Finding Complex Roots: Poles of $ \frac{1}{{z^4}+4} $, {z: |z-1| LE 2}

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the complex roots (poles) of the function $ \frac{1}{{z^4}+4} $ within the region defined by {z: |z-1| ≤ 2}. Participants explore methods for determining these roots, including the use of exponential forms and comparisons with known mathematical tests.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the existence of a complex equivalent to the rational roots test for polynomials with both real and complex roots.
  • Another participant provides a method for finding the fourth roots of $-4$ using the exponential form, suggesting that the roots are $z = \sqrt{2}e^{i(2k+1)\pi/4}$.
  • There is a discrepancy noted by a participant regarding the poles calculated as $ \pm\sqrt{2}, \pm\sqrt{2}i $ versus the expected answer of $ \pm1 \pm i $.
  • A participant seeks clarification on the choice of starting value in the exponential formula, specifically why $\pi$ is used instead of $0$ when representing $-4$ in polar form.
  • Another participant acknowledges the helpfulness of the exercises linked by Fernando, which utilize a similar formula for finding roots.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct calculation of the poles, with at least one participant providing an alternative method that leads to a different set of roots. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct interpretation of the roots.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the polar representation of complex numbers and the implications of using different starting angles in the exponential form, indicating a potential area of confusion or misinterpretation that has not been fully clarified.

ognik
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I think I'm a bit rusty here, started with finding poles for $ \frac{1}{{z^4}+4} $, {z: |z-1| LE 2}

1) Out of interest, is there a complex equivalent of the rational roots test? The above function is obvious, but for a poly that has both real and complex roots?

2) I am using the exponential form to find roots, ie for n roots, $ {z}_{k+1} = r^{-n}e^{i(\frac{\theta}{n} + k\frac{2\pi}{n})}, k=0,\pm1,\pm2...\pm(n-1) $ - is this formula correct? Is there a better way?

3) Using the above, $ (\theta = 0) $, I get the 4 poles to be $ {z}_{k+1} = \sqrt{2}e^{i( k\frac{2\pi}{n})} = \pm\sqrt{2}, \pm\sqrt{2}i $, but the answer given is $ \pm1 \pm i $, can anyone see what I'm doing wrong?
 
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If $z^4+4 = 0$ then $z^4 = -4 = 4e^{i\pi}$. The fourth roots are given by $z = \sqrt2e^{i(2k+1)\pi/4}$.
 
Also, it can be useful the exersise 5 b) here.
 
Thanks both.

Fernando, the useful exercises you linked to, uses basically the same formula I had (although in CIS form) - except for the starting value, where they use pi - please tell me why pi and not 0?
 
ognik said:
Fernando, the useful exercises you linked to, uses basically the same formula I had (although in CIS form) - except for the starting value, where they use pi - please tell me why pi and not 0?
Take into accont that $4=4(\cos 0+i\sin 0)$ and $-4=4(\cos \pi +i\sin \pi).$
 
Of course, I should have thought of that myself, thanks Fernando.

(May I ask if you wouldn't mind having a look at an earlier post please - http://mathhelpboards.com/analysis-50/find-coefficiant-laurent-series-without-using-residue-15997.html)
 
Last edited:

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