Problem while playing with Bessel functions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around problems related to Bessel and Modified Bessel Functions, specifically focusing on the expression \(i^{m}e^{\frac{im\pi}{2}}\) and its equivalence to \((-1)^m\). Participants are exploring the identity in the context of a problem from Arfken and Weber's "Mathematical Methods for Physicists".

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss expanding the exponent into cosine and sine functions, questioning how the resulting expression can equal \((-1)^m\). There is also mention of correcting an error in the expression used for the expansion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing corrections and suggestions for further exploration. One participant suggests considering specific cases for \(m\) to clarify the identity, while another proposes expressing \(i\) in polar form to facilitate understanding.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available for resolving the identity. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the equivalence and seeks clarification.

saybrook1
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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 i^{m}e^{\frac{im\pi}{2}} and it needs to equal (-1)^m 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


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

The Attempt at a Solution


I solved for this by expanding the exponent into cos and sin but I wind up with i^{m} [cos\frac{m\pi}{2}+(-1)^{m}\sin\frac{m\pi}{2}] and don't know how that can equal (-1)^m
 
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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 i^{m}e^{\frac{im\pi}{2}} and it needs to equal (-1)^m 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


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

The Attempt at a Solution


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

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

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.
 
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 i^{m}e^{\frac{im\pi}{2}} and it needs to equal (-1)^m 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


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

The Attempt at a Solution


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