Explaining the Simplification of a Complex Fraction with Integer n

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of a complex fraction involving an integer variable \( n \) and exponential functions. Participants are examining the transformation of a specific expression into a different form, questioning the validity of the steps taken in the simplification process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the relationship between exponential functions and trigonometric identities, particularly how \( e^{i \pi n} \) can be expressed in terms of cosine and sine. There are questions regarding the signs and factors in the simplification process, particularly the role of \( (-1)^n \) and the order of terms in the exponential expressions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing insights into the mathematical properties involved, while others express confusion about specific aspects of the simplification. There is a focus on clarifying the reasoning behind the transformation of the original expression.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available for discussion. The nature of the problem involves complex numbers and exponential functions, which adds to the complexity of the simplification being analyzed.

leopard
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Can somebody explain why

[tex]\frac{-1}{(2 \pi )(2+in)}[e^{- \pi (2 + in)} - e^{\pi (2 + in)}][/tex]

can be written

[tex]\frac{(-1)^n}{2+in} \cdot \frac{e^{2 \pi} - e^{-2 \pi}}{2 \pi}[/tex]

where n is an integer?
 
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E.g. e^(pi*(2+i*n))=e^(2*pi)*e^(i*pi*n). e^(i*pi*n)=cos(pi*n)+i*sin(pi*n). sin(pi*n)=0. cos(pi*n)=(-1)^n. That sort of thing.
 
I still don't understand why it's

[tex]\frac{(-1)^n}{2+in} \frac{e^{2 \pi} - e^{-2 \pi}}{2 \pi}[/tex]

and not

[tex]\frac{-(-1)^n}{2+in} \frac{e^{2 \pi} - e^{-2 \pi}}{2 \pi}[/tex]
 
leopard said:
I still don't understand why it's

[tex]\frac{(-1)^n}{2+in} \frac{e^{2 \pi} - e^{-2 \pi}}{2 \pi}[/tex]

and not

[tex]\frac{-(-1)^n}{2+in} \frac{e^{2 \pi} - e^{-2 \pi}}{2 \pi}[/tex]

Because it's not. If you do it carefully you'll see that they used the (-1) to flip the order of e^(-2pi)-e^(2pi) into e^(2pi)-e^(-2pi).
 

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