Understanding the Exponential Property of Complex Numbers

In summary, this conversation discusses the relationship between exponential rules and complex analysis. The main point of confusion is why e^(i*PI*t) * e^(i*PI) is equal to -e^(i*PI*t). The solution is found by using trigonometric identities and recognizing that e^(i*PI) is equal to -1. This is just another way to express the same concept.
  • #1
swoosh
2
0
I'm currently learning complex analysis, and there's something I can't quite get...

Usually:
Code:
e^2 * e^3 = e^(2+3) = e^5

So why is that:
Code:
e^(i*PI*t) * e^(i*PI) = -e^(i*PI*t)
?

I was able to get the solution from:
Code:
e^(i*PI*t) * e^(i*PI) = 
  = (Cos(PI*t) + iSin(PI*t)) * (Cos(PI) + iSin(PI)) =
  = (Cos(PI*t) + iSin(PI*t)) * (-1) =
  = -e^(i*PI*t)

But, what am I missing? :redface:

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
I don't think you are missing anything, it is just another way to say the same thing.

[tex]
e^{i\pi t}e^{i\pi}=e^{i\pi t+i\pi}=-e^{i\pi t}
[/tex]

Because as you have derived yourself
[tex]
e^{i\pi}=-1
[/tex]
 
  • #3
Hm, I see.

The first time I came across this I just assumed:
[tex]
e^{i\pi t}e^{i\pi}=e^{i\pi t+i\pi}=e^{i\pi (t+1)}
[/tex]
was the simplest way it could get.

Well, thanks again! :smile:
 

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