Simplification of a complex exponential

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of a complex exponential expression involving trigonometric functions, specifically focusing on the terms ##\cos(\frac {n \pi} 2)## and ##\sin(\frac {n \pi} 2)##. Participants explore the implications of integer values for ##n## and the relationships between the sine and cosine functions at specific angles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants suggest substituting angles to simplify the expression, while others question the correctness of the sine formula used. There is also a discussion about the relationship between ##e^{jx}## and ##e^{-jx}##, and how these relate to the simplification process. Additionally, participants inquire about the implications of assuming ##n## is an integer and whether this affects the simplification.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with multiple interpretations being explored regarding the simplification of the expression. Some participants have offered guidance on using exponential forms and specific cases for integer values of ##n##, while others have raised questions about assumptions and the correctness of certain identities.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing examination of the implications of assuming ##n## is an integer, as well as the potential for different simplifications based on this assumption. Participants also note preferences for notation in LaTeX formatting.

fonz
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Homework Statement



Is there a way to simplify the following expression?

##[cos(\frac {n \pi} 2) - j sin(\frac {n \pi} 2)] + [cos(\frac {3n \pi} 2) - j sin(\frac {3n \pi} 2)]##

Homework Equations



##e^{jx} = cos(x) + j sin(x)##

The Attempt at a Solution



##cos(\frac {n \pi} 2)## and ##cos(\frac {3n \pi} 2)## produce the same result for all values of ##n##

Likewise, ##- j sin(\frac {n \pi} 2)## and ##- j sin(\frac {3n \pi} 2)## produce the same result for all values of ##n##
 
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So if you know this (sure the sine formula is correct?), you can substitute the three folds of the angles by the simple angles. Next you wrote ##e^{jx} = \cos(x)+j\sin(x)##. Now what is ##e^{-jx}## and how are ##e^{jx}## and ##e^{-jx}## related? All these give you some simplifications. Whether they are those you're looking for depends on what you mean by simplification.
 
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fonz said:

Homework Statement



Is there a way to simplify the following expression?

##[cos(\frac {n \pi} 2) - j sin(\frac {n \pi} 2)] + [cos(\frac {3n \pi} 2) - j sin(\frac {3n \pi} 2)]##

Homework Equations



##e^{jx} = cos(x) + j sin(x)##

The Attempt at a Solution



##cos(\frac {n \pi} 2)## and ##cos(\frac {3n \pi} 2)## produce the same result for all values of ##n##

Likewise, ##- j sin(\frac {n \pi} 2)## and ##- j sin(\frac {3n \pi} 2)## produce the same result for all values of ##n##

Is ##n## supposed to be an integer?

BTW: don't write ##cos(x)##; write ##\cos(x)## instead. The first is ugly and hard to read, the second is pleasing and easy to read. To achieve this, just put a "\" in front of "sin", "cos", and most other standard functions---that is the way LaTeX was designed to be used. In other words, instead of using "sin", "cos", "tan", "log", "lim", etc., etc., use "\sin", "\cos', "\tan", "\og", "\lim", etc.
 
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Sorry I forgot to mention, ##n## is an integer. I am wonder if there is any way to simplify in this case?

Is there anything wrong with the following?

##[\cos(\frac {n \pi} 2) - j \sin(\frac {n \pi} 2)] + [\cos(\frac {3 n \pi} 2) - j \sin(\frac {3 n \pi} 2)] = 2[\cos(\frac {n \pi} 2) - j \sin(\frac {n \pi} 2)]##
 
What is ##\sin (\varphi + \pi)## and what if applied to ##\sin (\dfrac{3n\pi}{2})=\sin(\dfrac{n\pi}{2}+\pi)##?
 
fresh_42 said:
What is ##\sin (\varphi + \pi)## and what if applied to ##\sin (\dfrac{3n\pi}{2})=\sin(\dfrac{n\pi}{2}+\pi)##?

##\sin(\varphi + \pi) = \sin(\varphi)##

##\sin(\frac {3n\pi} 2) = \sin(\frac {n\pi} 2)##

In which case my answer above should be correct.
 
fonz said:
##\sin(\varphi + \pi) = \sin(\varphi)##

##\sin(\frac {3n\pi} 2) = \sin(\frac {n\pi} 2)##

In which case my answer above should be correct.
Yes, in this case the answer would be correct. However, ##\sin (\varphi + \pi) = - \sin (\varphi)##, so you missed a minus sign. The result will still have a ##\cos (\dfrac{n\pi}{2})## term, which can be expressed as function of ##\cos (n\pi)## if you like.
 
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fresh_42 said:
Yes, in this case the answer would be correct. However, ##\sin (\varphi + \pi) = - \sin (\varphi)##, so you missed a minus sign. The result will still have a ##\cos (\dfrac{n\pi}{2})## term, which can be expressed as function of ##\cos (n\pi)## if you like.

Very helpful thank you.
 
fonz said:
Is there a way to simplify the following expression?

##\displaystyle \left [\cos\left(\frac {n \pi} 2\right) - j \sin\left(\frac {n \pi} 2\right) \right ] + \left[\cos\left(\frac {3n \pi} 2\right) - j \sin\left(\frac {3n \pi} 2\right) \right]##

Homework Equations



##\displaystyle e^{jx} = \cos(x) + j \sin(x)##
I suggest using the exponent form to simplify this expression.
 
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For particular values of integers n, you can put specific constants in for the sin and cos. So you can give a few cases that give the same constant value for each case.
 

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