Finding the polar form of a complex number

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the polar form of the complex number -3 - 4j. The correct calculation for the modulus is r = sqrt((-3)^2 + (-4)^2) = 5, not sqrt(7). The argument θ was initially miscalculated as 53.13°, but the correct approach involves using the atan2 function to determine the angle within the range -π < arg(z) ≤ π. The original poster acknowledges the mistake and expresses intent to learn more about the atan2 function for accurate calculations. The conversation highlights the importance of correct angle measurement and the use of appropriate mathematical functions in complex number analysis.
javii
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Homework Statement



upload_2017-3-5_22-32-46.png

Homework Equations


r=sqrt(a^2+b^2)
θ=arg(z)
tan(θ)=b/a

The Attempt at a Solution


for a)[/B]
upload_2017-3-5_22-36-19.png

finding the polar form:
r=sqrt(-3^2+(-4)^2)=sqrt(7)
θ=arg(z)
tan(θ)=-4/-3 = 53.13 °
300-53.13=306.87°

-3-j4=sqrt(7)*(cos(306.87+j306.87)

I don't know if my answer is correct because it is given that -π<arg(z)<=π
 

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javii said:
tan(θ)=-4/-3 = 53.13 °
Is indeed the wrong answer. The second = sign makes no sense. You probably mean to say $$ \tan\theta = {-4\over -3}\ \ \Rightarrow \ \ \theta = 53.13^\circ$$but that is not correct. To satisfy
javii said:
-π<arg(z)<=π
and to not fold everything back to the range ##(-\pi/2 , \pi/2]## the atan2 function was 'invented'.
Your 300-53.13=306.87° (an alternative answer ?) doesn't satisfy "-π<arg(z)<=π, not even if converted to radians.

And to top it all up, ##3^2+4^2 \ne 7## !

So it's back to the drawing board, I'm afraid...:wideeyed:

Not much help (except the reference to atan2, perhaps), but with your drawing at hand I'm pretty confident you can manage on your own and that's much better.
 
BvU said:
tanθ=−4−3 ⇒ θ=53.13∘tan⁡θ=−4−3 ⇒ θ=53.13∘​
Yes, that was what I meant.

BvU said:
32+42≠732+42≠73^2+4^2 \ne 7 !
my bad its equal 25, meaning r = 5.

I will try to read about atan2, to be honest I didn't knew about it. Thank you
 
javii said:

Homework Statement



View attachment 114125

Homework Equations


r=sqrt(a^2+b^2)
θ=arg(z)
tan(θ)=b/a

The Attempt at a Solution


for a)[/B]
View attachment 114128
finding the polar form:
r=sqrt(-3^2+(-4)^2)=sqrt(7)
θ=arg(z)
tan(θ)=-4/-3 = 53.13 °
300-53.13=306.87°

-3-j4=sqrt(7)*(cos(306.87+j306.87)

I don't know if my answer is correct because it is given that -π<arg(z)<=π

(1) Why are you using degrees when the question expresses angles in radians?
(2) In your computation 300-53.13, where does the 300 come from?
 
Ray Vickson said:
(2) In your computation 300-53.13, where does the 300 come from?
Pretty clearly, it's a typo, where the OP typed 300, but meant 360.
javii said:
300-53.13=306.87°
 
Mark44 said:
Pretty clearly, it's a typo, where the OP typed 300, but meant 360.

OK, then: but where does the 360 come from?
 
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