Solving (e[SUP]i[/SUP])[SUP]i[/SUP]

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the expression (ei)i, which involves complex numbers and Euler's formula. Participants are exploring the implications of logarithmic identities and the properties of complex exponentials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to manipulate the expression using Euler's formula and logarithmic properties. Questions arise regarding the validity of their steps and the implications of multiple logarithmic values in complex analysis.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing hints and exploring different interpretations of the logarithmic properties involved. Some guidance has been offered regarding the nature of complex logarithms and their implications for the problem at hand.

Contextual Notes

There is a recognition of the complexity introduced by the multiple values of logarithms in the context of complex numbers, as well as the potential for confusion regarding the application of DeMoivre's Theorem.

Icetray
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Hey guys,

I have the following question that I am trying to solve. Would really like to solve it on my own first so I'd appreciate hints first! :D

Homework Statement

Solve (ei)i

The attempt at a solution

(ei)i = (cos pi/pi + isin pi/pi)i
= (cos i + isin i) (Euler's Formula)

I'm not sure if I'm even right till this point but this is the furthest that I have managed to come so far. ):

Thanks in advance guys!
 
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It might be more helpful to note that if [itex]y= (e^i)^i[/itex] then [itex]ln(y)= i ln(e^i)= i^2= -1[/itex]. And, of course, [itex]ln(re^{i\theta}= ln(r)+ i(\theta+ 2k\pi)[/itex].
 
HallsofIvy said:
It might be more helpful to note that if [itex]y= (e^i)^i[/itex] then [itex]ln(y)= i ln(e^i)= i^2= -1[/itex]. And, of course, [itex]ln(re^{i\theta}= ln(r)+ i(\theta+ 2k\pi)[/itex].

Wouldn't that leave me with ln y = -1 and ln y = ln i?

Anyway thanks for your quick reply HallsofIvy! Your quick reply is very much appriciated as usual! :D
 
Icetray said:
Solve (ei)i

(ei)i = ei*i = e-1 = ...
 
NascentOxygen said:
(ei)i = ei*i = e-1 = ...

I thought of this but didn't think it would be this simple hahaha. So just the calculator value of e-1? :D
 
Icetray said:
Wouldn't that leave me with ln y = -1 and ln y = ln i?
No, "[itex]2k\pi[/itex] is always a multiple of [itex]2\pi[/itex], not [itex]\pi. You would only get ln y= -1.<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Anyway thanks for your quick reply HallsofIvy! Your quick reply is very much appriciated as usual! :D </div> </div> </blockquote> <br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="NascentOxygen" data-source="post: 3461989" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> NascentOxygen said: </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> (e<sup>i</sup>)<sup>i</sup> = e<sup>i*i</sup> = e<sup>-1</sup> = ... </div> </div> </blockquote> Ouch! Of course![/itex]
 
I had a post here which I deleted, as I missed the same thing. HallsofIvy's point is correct in general, in that complex numbers can have an infinite number of complex logarithms (think of what happens with taking roots with DeMoivre's Theorem, where there are six sixth roots of 1 , and so forth; it gets worse with logarithms).

However, they were cute with this problem because all of the logarithms fall in the same spot on an Argand diagram.

If we work with the complex exponential forms for sine and cosine, e.g., [itex]\cos z = \frac{e^{iz} + e^{-iz}}{2}[/itex], we just get one real value for ( cos i + i sin i ) . Other staged exponentials involving complex numbers may not resolve so neatly...
 

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