How to Solve Complex Number Equations with Modulus and Argument?

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The discussion revolves around solving complex number equations involving modulus and argument. For part a, the modulus of the expression 6^(1/2) + 2^(1/2)i is calculated as 8^(1/2), and the principal argument is found to be pi/6. In part b, the equation z^(3/4) = 6^(1/2) + 2^(1/2)i is transformed using de Moivre's theorem, leading to z = 4(cos(4pi/18 + 8kpi/3) + isin(4pi/18 + 8kpi/3). The user encounters difficulties in determining the correct values for k, particularly when k=1 results in an argument greater than pi, indicating a potential error in their calculations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly applying the principles of complex numbers to find all solutions.
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Homework Statement



a) Find the modulus and argument of 6^(1/2) + 2^(1/2)i

b) Solve the equation z^(3/4) = 6^(1/2) + 2^(1/2)i


Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



For part a) i used Pythagoras to find the modulus.

( (6^(1/2))^2 + (2^(1/2))^2 )^(1/2) = (6 + 2)^(1/2) = 8^(1/2)

and to find the principle argument of z i said arctan(2^(1/2)/6^(1/2) = pi/6

I assume this is correct.

for part b)

z^(3/4) = 6^(1/2) + 2^(1/2)i

Then

z^(3/4) = 8^(1/2)(cos(pi/6 + 2kpi) +isin(pi/6 + 2kpi))

Then raising the R.H.S of the Equation to 4/3 to get z and Then using de Moivre's theorem.

therefore z = 4(cos(4pi/18 + 8kpi/3) +isin(4pi/18 + 8kpi/3))


This is where i am stuck. As k \in Z i can get a value of theta which is contained within
-pi < theta <= pi when k = 0.
if i assign a value of 1 to K then i get a value of \vartheta which is greater than pi.
the answer i get when K = 0 is wrong and there are 3 solutions. So i must be doing something wrong elsewhere.

I'm sorry in advance if i have made a silly error.
 
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HMPARTICLE said:

Homework Statement



a) Find the modulus and argument of 6^(1/2) + 2^(1/2)i

b) Solve the equation z^(3/4) = 6^(1/2) + 2^(1/2)i


Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



For part a) i used Pythagoras to find the modulus.

( (6^(1/2))^2 + (2^(1/2))^2 )^(1/2) = (6 + 2)^(1/2) = 8^(1/2)

and to find the principle argument of z i said arctan(2^(1/2)/6^(1/2) = pi/6

I assume this is correct.

for part b)

z^(3/4) = 6^(1/2) + 2^(1/2)i

Then

z^(3/4) = 8^(1/2)(cos(pi/6 + 2kpi) +isin(pi/6 + 2kpi))

Then raising the R.H.S of the Equation to 4/3 to get z and Then using de Moivre's theorem.

therefore z = 4(cos(4pi/18 + 8kpi/3) +isin(4pi/18 + 8kpi/3))


This is where i am stuck. As k \in Z i can get a value of theta which is contained within
-pi < theta <= pi when k = 0.
if i assign a value of 1 to K then i get a value of \vartheta which is greater than pi.
the answer i get when K = 0 is wrong and there are 3 solutions. So i must be doing something wrong elsewhere.

I'm sorry in advance if i have made a silly error.
Hi!

I want to focus first on your result for k=0. It looks right to me. What value are you supposed to get ? (this may be a silly comment but if you calculated a numerical value, were you in radians?)
 
ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1410375999.969665.jpg


The answer 7b are the values I should be getting :/
 
HMPARTICLE said:
z^(3/4) = 8^(1/2)(cos(pi/6 + 2kpi) +isin(pi/6 + 2kpi))

Then raising the R.H.S of the Equation to 4/3 to get z and Then using de Moivre's theorem.

therefore z = 4(cos(4pi/18 + 8kpi/3) +isin(4pi/18 + 8kpi/3))


This is where i am stuck. As k \in Z i can get a value of theta which is contained within
-pi < theta <= pi when k = 0.
if i assign a value of 1 to K then i get a value of \vartheta which is greater than pi.
the answer i get when K = 0 is wrong and there are 3 solutions. So i must be doing something wrong elsewhere.

I'm sorry in advance if i have made a silly error.

First rise the equation to power 4. You get z3. Then take the third roots of the number with k=0.
 

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