Precalc DeMoivre's Theorem to find powers of Complex numbers

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around using DeMoivre's Theorem to find the powers of a complex number, specifically the expression 2(sqrt(3) + i)^5. Participants are exploring the correct application of the theorem and addressing discrepancies in their results compared to a textbook solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to apply DeMoivre's Theorem and are questioning the handling of the initial factor of 2 in the expression. There is discussion about the radius of the complex number and how it affects the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into their calculations and questioning each other's reasoning. Some have offered clarifications about the radius and modulus of the complex number, while others are seeking further explanation on how to arrive at the correct answer.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of an upcoming test, indicating a time constraint for the original poster. Additionally, participants are exploring variations of the problem, such as changing the exponent to 7, which may affect the complexity of the discussion.

physstudent1
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"Use Demoivre's Theorem to find the indicated power of the complex number. Write the result in standard form."

:

2(squareroot of (3) + i)^5

now when i do this i always end up getting

-(32squareroot(3))/2 + i32/2

the book seems to get the same answer except WITHOUT the 2 in the denominator and I have tried this problem over and over always getting the same thing I have a test on this tomarrow and I really would appreciate some explanation of how to get rid of that two
 
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Why not show us how you got the 2?

Please show us your work.
 
k sry

Alright I started by noticing the radius was already in front in this problem (the two out in front) so I moved to the next step putting

2^5 then getting cos squareroot(3)/2 + isin 1/2 which is the same as
cis (Pi/6)
(cis(pi/6) is the same as cos(pi/6) + sin (pi/6) for those of you that don't know)
then i got 2^5 to be 32 so now i had

32(cis(pi/6)) so I multpilied the 5 by pi/6 in coordination with the theorem
getting 32(cis(5pi/6)) then I got cosine of 5pi/6 to be - squareroot(3)/2 and the sin of 5pi/6 to be 1/2 and then finally multiplied these answers by 32 ultimately getting

-32squareroot(3)/2 +i32sin
 
you factored out a 2 from the cis, in order to get the right values for the sin and cos. But you didn't add it to the powers of two on the left, so it is really 2^6 instead of 2^5. Then when you divide by 2 again you get the 32.
 
physstudent1 said:
Alright I started by noticing the radius was already in front in this problem (the two out in front)
?? The number is 2(\sqrt{3}+ i) and 2 is not the "radius". |\sqrt{3}+ i|= 2 so |2(\sqrt{3}+ i)|= 4.
 
thank you all
 
HallsofIvy said:
?? The number is 2(\sqrt{3}+ i) and 2 is not the "radius". |\sqrt{3}+ i|= 2 so |2(\sqrt{3}+ i)|= 4.

what would the answer in standard from be if the problem was 2(sqrt3 + i)^7
 
dancerhs said:
what would the answer in standard from be if the problem was 2(sqrt3 + i)^7

You should be creating a new thread.

Convert \sqrt{3}+i into modulus-argument form first.
 

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