MHB Solving Complex Expressions for Scientists

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The discussion revolves around solving the complex expression (1-i)^(i-1) and the complexities involved in using logarithms for such calculations. Participants highlight the importance of considering multi-valued functions in complex analysis, particularly when dealing with expressions involving exponentiation and logarithms. There is a debate about the necessity of including the term 2kπ in the solution, with some arguing it is unnecessary while others assert it is essential for completeness. The conversation also touches on the implications of the principal logarithm in real versus complex number contexts. Ultimately, the thread emphasizes the intricacies of handling complex expressions and the need for careful consideration of all potential solutions.
shen07
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How to go about solving this one?

(1-i)-1+i

so far i have tries using the famous Uv=ev(ln(U)

im stuck where i get

e-1/2ln(2)+(pi/4)-2kpi*ei(-1/2ln(2)+(pi/4)-2kpi)
 
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You have a good approach, but I think you have made an algebraic slip somewhere. To avoid a complex argument for the natural log function, I wrote:

$$z=(1-i)^{i-1}$$

$$1-i=\sqrt{2}\left(\cos\left(-\frac{\pi}{4} \right)+i\sin\left(-\frac{\pi}{4} \right) \right)=\sqrt{2}e^{-\frac{\pi}{4}i}=e^{\frac{1}{2}\ln(2)-\frac{\pi}{4}i}$$

Hence:

$$z=\left(e^{\frac{1}{2}\ln(2)-\frac{\pi}{4}i} \right)^{i-1}=e^{\frac{\pi}{4}-\frac{1}{2}\ln(2)}e^{\left(\frac{\pi}{4}+\frac{1}{2}\ln(2) \right)i}=\frac{e^{\frac{\pi}{4}}}{\sqrt{2}}\left(\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{4}+\frac{1}{2}\ln(2) \right)+i\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}+\frac{1}{2}\ln(2) \right) \right)$$
 
MarkFL said:
You have a good approach, but I think you have made an algebraic slip somewhere. To avoid a complex argument for the natural log function, I wrote:

$$z=(1-i)^{i-1}$$

$$1-i=\sqrt{2}\left(\cos\left(-\frac{\pi}{4} \right)+i\sin\left(-\frac{\pi}{4} \right) \right)=\sqrt{2}e^{-\frac{\pi}{4}i}=e^{\frac{1}{2}\ln(2)-\frac{\pi}{4}i}$$

Hence:

$$z=\left(e^{\frac{1}{2}\ln(2)-\frac{\pi}{4}i} \right)^{i-1}=e^{\frac{\pi}{4}-\frac{1}{2}\ln(2)}e^{\left(\frac{\pi}{4}+\frac{1}{2}\ln(2) \right)i}=\frac{e^{\frac{\pi}{4}}}{\sqrt{2}}\left(\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{4}+\frac{1}{2}\ln(2) \right)+i\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}+\frac{1}{2}\ln(2) \right) \right)$$

Yeah that's right but however i have to include the 2K$${\pi}$$
 
shen07 said:
Yeah that's right but however i have to include the 2K$${\pi}$$

I see this as wholly unnecessary, but write it in if it is required.
 
MarkFL said:
I see this as wholly unnecessary, but write it in if it is required.

You can find more values if you take one turn or several turns..My Professor told m that..
 
MarkFL said:
I see this as wholly unnecessary, but write it in if it is required.

I think it becomes necessary if we study complex numbers , Of course we always consider the Principle Logarithm if we are working on the real numbers .
 
$$z=(1-i)^{i-1}$$

$$1-i=\sqrt{2}\left(\cos\left(-\frac{\pi}{4}+2k\pi \right)+i\sin\left(-\frac{\pi}{4}+2k\pi \right) \right)=\sqrt{2}e^{-\frac{\pi}{4}i+2k\pi i}=e^{\frac{1}{2}\ln(2)-\frac{\pi}{4}i}e^{2k\pi i}=e^{\frac{1}{2}\ln(2)-\frac{\pi}{4}i}$$

This is why I found it unnecessary in this case. Am I missing something?
 
MarkFL said:
$$z=(1-i)^{i-1}$$

$$1-i=\sqrt{2}\left(\cos\left(-\frac{\pi}{4}+2k\pi \right)+i\sin\left(-\frac{\pi}{4}+2k\pi \right) \right)=\sqrt{2}e^{-\frac{\pi}{4}i+2k\pi i}=e^{\frac{1}{2}\ln(2)-\frac{\pi}{4}i}e^{2k\pi i}=e^{\frac{1}{2}\ln(2)-\frac{\pi}{4}i}$$

This is why I found it unnecessary in this case. Am I missing something?

I think the OP talks about the logarithm since $a^b$ is actually a multivalued function in the sense that b is a complex number .

Consider the simpler example

$$\Large i^i = e^{i\log(i)}=e^{i(\ln(1)+(\frac{\pi}{2}+2k\pi) i )}=e^{-\frac{\pi}{2}-2k\pi }$$

Ofcourse we could do

$$ \Large i^i= (e^{i\frac{\pi}{2}})^i=e^{-\frac{\pi}{2}}$$

But this will be not complete since it only gives the solution when $$k=0$$.
 
So then the complete solution is:

$$z=\frac{e^{\frac{\pi}{4}(8k+1)}}{\sqrt{2}}\left( \cos\left(\frac{\pi}{4}(8k+1)+\frac{1}{2}\ln(2) \right)+i\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}(8k+1)+\frac{1}{2}\ln(2) \right) \right)$$ ?

W|A told me only when $k=0$ is this a solution. (Giggle)

My apologies for any confusion I caused to the OP.(Doh)
 
  • #10
Also i would like to add something

e2k$${\pi}$$i=cos(2k$${\pi}$$)+isin(2k$${\pi}$$)= 1

$${\forall} k {\in} {\mathbb{z}}$$
but

e2k$${\pi}$$$${\neq}$$1
 

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