Equating coefficients of complex exponentials

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on equating coefficients of complex exponentials in a given equation involving constants C, D, E, a, b, and X. The user presents an ansatz for the wave function, ψ_n, expressed in terms of complex exponentials. The main conclusion is that the user must correctly handle the denominator when equating coefficients, as the simplification of fractions does not hold true in this context, specifically highlighting that the expression for the denominator must be fully expanded to maintain accuracy in the equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex analysis and complex exponentials
  • Familiarity with differential equations and wave functions
  • Knowledge of mathematical manipulation of fractions and coefficients
  • Experience with ansatz methods in physics or applied mathematics
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  • Study the method of equating coefficients in differential equations
  • Learn about the implications of complex functions in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the properties of complex exponentials and their applications
  • Investigate the correct handling of fractions in algebraic expressions
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Mathematicians, physicists, and engineering students who are working with complex functions, differential equations, or quantum mechanics will benefit from this discussion.

AtoZ
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I have an equation that looks like

##i\dot{\psi_n}=X~\psi_n+\frac{C~\psi_n+D~a~\psi^\ast_{n+1}+E~b~\psi_{n+1}}{1+\beta~(D~\psi^\ast_{n+1}+E~\psi_{n+1})}##

where ##E,b,D,a,C,X## are constants. I have the ansatz

##\psi_n=A_n~e^{ixt}+B^\ast_n~e^{-itx^\ast}##, ##x## and ##A_n,B_n## are complex. I have to equate coefficients of ##e^{ixt}## and ##e^{-itx^\ast}##, I get

##-xA_n~e^{ixt}+x^*B^\ast_n~e^{-itx^*}=\left[X~(A_n~e^{ixt}+B^\ast_n~e^{-itx^\ast})+\frac{C~(A_n~e^{ixt}+B^\ast_n~e^{-itx^\ast})+D~a~(A_{n+1}^*~e^{-itx^*}+B_{n+1}~e^{ixt})+E~b~(A_{n+1}~e^{ixt}+B^*_{n+1}~e^{-itx^*})}{1+\beta~[D~(A_{n+1}^*~e^{-itx^*}+B_{n+1}~e^{ixt})+E~(A_{n+1}~e^{ixt}+B^*_{n+1}~e^{-itx^*})]}\right]##

Now to equate coefficients of say ##e^{ixt}##, I get

##-xA_n=XA_n+\frac{C~A_n+D~a~B_{n+1}+E~b~A_{n+1}}{1+\beta(D~B_{n+1}+E~A_{n+1})}## is true? or the denominator has to be written in full?
 
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AtoZ said:
or the denominator has to be written in full?
Even worse, you'll have to split the fraction properly into one part proportional to ##e^{ixt}## and one proportional to ##e^{itx^*}##, if this is possible at all.
 
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means the one I wrote is incorrect?
 
Yes.

##\frac{a+b}{c+d} \neq \frac a c + \frac b d##
 
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