Solving Complex Number With Negative Fractional Exponent: i^(-21/2)
- Context: MHB
- Thread starter Asawira Emaan
- Start date
Click For Summary
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.
Similar threads
- · Replies 7 ·
- · Replies 13 ·
- · Replies 4 ·
- · Replies 12 ·
High School
Getting from complex domain to real domain
- · Replies 3 ·
- · Replies 45 ·
Undergrad
Complex numbers and negative roots
- · Replies 28 ·
Undergrad
Constant raised to complex numbers
- · Replies 14 ·
- · Replies 2 ·