Find the square roots of a = root3 + root3*i

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the square roots of a complex number expressed in polar form, specifically a = √3 + i√3. Participants explore the representation of this complex number and the implications of its polar coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to express the complex number in polar form and calculate its square roots using the exponential form. Questions arise regarding the correctness of their calculations and the interpretation of the results.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided calculations and expressed confusion about the results, particularly regarding the relationship between the values of z and z². There is an ongoing exploration of the roots and the potential for typographical errors in calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of using proper notation and the potential for errors when using calculators, particularly regarding mode settings (degrees vs. radians). There is also a mention of the need for clarity in the representation of complex numbers.

Shackleford
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I don't recall ever doing this but maybe I have.

z2 = a = p [cos Ψ + i sin Ψ] = √3 + i*√3

p = √6
Ψ = π/4

Using the formula in the notes, z = 61/4 * exp[i*(π/4 + 2π*k)/2], k = 0, 1.
 
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Shackleford said:
I don't recall ever doing this but maybe I have.

z2 = a = p [cos(psi) + i sin(psi)] = root3 + i*root3

p = root6
psi = pi/4

Using the formula in the notes, z = 61/4 * exp[i*(pi/4 + 2pi*k)/2], k = 0, 1.
Do you have a question?

Also, your problem would be much more readable if you used LaTeX or the symbols available from the Advanced Menu, under the ##\Sigma## icon; e.g., √, ψ, and π.
 
When I multiply it out, I get -a.
 
Shackleford said:
When I multiply it out, I get -a.
I don't. What do you get for the two roots of ##\sqrt{6}(cos(\pi/4) + i sin(\pi/4))##?

Note that in polar form, what you're calling a is (##\sqrt{6}, \pi/4##).
 
Mark44 said:
I don't. What do you get for the two roots of ##\sqrt{6}(cos(\pi/4) + i sin(\pi/4))##?

Note that in polar form, what you're calling a is (##\sqrt{6}, \pi/4##).

That's odd. I used my TI-89 to check my work, and it gave me -a. Maybe I had a typo.
 
Shackleford said:
That's odd. I used my TI-89 to check my work, and it gave me -a. Maybe I had a typo.
Possibly, or maybe it's in degree mode when it should be in radian mode.

Either way, this is an easy enough problem that a calculator shouldn't be needed. ##cos(\pi/4) = sin(\pi/4) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \approx .707##

Again, what did you get for the two roots?
 
Mark44 said:
Possibly, or maybe it's in degree mode when it should be in radian mode.

Either way, this is an easy enough problem that a calculator shouldn't be needed. ##cos(\pi/4) = sin(\pi/4) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \approx .707##

Again, what did you get for the two roots?

From the original post, z2 = {61/4*ei*9π/8, 61/4*ei*π/8}
 
Shackleford said:
From the original post, z2 = {61/4*ei*9π/8, 61/4*ei*π/8}
There's your mistake. Those are the correct roots of the equation z2 = ##\sqrt{6}(cos (\pi/4) + i sin (\pi/4))##, but they are values of z, not z2.

If you square each of them, you get ##\sqrt{6}(cos (\pi/4) + i sin (\pi/4))##.
 
Mark44 said:
There's your mistake. Those are the correct roots of the equation z2 = ##\sqrt{6}(cos (\pi/4) + i sin (\pi/4))##, but they are values of z, not z2.

If you square each of them, you get ##\sqrt{6}(cos (\pi/4) + i sin (\pi/4))##.

Ah. For some reason I thought that those were the square roots, not that each of those was a square root. Thanks for the help. My brain is still on vacation. Haha.
 

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