Solve Cos(x)=-2: Step-by-Step Guide

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the equation cos(x) = -2 using complex analysis. Participants clarify that while cos(x) is not defined for real numbers in this context, it can be approached using the complex exponential function. The solution involves manipulating the equation through the use of cis(x) and logarithmic properties, ultimately leading to the expression x = π(2n + 1) + ln(2 + √3)/i, where n is an integer. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex plane when addressing such equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Complex numbers and their properties
  • Understanding of the exponential function in the complex plane
  • Knowledge of trigonometric identities involving complex numbers
  • Familiarity with logarithmic functions and their multi-valued nature in complex analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the complex exponential function and its applications
  • Learn about the multi-valued nature of complex logarithms
  • Explore the derivation of inverse trigonometric functions in the complex plane
  • Investigate the implications of defining trigonometric functions over complex numbers
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Mathematicians, physics students, and anyone interested in complex analysis or solving equations involving trigonometric functions in the complex domain.

  • #31
then I just plug in what I got for my answers into the formula? where my answer is the z? Wow well thanks for the help hmmm that's interesting let me see what I get...
 
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  • #32
No, your answer is the w and z = -2.
 
  • #33
what are you using for that slanted p value? let me look again hold up
 
  • #34
GreenPrint said:
my only question is why didn't you use +/- and just used +

The complex square root is a double - valued function:

<br /> z = w^{2}, \; z = \rho \, e^{i \, \theta}, \; w = R e^{i \Theta}<br />

<br /> \rho = R^{2} \Rightarrow R = \sqrt{\rho}<br />

<br /> \theta + 2 \, n \, \pi = 2 \, \Theta \Rightarrow \Theta = \frac{\theta}{2} + n \, \pi, \; n \in \mathbb{Z}<br />

But, \Theta is restricted to a period of 2 \, \pi so:

<br /> \sqrt{z} = \left\{\begin{array}{l}<br /> \sqrt{\rho} \, e^{i \, \frac{\theta}{2}} \\<br /> <br /> \sqrt{\rho} \, e^{i \, (\frac{\theta}{2} + \pi)}<br /> \end{array}\right.<br />
 
Last edited:
  • #35
ok well thanks I'll post post back if i get stuck again i need to do some more stuyding of this stuff :)
 
  • #36
But, your initial hunch was correct. The equation in the topic of the thread does have (infinitely many) solution(s) in the set of complex numbers \mathbb{C}.
 
  • #37
So my final answers should be
2 pi n - i(-2 + sqrt(3))
and
2 pi n -i(-2 - sqrt(3))

where n is the set of integers?
 
  • #38
GreenPrint said:
So my final answers should be
2 pi n - i(-2 + sqrt(3))
and
2 pi n -i(-2 - sqrt(3))

where n is the set of integers?

Where is the \ln function and what is the absolute value and argument of:

<br /> -2 + \sqrt{3}<br />

and

<br /> -2 - \sqrt{3}<br />
 
  • #39
sorry I forgot the ln
so is this correct
2pi n - i ln(2 + sqrt(3))

and i take the absolute value of the argument in the natural log leaving me with only positives? where n is the set of integers
 
  • #40
argument of a complex number z = \rho \, e^{i \, \varphi} is the variable 0 \le \varphi &lt; 2 \pi. What is it for the two inputs of the complex logarithm?
 
  • #41
2 and sqrt(3)... right?
 
  • #42
no. you need to look up trigonometric form of a complex number.
 
  • #43
ok and what exactly am I looking for
 
  • #44
z = |z|[cos (t) + i sin (t) ]
 
  • #45
right it's the cosine and sine of the angle?
 
  • #46
i(theta) ?
 
  • #47
If cos(z)=-2, then just use:
<br /> \cos z=\cos (x+yi)=\cos x\cos (yi)-sin x\sin (yi)=\cos x\cosh y-i\sin x\sinh y=-2<br />
Compare real and imaginary parts to obtain:
<br /> \cos x\cosh y=-2\quad\sin x\sinh y=0<br />
Clearly x must be a multiple of pi and that you can work you the solution for what y has to be.
 

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