Solve Imaginary Numbers: 2*EXP(i*pi/3) -> 1+sqt(3)i

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around converting the expression 2*EXP(i*pi/3) into the standard form α + iβ, specifically exploring how to derive the result of 1 + sqrt(3)i from the exponential representation of a complex number.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Euler's equation and its relevance to the problem. Questions arise regarding the conversion process from exponential to standard form, and some express uncertainty about the missing variable in the context of Euler's equation.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights into Euler's equation and its components, while others have shared their attempts to apply the equation to similar problems. There is an ongoing exploration of how to interpret and simplify the expressions involved, with no explicit consensus reached on the original problem.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the confusion surrounding the definitions and forms of complex numbers, particularly in relation to the unit circle and the implications of angles outside the standard range.

VeganGirl
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Homework Statement


Write 2*EXP(i*pi/3) in the form \alpha + i\beta
Answer is given = 1 + sqt(3)i

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm supposed to turn this exponential form of imaginary number into a standard form in order to solve an ODE.

I have no idea how they got 1+sqt(3)i from the exponential form of the complex number given. I mean, where did the exponential go?

There must be a simple way of converting, but I just can't seem to find it in the text or online. Please help!
And thank you in advance!
 
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Do you know what Euler's equation is?
 
e^{i\theta}= cos(\theta)+ i sin(\theta).

z= re^{i\theta}= r(cos(\theta)+ i sin(\theta).

And, if z= x+ iy, then [math]r= \sqrt{x^2+ y^2}[/math] and [math]tan(\theta)= \frac{y}{x}[/math] as long as x is not 0.

If you are working with "exponential form", I would be very surprised if you did not already know that.
 
Pengwuino said:
Do you know what Euler's equation is?

Firstly, thanks for your reply.
And yes... Euler's equation says...
e^(i*beta*t) = cos (beta*t) + i*sin (beta*t)
But I wasn't sure how to use this equation since t is missing in the question...
 
VeganGirl said:
But I wasn't sure how to use this equation since t is missing in the question...
Write down Euler’s Equation and replace all of the t’s with pi/3
 
HallsofIvy said:
e^{i\theta}= cos(\theta)+ i sin(\theta).

z= re^{i\theta}= r(cos(\theta)+ i sin(\theta).

And, if z= x+ iy, then [math]r= \sqrt{x^2+ y^2}[/math] and [math]tan(\theta)= \frac{y}{x}[/math] as long as x is not 0.

If you are working with "exponential form", I would be very surprised if you did not already know that.


Thank you for your reply.
I'm not a math genius (as you could probably tell) and imaginary numbers, especially tend to throw me off.

But your equations help a lot.
Frankly, I've never seen this equation. z = re^(i*theta) = r (cos (theta) + i sin (theta).

Anyway, thanks again for your help :smile:
 
That’s the polar form of complex numbers, as hallsofivy said it would be very odd if they gave you exponential form but not polar.
 
JonF said:
Write down Euler’s Equation and replace all of the t’s with pi/3

Hi. Thanks for your reply.

I'm doing another question like this and this one has a variable "t" in it.

Q) 2e^(i*\sqrt{2}*t) => Write in Standard Form

Using Euler's Equation, I have

-> 2*(cos \sqrt{2}*t + i sin \sqrt{2} t)

How do I simplify this? Since the angle \sqrt{2} is not in the unit circle?
 
Standard form in your book is probably defined as z = x + yi.

Where x and y are reals.

So z = 2cos(2^1/2 * t) + 2sin(2^1/2 * t)*i would be standard form, but how you wrote it is typically accepted also.
 
  • #10
VeganGirl said:
Hi. Thanks for your reply.

I'm doing another question like this and this one has a variable "t" in it.

Q) 2e^(i*\sqrt{2}*t) => Write in Standard Form

Using Euler's Equation, I have

-> 2*(cos \sqrt{2}*t + i sin \sqrt{2} t)

How do I simplify this? Since the angle \sqrt{2} is not in the unit circle?

Wait.. wait. Did you say the angle sqrt(2) is not in the unit circle? The unit circle has angles between 0 and 2 pi which is about 0 to 6.2. sqrt(2) is about 1.4.
 
  • #11
JonF said:
Standard form in your book is probably defined as z = x + yi.

Where x and y are reals.

So z = 2cos(2^1/2 * t) + 2sin(2^1/2 * t)*i would be standard form, but how you wrote it is typically accepted also.
Don't even think that! A major reason for defining sine and cosine in terms of the "unit circle", rather than in terms of right triangles, is that we can keep going around the circle as many times as we want or we can go counter-clockwise rather than clockwise making the argument negative.

sin(x) and cos(x) are defined for all real numbers x (and can be extended to complex numbers).

For this particular problem, 2(cos(t\sqrt{2})+ i sin(t\sqrt{2})) is the "standard form". You don't need to simplify it.
 
  • #12
Thanks everyone! You guys have been a great help! :smile:
 

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