Is It Possible to Prove the Complex Number Challenge?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the proof of the equation $\arg[(a+bi)(c+di)]=\arg(a+bi)+\arg(c+di)$, focusing on the complexities of the argument function in the context of complex numbers. Participants explore the implications of using the principal argument and the multivalued nature of the argument function.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the equation holds, while others challenge this by noting the multivalued nature of the argument function.
  • There is a suggestion that the principal argument is intended, which leads to further discussion about its implications.
  • One participant points out that the proposition cannot hold if either complex number is zero, even with the convention that $\arg(0) = 0$.
  • Another participant argues that the result is false if the principal value is insisted upon, as the left and right sides can differ by $2\pi$.
  • Examples are requested to clarify how the discrepancy of $2\pi$ can occur.
  • A participant mentions that the complex exponential relates sums of angles to products of unit complex numbers, highlighting the non-injective nature of the function.
  • Some participants express confusion about the topic and acknowledge the complexities involved in understanding these concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; multiple competing views remain regarding the validity of the equation and the implications of using the principal argument.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the argument function, particularly in relation to its multivalued nature and the treatment of zero as a complex number.

Greg
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Prove that $\arg[(a+bi)(c+di)]=\arg(a+bi)+\arg(c+di)$.
 
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greg1313 said:
Prove that $\arg[(a+bi)(c+di)]=\arg(a+bi)+\arg(c+di)$.

we have $(a+bi)(c+di) = (ac - db) + (bc + ad)i$
hence $\arg[(a+bi)(c+di)] = \arg (ac - db) + (bc + ad)i$
or $\arg[(a+bi)(c+di)] = \arctan (\frac{bc + ad}{ac-db})$
$= \arctan (\frac{\frac{b}{a}+ \frac{d}{c}}{1 - \frac{b}{a}\frac{d}{c}})$
$= \arctan (\tan ( \arctan(\frac{b}{a}) + \arctan(\frac{d}{c}))$
$= \arctan(\frac{b}{a}) + \arctan(\frac{d}{c})$
$=\arg(a+bi)+\arg(c+di)$.
 
Last edited:
Let $z_1 = a + bi$ and $z_2 = c + di$. Express these complex numbers in polar form as:
$$z_1 = r_1 e^{i \theta_1}$$
$$z_2 = r_2 e^{i \theta_2}$$
By simple complex multiplication:
$$z_1 z_2 = r_1 e^{i \theta_1} r_2 e^{i \theta_2} = r_1 r_2 e^{i \left ( \theta_1 + \theta_2 \right )}$$
It follows by definition of the complex argument that:
$$\mathrm{arg} ~ z_1 = \theta_1$$
$$\mathrm{arg} ~ z_2 = \theta_2$$
$$\mathrm{arg} ~ z_1 z_2 = \theta_1 + \theta_2 = \left ( \mathrm{arg} ~ z_1 \right ) + \left ( \mathrm{arg} ~ z_2 \right )$$
$$\blacksquare$$
 
greg1313 said:
Prove that $\arg[(a+bi)(c+di)]=\arg(a+bi)+\arg(c+di)$.

I suppose you mean the principle argument because the given function is multivalued!
 
ZaidAlyafey said:
I suppose you mean the principle argument because the given function is multivalued!

Yes, thanks.
 
I note, in passing, that the proposition stated cannot hold if just one of the two complex numbers is zero (even if one adopts the convention that $\arg(0) = 0$).
 
ZaidAlyafey said:
I suppose you mean the principle argument because the given function is multivalued!
On the contrary, the result is false if you insist on the principal value of the argument, because the left and right sides can differ by $2\pi.$
 
Opalg said:
On the contrary, the result is false if you insist on the principal value of the argument, because the left and right sides can differ by $2\pi.$

I don't see how is that possible ? Give an example please.
 
Opalg said:
On the contrary, the result is false if you insist on the principal value of the argument, because the left and right sides can differ by $2\pi.$

OK, I think the values should be taking modulo $2\pi$.
 
  • #10
The situation is this:

The complex exponential turns sums of angles into products of unit complex numbers. But this function is not injective, so taking the inverse (which is essentially what this problem asks us to do) requires some qualification.
 
  • #11
I should have put more thought into what I was asking. My apologies and thanks for the replies.
 
  • #12
greg1313 said:
I should have put more thought into what I was asking. My apologies and thanks for the replies.

Such topics are confusing sometimes and an extra care must be taking when dealing with them. I personally face difficulties dealing with some of these concepts.
 

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