Solving for z in the Equation tan z = 1 + 2i

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the values of \( \tan^{-1}(1 + 2i) \) and involves complex analysis, specifically the properties of the tangent function and logarithms in the complex plane.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the formula \( \tan^{-1} z = \frac{i}{2} \log\left(\frac{i+z}{i-z}\right) \) and the subsequent substitutions made. There is confusion about the next steps, particularly regarding the simplification of logarithmic expressions and whether they should be "solved" or simplified further.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering suggestions for simplification and questioning the terminology used regarding solving logarithmic expressions. There is a recognition of the need to clarify the steps involved in manipulating the logarithm of complex numbers.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on understanding the properties of complex logarithms and the implications of the tangent function in the context of complex variables. Some participants express uncertainty about the terminology and the nature of the expressions being discussed.

ver_mathstats
Messages
258
Reaction score
21
Homework Statement
Find values of tan^-1(1+2i)
Relevant Equations
tan^-1(1+2i)
Find the values of tan-1(1+2i).

We can use the fact: tan-1z = (i/2)log((i+z)/(i-z)).

Then with substitutions we have (i/2)log((1+3i)/(-i-1)).

Then I think the next step would be (i/2)(log(1+3i)-log(-1-i)).

Do we then just proceed to solve log(1+3i) and log(-1-i)? I'm just a little confused what the next step should be, any help is appreciated, thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
ver_mathstats said:
Then with substitutions we have (i/2)log((1+3i)/(-i-1)).

Then I think the next step would be (i/2)(log(1+3i)-log(-1-i)).
Instead, simplify the argument to the log function. That fraction simplifies to -2 - i .
ver_mathstats said:
Do we then just proceed to solve log(1+3i) and log(-1-i)?
You're not "solving" these expressions since they're not equations.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: ver_mathstats
Mark44 said:
Instead, simplify the argument to the log function. That fraction simplifies to -2 - i .

You're not "solving" these expressions since they're not equations.
Sorry, I miswrote that.
 
Let z be the value we want, I would write the equation
\tan z =1+2i=-i\frac{e^{iz}-e^{-iz}}{e^{iz}+e^{-iz}}
to get z.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
1K