Find Roots of sin z: Solutions & Explanations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding all the zeros of the complex sine function, sin z, with a focus on both the analytical approach using trigonometric identities and the exponential form. Participants explore the implications of their findings and clarify the representation of roots in complex and real contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation sin z = sin(x+iy) and derives roots based on the conditions sin(x)cosh(y) = 0 and cos(x)sinh(y) = 0.
  • Another participant points out that the notation for the roots as (0, nπ) is misleading and suggests that it should be expressed as nπ where n is an integer.
  • There is a correction regarding the formula for sin z, with a participant stating it should be sin z = (1/2i)(e^(iz) - e^(-iz)).
  • A participant expresses confusion about the representation of roots and seeks clarification on how to properly denote them in different contexts, particularly in relation to multi-variable equations.
  • Another participant clarifies that in the context of complex numbers, roots can be represented as nπ + 0i or simply nπ, while in real equations, roots can be represented as (nπ, 0).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for clarity in notation and representation of roots, but there are differing views on the correct formulation of the sine function and the implications of their findings. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best way to express roots in various mathematical contexts.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made about the notation and the definitions of roots in complex versus real contexts. The discussion also highlights the complexity of dealing with multi-valued functions in complex analysis.

ognik
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Looking for someone to check my working & answers please. Problem is 'find all the zeros of sin z'

A) sin z = sin(x+iy) = sin(x)cosh(y) + i cos(x)sinh(y)
Roots are when sin(x)cosh(y) = 0 = cos(x)sinh(y)

$If \: sinh(y)=0, then \: cosh(y)=1 \: (cosh^2 - sinh^2=1) $
$ \therefore sin(x) = 0, \therefore x = n\pi, n=0,\pm1,\pm2 ... $
$ y = arcsinh(0) = 0 $
$ \therefore $ 1st root is $ (0,n\pi) $

B) I also would like to do it using exponents:
$ sin z = \frac{1}{2i}\left(e^{z}-e^{-z}\right) $
$ \therefore \left(e^{z}-e^{-z}\right) = 0 $
$ \therefore e^{z} = e^{-z}, \: \therefore x+iy = -(x+iy)$
This just gives x = 0 = y which seems trivial?
Thanks in advance.
 
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ognik said:
Looking for someone to check my working & answers please. Problem is 'find all the zeros of sin z'

A) sin z = sin(x+iy) = sin(x)cosh(y) + i cos(x)sinh(y)
Roots are when sin(x)cosh(y) = 0 = cos(x)sinh(y)

$If \: sinh(y)=0, then \: cosh(y)=1 \: (cosh^2 - sinh^2=1) $
$ \therefore sin(x) = 0, \therefore x = n\pi, n=0,\pm1,\pm2 ... $
$ y = arcsinh(0) = 0 $
$ \therefore $ 1st root is $ (0,n\pi) $

B) I also would like to do it using exponents:
$ sin z = \frac{1}{2i}\left(e^{z}-e^{-z}\right) $
$ \therefore \left(e^{z}-e^{-z}\right) = 0 $
$ \therefore e^{z} = e^{-z}, \: \therefore x+iy = -(x+iy)$
This just gives x = 0 = y which seems trivial?
Thanks in advance.

Hi ognik,

(A) is fine, although saying the 1st root is $ (0,n\pi) $ isn't proper.
It should say something like "the roots are $n\pi$ where $n$ is an integer".
That's because it's not only the 1st root, but all roots.
And $ (0,n\pi) $ either denotes the open interval from $0$ to $n\pi$, or the point with x-coordinate $0$ and y-coordinate $n\pi$.
Neither is a root.I'm afraid that in (B) the formula for $\sin z$ is wrong.
It should be $ \sin z = \frac{1}{2i}\left(e^{iz}-e^{-iz}\right) $

Continuing, we get:
$$ e^{i(x+iy)} = e^{-i(x+iy)} $$
Now, when dealing with complex numbers, we can't just take the natural logarithm, because it is a multivalued function.
Properly, we need to account for the fact that the function $e^{ix}$ has a period of $2\pi$, which results in:
$$ i(x+iy) = -i(x+iy + 2\pi n)
\Rightarrow x+iy = -x -iy - 2\pi n
\Rightarrow 2(x + \pi n) + 2iy = 0
\Rightarrow x = -\pi n \wedge y = 0
$$
 
Thanks ILS, again a careless mistake :-(

I am still coming to terms with some of the variable meanings in math, I had intended $ (n \pi, 0) $ to represent the values (x, y), not an interval or coordinate; so should I rather have said the roots are $ n \pi + i0, n=0, \pm1,... $?
Then - if we were talking about the roots of a multi-varied (say x,y,z), real equation - how would I properly write the roots?
 
Last edited:
ognik said:
Thanks ILS, again a careless mistake :-(

I am still coming to terms with some of the variable meanings in math, I had intended $ (n \pi, 0) $ to represent the values (x, y), not an interval or coordinate; so should I rather have said the roots are $ n \pi + 0i, n=0, \pm1,... $?
Then - if we were talking about the roots of a multi-varied (say x,y,z), real equation - how would I properly write the roots?

In an equation with real $x,y,z$, we have roots that are elements of $\mathbb R^3$. Those elements are represented with $(x,y,z)$.
In an equation with complex numbers $z \in \mathbb C$ the roots are indeed like $ n \pi + i0$ or just $n\pi$.
In an equation with real $x,y$, we can have roots like $(n\pi, 0)$, which are elements of $\mathbb R^2$.

So your equation $\sin z = 0$ has roots $n\pi$, while the equation $\sin(x+iy)=0$ has roots $(n\pi, 0)$.
 

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