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

  • Thread starter Thread starter Shackleford
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Roots Square
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the square roots of the complex number a = √3 + i√3, expressed in polar form as z² = p[cos(Ψ) + i sin(Ψ)], where p = √6 and Ψ = π/4. Participants clarify the correct application of the formula for square roots in polar coordinates, leading to the roots being z = √6 * exp[i(π/4 + 2πk)/2] for k = 0, 1. There is confusion regarding the notation, with one participant mistakenly identifying the roots as z² instead of z. Ultimately, the correct roots are confirmed as √6(cos(π/4) + i sin(π/4)), emphasizing the importance of accurate notation and understanding in complex number calculations.
Shackleford
Messages
1,649
Reaction score
2
Member warned about not using the homework template
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.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
Back
Top