Elementary Complex Number Problems

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on solving elementary complex number problems, specifically calculating magnitudes and arguments of complex numbers. Users discuss methods for finding the argument of complex numbers such as $-2\sqrt{3}-2i$ and $-\frac{1}{2}$, emphasizing the importance of using polar coordinates and logarithmic definitions. The correct argument for $-\frac{1}{2}$ is established as $\pi$, while users also explore the magnitude of expressions like $|\frac{i(2+i)^3}{(1-i)^2}|$ without expanding the numerator, suggesting conversion to polar form as an effective strategy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Complex number representation in polar form
  • Understanding of the logarithmic function in complex analysis
  • Knowledge of trigonometric identities for calculating angles
  • Familiarity with the properties of magnitudes and arguments of complex numbers
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to convert complex numbers to polar form effectively
  • Study the properties of the complex logarithm and its applications
  • Explore trigonometric identities for solving complex number arguments
  • Practice calculating magnitudes and arguments of various complex expressions
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Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focusing on complex analysis, as well as anyone seeking to improve their problem-solving skills with complex numbers.

nacho-man
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1.
$|\frac{i(2+i)^3}{(1-i)^2}|$

Is there any way to complete this without expanding the numerator?2. what is the argument of $ -2\sqrt{3}-2i$
I got $r=4$

then
$\cos\theta_1 $ $= \frac{-2}{\sqrt{3}{4}}$ and $-2=4\sin\theta_2$
$\theta_1 = \pi - \frac{\pi}{6} = 5\frac{\pi}{6}$ and
$\theta_2 = \frac{-\pi}{6}$
so
Arg = $4cis(\frac{-\pi}{3})$ which is wrong according to my solutions and it should be $\frac{-5\pi}{6}$

where did i go wrong?


2. what is the method of finding the argument of -1/2.

so $z = -\frac{1}{2}$
and $r = \frac{1}{2}$

to solve for theta, i always get confused here.

i let
$-\frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{2}\cos\theta_{1}$ and $-\frac{1}{2}=\frac{1}{2}\sin\theta_{2}$ and solve

usually my $\theta_{2}$ ends up being wrong due to some error i make in the range. What would I do from here, being as meticulous and thorough in my working as possible?
in this example, i made no mistake.
i will edit this section with a question i get wrong, of similar fashion.
Thanks.
 
Last edited:
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Re: elementary problems

nacho said:
2. what is the method of finding the argument of -1/2.

In my opinion the 'good definition' of $\displaystyle \text{arg}\ z$ is the following...

$\displaystyle \text{arg}\ z = \mathcal{Im} (\ln z)\ (1)$

On the basis of (1) is...

ln (- 1/2) - Wolfram|Alpha

$\displaystyle \text{arg}\ (- \frac{1}{2}) = \pi\ (2)$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
Re: elementary problems

how would i find the argument of
$(1-i)(-\sqrt{3} + i)$
I get $r = 2\sqrt{2}$

but when solving for theta i get stuck because it gives:

$ \frac{\sqrt{3}+1}{2\sqrt{2}} = \cos\theta$ which i cannot solve.
 
Re: elementary problems

nacho said:
how would i find the argument of
$(1-i)(-\sqrt{3} + i)$
I get $r = 2\sqrt{2}$

but when solving for theta i get stuck because it gives:

$ \frac{\sqrt{3}+1}{2\sqrt{2}} = \cos\theta$ which i cannot solve.

Also in this case 'Monster Wolfram' works excellently!...

ln [(1 - i)/(i - sqrt(3))] - Wolfram|Alpha

$\displaystyle \text{Im}\ (\ln \frac{1-i}{i - \sqrt{3}}) = \frac{11}{12}\ \pi\ (1)$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
we are not expected to solve these by hand?
 
nacho said:
1.
$|\frac{i(2+i)^3}{(1-i)^2}|$

Is there any way to complete this without expanding the numerator?

Yes, convert to polars.
 
nacho said:
1.
$|\frac{i(2+i)^3}{(1-i)^2}|$
Is there any way to complete this without expanding the numerator?

\left| {\frac{{i{{(2 + i)}^3}}}{{{{(1 - i)}^2}}}} \right| = \frac{{|i||2 + i{|^3}}}{{|1 - i{|^2}}}
 
Plato said:
\left| {\frac{{i{{(2 + i)}^3}}}{{{{(1 - i)}^2}}}} \right| = \frac{{|i||2 + i{|^3}}}{{|1 - i{|^2}}}

I just wasn't sure how to proceed with the $|(2+i)|^3$ term.
would i need expand the entire term or?
 
Re: elementary problems

chisigma said:
In my opinion the 'good definition' of $\displaystyle \text{arg}\ z$ is the following...

$\displaystyle \text{arg}\ z = \mathcal{Im} (\ln z)\ (1)$

On the basis of (1) is...

ln (- 1/2) - Wolfram|Alpha

$\displaystyle \text{arg}\ (- \frac{1}{2}) = \pi\ (2)$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

I think what is meant by argument is finding the angle $$\theta$$ of the complex number vector with the x-axis.
 
  • #10
nacho said:
I just wasn't sure how to proceed with the $|(2+i)|^3$ term.
would i need expand the entire term or?

$$|2+i|=\sqrt{5}$$ so $$|2+i|^3=\sqrt{5}^3$$
 

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