Proving the Addition Formula for Complex Functions

  • Thread starter Thread starter kasse
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Complex Functions
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the addition formula for complex functions, specifically in the context of complex exponentials and trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the derivation of a specific formula involving complex exponentials and cosine functions. Some participants offer hints related to manipulating exponential terms and using trigonometric identities, while others question the accuracy of the hints provided.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, providing hints and exploring different interpretations of the exponential identities. There is no explicit consensus on the approach, but several lines of reasoning are being discussed.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that the formula is presented in their textbook without proof, which raises questions about its derivation and the assumptions involved.

kasse
Messages
383
Reaction score
1
How can I show that

[tex]Aexpi(\omega t - kx + \phi_{1}) + Aexpi(\omega t + kx + \phi_{2}) = 2Aexpi(\omega t + \frac{\phi_{1} + \phi_{2}}{2})cos(kx - \frac{\phi_{1} - \phi_{2}}{2})[/tex]? My book states this without proof, as if it was obvious.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi kasse! :smile:

Hint: eiA + B = eiA + eiB, so divide by the first half of the righthand side, and use eiC + e-iC = 2cosC. :wink:
 
Danke schön
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi kasse! :smile:

Hint: eiA + B = eiA + eiB, so divide by the first half of the righthand side, and use eiC + e-iC = 2cosC. :wink:
Oh, dear, oh, dear, oh, dear, tiny-tim! eiA + B = (eiA)(eiB).
 
oops!

HallsofIvy said:
Oh, dear, oh, dear, oh, dear, tiny-tim! eiA + B = (eiA)(eiB).

Geman for oops! :redface:
 
eiA + B = (eiA)(eB)...?
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
7K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K