Converting complex numbers into cartesian and exponential form

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on converting the complex number z = 3 + 5j into Cartesian and exponential forms. It clarifies that 3 + 5j is already in Cartesian form, representing the point (3, 5) in the xy-plane. The exponential form relates to polar coordinates, which the user is encouraged to explore. The user expresses initial confusion due to a long gap since studying the topic, but gains clarity on how to proceed. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the importance of understanding both Cartesian and exponential representations of complex numbers.
shackdaddy836
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Hey, I'm not too sure if this is pre-calc or not because it's in a different course but I think I remember doing this in pre-calc a long time ago...

1. Determine cartesian(z = x + jy) and exponential(\rhoe^{j\theta}) forms of the following complex numbers:

z = 3 + 5j




2. I have no clue if there are any equations



3. I thought this number was already in cartesian form... other than this, there is no attempt

My professor assumed we already knew this. Problem is that it's been so long since I've done these (about 4 years) that I forgot how to do it. So, I have no idea how to even begin...

I only need help on this one number and then I think I can do the rest successfully.

Thanks
 
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You're right. That's already in Cartesian form. You can think of 3+5j is just another way of specifying the point (3,5) in the xy-plane. Do you know how to write that same point in polar coordinates? That's all exponential form really is.
 
OK. I think I can find the polar coordinates now. I just got stuck on the wording of his question I guess.

Thanks a ton!
 
I picked up this problem from the Schaum's series book titled "College Mathematics" by Ayres/Schmidt. It is a solved problem in the book. But what surprised me was that the solution to this problem was given in one line without any explanation. I could, therefore, not understand how the given one-line solution was reached. The one-line solution in the book says: The equation is ##x \cos{\omega} +y \sin{\omega} - 5 = 0##, ##\omega## being the parameter. From my side, the only thing I could...
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