Solving Complex Number With Negative Fractional Exponent: i^(-21/2)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the expression i^(-21/2), where i represents the imaginary unit. Participants explore different methods of expressing and calculating this complex number using polar coordinates and exponential forms.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using the polar form of i, stating that i can be expressed as e^(π/2 i), leading to the calculation of i^(-21/2) as e^(-21π/4 i).
  • Another participant suggests a similar approach using the cis function, arriving at the expression cis(-21π/4) and simplifying it to cis(3π/4), which they equate to (-1+i)/√2.
  • A later reply asserts that the answer to the original question is -i, indicating a disagreement with the previous calculations.
  • Another participant challenges the claim that i^(-21/2) equals -i, stating that while i^(-21) equals -i, the two expressions are not equivalent.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct value of i^(-21/2), with some supporting the result of (-1+i)/√2 and others asserting that it equals -i. The discussion remains unresolved regarding which interpretation is correct.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the interpretation of negative fractional exponents in the context of complex numbers, and the calculations depend on the definitions and conventions used for complex exponentiation.

Asawira Emaan
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Kindly help me with this.
Solve
i^(-21/2)
Note: i means iota.
 

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I think I would begin by writing:

$$z=i^{-\frac{21}{2}}=\left(\cis\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\right)^{-\frac{21}{2}}=\cis\left(-\frac{21\pi}{4}\right)=\cis\left(\frac{3\pi}{4}\right)=\frac{-1+i}{\sqrt{2}}$$

Does that make sense?
 
Asawira Emaan said:
Kindly help me with this.
Solve
i^(-21/2)
Note: i means iota.

Hi Asawira Emaan, welcome to MHB!

Are you aware that $i=e^{\frac\pi 2 i}=\cos(\pi/2)+i\sin(\pi/2)$?
It means that we can calculate it as:
$$(i)^{-\frac{21}{2}} = (e^{\frac\pi 2 i})^{-\frac{21}{2}}
= e^{-\frac{21\pi}{4}i} = \cos\left(-\frac{21\pi}{4}\right)+i\sin\left(-\frac{21\pi}{4}\right)
$$
 
MarkFL said:
I think I would begin by writing:

$$z=i^{-\frac{21}{2}}=\left(\cis\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\right)^{-\frac{21}{2}}=\cis\left(-\frac{21\pi}{4}\right)=\cis\left(\frac{3\pi}{4}\right)=\frac{-1+i}{\sqrt{2}}$$

Does that make sense?

Klaas van Aarsen said:
Hi Asawira Emaan, welcome to MHB!

Are you aware that $i=e^{\frac\pi 2 i}=\cos(\pi/2)+i\sin(\pi/2)$?
It means that we can calculate it as:
$$(i)^{-\frac{21}{2}} = (e^{\frac\pi 2 i})^{-\frac{21}{2}}
= e^{-\frac{21\pi}{4}i} = \cos\left(-\frac{21\pi}{4}\right)+i\sin\left(-\frac{21\pi}{4}\right)
$$

but the answer of this question is -i (negative iota)
 
Asawira Emaan said:
but the answer of this question is -i (negative iota)

It looks as if you were given the wrong answer then.
It's as MarkFL wrote, the answer is $\frac{-1+i}{\sqrt 2}$.
 
Asawira Emaan said:
but the answer of this question is -i (negative iota)

It is true that:

$$i^{-21}=-i$$

But:

$$i^{-\frac{21}{2}}\ne-i$$
 
Oh yes!
Thanks for help
 

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