De Moivre Theorem: Solve (1+z)^5 = (1-z)^5

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equation (1+z)^5 = (1-z)^5, which involves complex numbers and the application of De Moivre's Theorem. Participants are exploring various algebraic manipulations and interpretations of the problem.

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  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants suggest dividing both sides by (1+z)^5 to simplify the equation. Others propose using the binomial theorem or exploring the roots of unity. There are attempts to express the problem in terms of complex exponentials and to derive solutions from there.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with different methods to approach the problem, including algebraic manipulation and substitution. Some have noted specific solutions like z=0, while others are questioning the equivalence of different forms of the solutions derived. There is a recognition of multiple interpretations and methods being explored without a clear consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the complexities of the problem, including potential assumptions about the values of z and the implications of using different mathematical techniques. There are mentions of specific answers that arise from various methods, but the discussion remains open-ended regarding the preferred approach.

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Divide both side by (1+z)^5:

(1-z)^5 / (1+z)^5 = 1

Let Z1 = (1-z); (Z1)^5 = (1-z)^5
Z2 = (1+z); (Z2)^5 = (1+z)^5

Work numerator and denominator separately:

(a) Numerator: (Z1)^5 = 1 = (cos(theta) + I sin(theta))
since (Z1)^5 = 1 => (x + iy) is (1+i*0y), thus r = (x^2 +y^2)^1/2 = (1^2 + 0)^1/2 = 1
thus, theta = tan^-1 |y/x| = 0

(Z(1)^5)^1/5 = 1 = ((cos(theta)+2*pi*k) + (i sin(theta) +2*pi*k))^1/5
= ((cos(0)+2*pi*k) + (i sin(0) +2*pi*k))^1/5
= (cos(2*pi*k) + i sin(2*pi*k))^1/5

Z(1) = 1 = (cos(2*pi*k/5) + i sin(2*pi*k/5) = e^(i*(2*pi*k/5)

k=0, (cos(2*pi*0/5) + i sin(2*pi*0/5) = e^(i*2*pi*0/5) = e^(0) = 1
k=1, (cos(2*pi*1/5) + i sin(2*pi*1/5) = e^(i*2*pi*1/5) = e^(i*2*pi/5) = w(1)

Let set: e^(i*2*pi/5) = w, then:

k=2, (cos(2*pi*2/5) + i sin(2*pi*2/5) = e^(i*2*pi*2/5) = e^(i*4*pi/5) = w(1)^2
k=3, (cos(2*pi*3/5) + i sin(2*pi*3/5) = e^(i*(2*pi*3/5) = e^(i*6*pi/5) = w(1)^3
k=4, (cos(2*pi*4/5) + i sin(2*pi*4/5) = e^(i*(2*pi*4/5) = e^(i*8*pi/5) = w(1)^4

(b) Denominator: similar work. Z(2) = 1, w(2), w(2)^2, w(2)^3, w(2)^4

Substitute back to (Z1)^5 / (Z2)^5 = (1-z)^5 / (1+z)^5 =

= (1, w(1), w(1)^2, w(1)^3, w(1)^4) / (1, w(2), w(2)^2, w(3)^3, w(4)^4)


I don’t know what the necessary steps that need to take, at all possible would you please guide me through. Thanks.




Answers are: 0, (w-1)/(w+1), (w^2-1)/(w^2+1), (w^3-1)/(w^3+1), (w^4-1)/(w^4+1),
 
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I think you're making this far too hard for yourself. Clearly z=0 is a solution, so expand using the binomial theorem.
 
Or try using

\frac{(1-z)^5}{(1+z)^5} = \left(\frac{1-z}{1+z}\right)^5 = 1
 
Revised:
Divide both side by (1+z)^5, gives (1-z)^5 / (1+z)^5 = [(1-z) / (1+z)]^5=1
Let capital Z = [(1-z) /(1+z )], thus Z^5 = [(1-z) /(1+z)]^5 =1
Z^5 = 1 = (x + i*y) is (1+i*0y),
r = (x^2 +y^2)^1/2 = (1^2 + 0)^1/2 = 1
(theta) = tan^(-1) |y/x| =0.

z = r* e^(i*(theta))

[Z^5]^1/5 = 1^1/5 = 1*(cos(theta) + i*sin(theta))^1/5
[Z^5]^1/5 = 1 = ((cos(theta)+2*pi*k) + (i*sin(theta) +2*pi*k))^1/5
= ((cos(0)+2*pi*k) + (i*sin(0) +2*pi*k))^1/5
= (cos(2*pi*k) + i sin(2*pi*k))^1/5
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
When:
k=0, Z(1) = (cos(2*pi*0/5) + i sin(2*pi*0/5) = e^(i*2*pi*0/5) = e^(0) = 1
k=1, Z(2) = (cos(2*pi*1/5) + i sin(2*pi*1/5) = e^(i*2*pi*1/5) = e^(i*2*pi/5) = w(1)

Let set: e^(i*2*pi/5) = w, then:
k=2, Z(3) = (cos(2*pi*2/5) + i sin(2*pi*2/5) = e^(i*2*pi*2/5) = e^(i*4*pi/5) = w^2
k=3, Z(4) = (cos(2*pi*3/5) + i sin(2*pi*3/5) = e^(i*(2*pi*3/5) = e^(i*6*pi/5) = w^3
k=4, Z(5) = (cos(2*pi*4/5) + i sin(2*pi*4/5) = e^(i*(2*pi*4/5) = e^(i*8*pi/5) = w^4

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Back substitute to original equation:
So, Z(1) = 1 Since: [Z] = [(1-z) /(1+z)= 1] = 1, thus = 1-1 = 0
Z(2) = w Since: [Z] = [(1-z) /(1+z)= w] = 1, thus =?

I don’t seem to get the same answers: 0, (w-1)/(w+1), (w^2-1)/(w^2+1), (w^3-1)/(w^3+1), (w^4-1)/(w^4+1). At all possible would you please guide me through the substitution part. Thanks.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
I also tried binomial formula expansion way, add/subtract/factor 2*z out (z=0). Then, used the quadratic equation to solve; answers were (+/-3.077, +/- 0.7280, 0), but not sure this was what professor was looking for.
 
One suggestion: When you're trying to solve Z5=1, do it like this:
Z^5 = 1 = e^{i2\pi k}
where k is an integer, so
Z = (e^{i2\pi k})^{1/5} = e^{i(2\pi/5)k} = w^k
where w=e^{i2\pi/5}. There's no need to break it into real and imaginary parts to solve for Z.

So now you have

\frac{1-z}{1+z} = w^k

Just solve for z using regular algebra.
 
Thank you very much Vela. However, there is one small step left, would you please guide me. Thanks.

(1-z)/(1+z) = 1 => (1-z)= (1+z) => 1-1= 0 <=> 2z=z+z, thus z=0 true.
similar technique:
(1-z)/(1+z)=w => (1-z)= w(1+z) => 0=w+zw-1+z => 0= (w-1)+z(w+1)
Solve for z =-(w-1)/(w+1) => z= (1-w)/(w+1)
However, z= (1-w)/(w+1) is NOT the same as (w-1)/(w+1)
...
...
z= (1-w^4)/(w^4+1) is NOT the same as (w^4-1)/(w^4+1)

 
If you calculate the solutions using both formulas, you'll find you get the same answers, just in a different order. They should also match the solutions you found by expanding the polynomials.

Alternatively, instead of starting with [(1-z)/(1+z)]5=1, you could flip it over and start with [(1+z)/(1-z)]5=1.
 

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