How to Solve Complex Number Equations with Modulus and Argument?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving complex number equations involving modulus and argument, specifically focusing on the expression 6^(1/2) + 2^(1/2)i and the equation z^(3/4) = 6^(1/2) + 2^(1/2)i.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the modulus and argument using Pythagorean methods and arctangent functions. There is an exploration of applying de Moivre's theorem to find solutions for z.

Discussion Status

Some participants express uncertainty about their results, particularly regarding the values obtained for different integers k. There is an indication of multiple interpretations being explored, especially concerning the range of the argument and the number of solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential errors in their calculations and the need to ensure that angles are in radians. There is mention of homework constraints and the requirement to find multiple solutions for the equation.

HMPARTICLE
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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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