How Do You Simplify This Complex Absolute Value Expression?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around simplifying a complex absolute value expression involving exponential terms. The original expression is \[\left[\left|(\alpha + k)^{2}e^{-2i \alpha a} - (\alpha - k)^{2}e^{2i \alpha a}\right|\right]^{2}. The key insight shared is that the absolute value of the exponential term simplifies to 1, which aids in the overall simplification. The final simplified form of the expression is \((\alpha + k)^{4} + (\alpha - k)^{4} - (\alpha^{2} - k^{2})^{2}(e^{4i \alpha a} + e^{-4i \alpha a})\). The original poster successfully resolved the complexity of the problem.
FlufferNuterFSU
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Homework Statement



I need to simplify the expression below. The absolute value is throwing me off

<br /> \left[\left|(\alpha + k)^{2}e^{-2i \alpha a} - (\alpha - k)^{2}e^{2i \alpha a}\right|\right]^{2}<br />

Homework Equations



I know \left|e^{ix}\right| = 1

The Attempt at a Solution



I know this eventually simplifies to:
<br /> (\alpha + k)^{4} + (\alpha - k)^{4} - (\alpha^{2} - k^{2})^{2}(e^{4i \alpha a} + e^{-4i \alpha a})<br />
 
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Don't worry about it. I figured it out.
 
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