Is e^{\pi i} equal to -1 or -e^{-2k\pi^{2}}?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the expression e^{\pi i} and its potential values, specifically whether it equals -1 or -e^{-2k\pi^{2}}. The subject area includes complex analysis and properties of exponential functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of the complex exponential function and its values, questioning the nature of e^{\pi i} and discussing the conditions for a function to be invertible.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications on LaTeX formatting and engaged in a dialogue about the invertibility of the complex exponential function. There is an ongoing examination of the original poster's reasoning and the breakdown of their argument.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of integer values for k in the context of the exponential function and its periodicity. There is also a focus on the requirements for a function to have an inverse, particularly in relation to the complex exponential.

endeavor
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1. Compute all the values of e^ {\pi i}, indicating clearly whether there is just one or many of them.

Trivially, exp(pi * i) = -1. However, we can also consider e to be the complex number z, and pi * i to be the complex number alpha. Then we get:

e^{\pi i} = z^{\alpha} = e^{\alpha log(z)}<br /> = e^{\alpha (Log |z| + i arg(z))}<br /> = e^{\pi i (Log |e| + i arg(e))}<br /> = e^{\pi i (1 + i2k\pi)}<br /> = e^{\pi i}e^{-2\pi^{2}k}<br /> = - e^{-2\pi^{2}k}<br />
where k is an integer.

So what exactly is going on here? does exp(pi*i) = -1 or -exp(-2kpi^2)??

P.S. I hope all this tex doesn't mess up :(
 
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something is wrong with LaTeX... it isn't displaying my tex right...
 
Fixed your LaTeX.
endeavor said:
1. Compute all the values of e^ {\pi i}, indicating clearly whether there is just one or many of them.

Trivially, exp(pi * i) = -1. However, we can also consider e to be the complex number z, and pi * i to be the complex number alpha. Then we get:

e^{\pi i} = z^{\alpha} = e^{\alpha log(z)}<br /> = e^{\alpha (Log |z| + i arg(z))}<br /> = e^{\pi i (Log |e| + i arg(e))}<br /> = e^{\pi i (1 + i2k\pi)}<br /> = e^{\pi i}e^{-2\pi^{2}k}<br /> = - e^{-2\pi^{2}k}<br />
where k is an integer.

So what exactly is going on here? does exp(pi*i) = -1 or -exp(-2kpi^2)??

P.S. I hope all this tex doesn't mess up :(
 
Is the complex exponential function invertible? (What is required for a function to have an inverse?)
 
NeoDevin said:
Is the complex exponential function invertible? (What is required for a function to have an inverse?)

The function must be 1-1, right?
 
endeavor said:
The function must be 1-1, right?

Correct. Does the complex exponential satisfy this?
 
NeoDevin said:
Correct. Does the complex exponential satisfy this?

Sorry, I misread your first question. So, no, the complex exponential is not an invertible function. Where does my initial post break down then?
 
endeavor said:
Sorry, I misread your first question. So, no, the complex exponential is not an invertible function. Where does my initial post break down then?

When you tried to invert it.
 

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