Express the following in the form of a Complex Number

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves expressing a wave function in the form of a complex number, specifically x = Re [Ae^iαe^iwt], where the original expression includes a phase constant. The context is within a waves class, focusing on the application of Euler's formula and complex numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the transformation of trigonometric expressions into complex exponential form using Euler's formula. There are attempts to combine terms and questions about how to derive the complex amplitude and angle from the expressions. One participant suggests a trigonometric approach to rewriting the expression.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring different methods to express the wave function as a complex number. Some have made progress in calculating the complex amplitude and angle, while others are seeking clarification on the implications of their results and the definitions involved.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a previous problem that lacked a phase constant, which may influence the participants' understanding and approach to this problem. Additionally, there are references to Cartesian and polar coordinates in relation to complex numbers.

Minhq604
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Homework Statement


For my waves class, I have to do this problem. I've previously completed a question like this except there was no phase constant (∏/4) in that question.
Express the following in the form x = Re [Ae^i\alphae^iwt
x=cos(wt + ∏/4) - sin(wt)


Homework Equations



euler's formula e^iwt = cos(wt) + isin(wt)
complex amplitude = √A2+B2
complex angle = tan \alpha = y/x

The Attempt at a Solution



I know that cos(wt + ∏/4) = Re [e^i(wt + ∏/4)] and -sin(wt) = Re [ie^iwt]

combining these two, i have Re [e^i(wt + ∏/4) + ie^iwt] which, after factoring, becomes
Re [e^iwt (e^i∏/4 + i)]

My problem is, what do i do with the e^i∏/4 to get the complex amplitude and complex angle? In my previous problem without the ∏/4 shift, i was able to plot in Cartesian coordinates I am vs Re and successfully convert to polar coordinates. Help?
 
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##e^{i \pi/4}## is a complex number. So is ##e^{i \pi/4} + i##. Find it, then represent it as ## A e^{i\alpha}##.
 
How about changing your x into x = Acos(x + ψ)? Just high school trig.
 
Last edited:
so i made the e^i\pi/4 into cos(\pi/4)+sin(\pi/4) by using eulers formula. Now i calculated the complex amplitude to be √2.414. and the complex angle to be 35.26 degrees or 0.6155 rad. The answer i get is x = Re [√2.414 e^i0.6155t e^iwt ] is this correct?
 
Minhq604 said:
so i made the e^i\pi/4 into cos(\pi/4)+sin(\pi/4) by using eulers formula. Now i calculated the complex amplitude to be √2.414.

This is the complex amplitude of what?
 

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