Equating coefficients of complex exponentials

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of equating coefficients of complex exponentials in a given equation involving constants and complex variables. Participants explore the implications of their mathematical manipulations and the correctness of their approaches in the context of theoretical physics.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an equation involving complex variables and constants, seeking to equate coefficients of the terms ##e^{ixt}## and ##e^{-itx^\ast}##.
  • Another participant suggests that the denominator in the fraction must be fully expressed and questions whether it can be split into parts proportional to the respective exponential terms.
  • A subsequent reply indicates that the initial formulation may be incorrect, referencing a mathematical principle regarding the addition of fractions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the correctness of the initial approach to equating coefficients, with some asserting that the method used is flawed.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the manipulation of the denominator and the splitting of the fraction, which may depend on specific assumptions or definitions not fully articulated in the 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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