S10.03.25 Write complex number in rectangular form

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on converting the complex number \( z = 4\left[\cos\frac{7\pi}{4} + i\sin \frac{7\pi}{4}\right] \) into rectangular form. The correct rectangular form is \( 2\sqrt{2} - 2\sqrt{2}i \), derived from the unit circle values where \( \cos\left(\frac{7\pi}{4}\right) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \) and \( \sin\left(\frac{7\pi}{4}\right) = -\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \). The confusion arose from the interpretation of the imaginary unit \( i \) and its role in the sine function. Users were encouraged to double-check their inputs in Wolfram Alpha (W|A) for accuracy.

PREREQUISITES
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  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and the unit circle
  • Basic knowledge of the imaginary unit \( i \)
  • Experience using computational tools like Wolfram Alpha (W|A)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the conversion of polar coordinates to rectangular form in complex numbers
  • Learn about the properties of the unit circle and trigonometric identities
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  • Investigate the implications of the imaginary unit \( i \) in complex analysis
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$\tiny{s10.03.25}$
$\textsf{Write complex number in rectangular form}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
z&=4\left[\cos\frac{7\pi}{4} + i\sin \frac{7\pi}{4} \right]\\
\end{align*}
$\textit{ok from the unit circle: $\displaystyle\cos{\left(\frac{7\pi}{4}\right)}=\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}$}\\$
$\textit{and it appears distributing in 4 gives the answer}\\$
$\textit{but isn't the purpose of this to deal with powers?}\\$

$\textit{book answer} =2\sqrt{2}+2\sqrt{2}i$

$\textit{however $W|A$ returned $-1$ ??}$
 
Last edited:
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$$\sin\left(\frac{7\pi}{4}\right)=-\frac{\sqrt2}{2}$$

The correct answer is $2\sqrt2-2\sqrt2i$.

Double-check what you entered into W|A.
 
ok the $i$ confuses me:confused:
 
It is merely the coefficient of the sine function. Why are you confused? Because $i=\sqrt{-1}$?
 

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