks to everyone for their help-
No problem. The error that @SammyS spotted was important to find anyway. If you didn't make the 80 versus 81 mistake, that probably would have never been found. :>)
 
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  • #18
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  • #19
Bipolar Demon said:
hello OP can i sugges you use latex editor online, I am learning it but this is much quicker and your work looks cleaner (so easy to spot any errors):

z^{4}= -80ihttps://www.codecogs.com/latex/eqneditor.php

thanks will check it out.
 

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