Problem while playing with Bessel functions

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving Bessel and Modified Bessel Functions, specifically i^{m}e^{\frac{im\pi}{2}} needing to equal (-1)^m. The solution involves expanding the exponent into cos and sin and considering four cases separately. It is suggested to express i in polar form and find the product of im and e(imπ/2) in polar form.
  • #1
saybrook1
101
4

Homework Statement


I have run into a number of problems while working through problems regarding Bessel and Modified Bessel Functions. At one point I run into [itex]i^{m}e^{\frac{im\pi}{2}}[/itex] and it needs to equal [itex](-1)^m[/itex] but I'm not sure how it does. This came up while trying to solve an identity for a modified Bessel function in problem 14.5.2 in Arfken and Weber 'Mathematical Methods for Physicists'. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Homework Equations


[itex]i^{m}e^{\frac{im\pi}{2}}[/itex]=[itex](-1)^m[/itex] but how??

The Attempt at a Solution


I solved for this by expanding the exponent into cos and sin but I wind up with [itex]i^{m} [cos\frac{m\pi}{2}+(-1)^{m}\sin\frac{m\pi}{2}][/itex] and don't know how that can equal [itex](-1)^m[/itex]
 
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  • #2
saybrook1 said:

Homework Statement


I have run into a number of problems while working through problems regarding Bessel and Modified Bessel Functions. At one point I run into [itex]i^{m}e^{\frac{im\pi}{2}}[/itex] and it needs to equal [itex](-1)^m[/itex] but I'm not sure how it does. This came up while trying to solve an identity for a modified Bessel function in problem 14.5.2 in Arfken and Weber 'Mathematical Methods for Physicists'. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Homework Equations


[itex]i^{m}e^{\frac{im\pi}{2}}[/itex]=[itex](-1)^m[/itex] but how??

The Attempt at a Solution


I solved for this by expanding the exponent into cos and sin but I wind up with [itex]i^{m} [cos\frac{m\pi}{2}+(-1)^{m}\sin\frac{m\pi}{2}][/itex] and don't know how that can equal [itex](-1)^m[/itex]
There is an error in [itex]i^{m} [cos\frac{m\pi}{2}+(-1)^{m}\sin\frac{m\pi}{2}][/itex], that should be [itex]i^{m} [cos\frac{m\pi}{2}+i\sin\frac{m\pi}{2}][/itex]

An easy way to solve your exercise it to consider four case separately: ##m=0, m=1,m=2, m=3##.
 
  • #3
Samy_A said:
There is an error in [itex]i^{m} [cos\frac{m\pi}{2}+(-1)^{m}\sin\frac{m\pi}{2}][/itex], that should be [itex]i^{m} [cos\frac{m\pi}{2}+i\sin\frac{m\pi}{2}][/itex]

An easy way to solve your exercise it to consider four case separately: ##m=0, m=1,m=2, m=3##.
You're right, I just typed it out incorrectly. Okay, I'll try and consider those cases; Thank you.
 
  • #4
saybrook1 said:

Homework Statement


I have run into a number of problems while working through problems regarding Bessel and Modified Bessel Functions. At one point I run into [itex]i^{m}e^{\frac{im\pi}{2}}[/itex] and it needs to equal [itex](-1)^m[/itex] but I'm not sure how it does. This came up while trying to solve an identity for a modified Bessel function in problem 14.5.2 in Arfken and Weber 'Mathematical Methods for Physicists'. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Homework Equations


[itex]i^{m}e^{\frac{im\pi}{2}}[/itex]=[itex](-1)^m[/itex] but how??

The Attempt at a Solution


I solved for this by expanding the exponent into cos and sin but I wind up with [itex]i^{m} [cos\frac{m\pi}{2}+(-1)^{m}\sin\frac{m\pi}{2}][/itex] and don't know how that can equal [itex](-1)^m[/itex]
If you express i in polar form, you have i = e(iπ/2). From there, you should be able to find im in polar form quite easily and then to find the product of im and e(imπ/2) in polar form.

Soon after that, a vist from your Uncle Bob can be expected.
 

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