Solving Complex Analysis: Find z for z^(1+4i) = i

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equation z^(1+4i) = i for z in the domain D = C \ {x in R: x <= 0}. Participants explore the implications of the complex logarithm and the conditions required for the argument of z to lie within a specific range.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes rewriting the equation using the exponential form and expresses the relationship between Log(z) and the argument of z.
  • Another participant provides an alternative expression for Log(z) based on the definition of the complex logarithmic function.
  • Some participants discuss the implications of the integer k in the context of the argument of z and its relation to the negative real axis.
  • A later reply questions whether the imaginary part of Log(z) can yield values that place z on the negative real axis, concluding that it cannot be an integer.
  • One participant reflects on their earlier misunderstanding and clarifies that the principal value of Log(z) restricts k to a specific range, impacting the solutions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the integer k and its effect on the argument of z. There is no consensus on the final values of z, as the discussion remains unresolved regarding the restrictions imposed by the principal value of the logarithm.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the definition of the complex logarithm and the implications of the argument of z being restricted to a certain range. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps leading to the final values of z.

Tranquillity
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Hello guys!

I have to find for z in D= C \ {x in R: x<=0} with z^(1+4i) = i

a) all possible values of Log(z)
b)all possible values of z.Now my approach is:

Write z^(1+4i) = exp((1+4i) * Logz) = i = exp(i*pi/2)

which holds iff (1+4i) * Logz = i*pi/2 + i*k*2*pi where k in Z.After a lot of simplifications I find that Logz= i*pi*(1+4k) / 34 + (4*pi*(1+4k) / 34), k in Z.


So z = exp(Logz) = e^(i*pi*(1+4k)/34) * e^(4*pi*(1+4k)/34), k in ZNow to show that all these roots are in D= C \ {x in R: x<=0} I have to show that Argz is in (-pi, 0) as we have learned in lectures.

But the problem is that the term e^(i*pi*(1+4k)/34) has a term k involved and setting k=-1, 0, 1 yields three different principal arguments (-3*pi/34, pi/34 and 5*pi/34 respectively)

I think the exponential involving the imaginary unit i should not involve a k, but I did many times my calculations and cannot find actually which is the problem.Could please anyone help me?Thank you!
 
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$z^{1+4i}=i=e^{\left(\frac{\pi}2+2n\pi\right)i},\ n\in\mathbb Z$

$(1+4i)\log z=\left(\dfrac{\pi}2+2n\pi\right)i,\ n\in\mathbb Z$

$\log z=\dfrac{\left(\frac{\pi}2+2n\pi\right)i}{1+4i},\ n\in\mathbb Z$

$z=\exp\left(\dfrac{\left(\frac{\pi}2+2n\pi\right)i}{1+4i}\right),\ n\in\mathbb Z$
 
We can also use the definition of complex logarithmic function :

$$\log(z) = \ln(|z|) + i\text{arg}(z)
$$

$$\log(i) = \ln(1) + i\left(\frac{\pi}{2}+2n\pi \right)$$

$$\log(i) = i\left(\frac{\pi}{2}+2n\pi \right)$$
 
Guys thanks for your replies but this was not what I was asking exactly!
 
Last edited:
Tranquillity said:
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After a lot of simplifications I find that $\log z= i\pi(1+4k) / 34 + 4\pi(1+4k) / 34$, $k \in Z$.
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.
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Now to show that all these roots are in D= C \ {x in R: x<=0} I have to show that Argz is in (-pi, 0) as we have learned in lectures.
You want to find whether $z$ is on the negative real axis, or equivalently whether the imaginary part of $\log z$ is an odd multiple of $\pi.$ So you want to see whether $(1+4k)/34$ can ever be an odd integer. But in fact it can never be an integer at all, because the numerator is odd and the denominator is even. So the answer should be that $k$ can be any integer, and none of the solutions lie on the negative real axis.
 
Basically I might have done something wrong!

I actually managed to solve the exercise by finding Logz and then had to say that my solution requires Im(Logz)=Argz to be in (-pi,pi)!

So this will restrict the values of k!

Then z=exp(...) in the cut plane Do, is valid for k in [-8,8]!

And the cut plane Do contain real numbers, so I didn't have to restrict my values to be integers,
just the Im(Logz) to be between (-pi,pi)!

Thanks again for everything :)
 
Tranquillity said:
I actually managed to solve the exercise by finding Logz and then had to say that my solution requires Im(Logz)=Argz to be in (-pi,pi)!

So this will restrict the values of k!

Then z=exp(...) in the cut plane Do, is valid for k in [-8,8]!

And the cut plane Do contain real numbers, so I didn't have to restrict my values to be integers,
just the Im(Logz) to be between (-pi,pi)!
I should have realized that you were using the notation Log (with a capital L) to mean the principal value of the log. That does indeed restrict the value of $k$ to lie in the range $[-8,8].$
 

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