Square root of a complex number

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the square root of a complex number, exploring its properties, definitions, and implications. Participants examine whether the behavior of square roots in the complex domain is analogous to that in the real number system, and they discuss the implications of different branches of the square root function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks about the square root of a complex number and whether it behaves similarly to real numbers.
  • Another participant explains that the square root of a complex number ##z## is a complex number ##w## such that ##w^2 = z##, noting that there are two branches for the square root function.
  • Examples are provided to illustrate the concept, including links to external resources.
  • A participant reiterates the definition of the square root of a complex number and emphasizes the two possible values for ##\sqrt{z^2}## depending on the chosen branch.
  • Another participant suggests using the polar form of complex numbers to understand the square root, indicating that the angle may affect which branch is applicable.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the definition of the square root of a complex number and the existence of two branches. However, there is no consensus on the implications of these branches or how they relate to the initial question about similarity to real numbers.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the potential complications arising from the choice of branch when calculating square roots in the complex plane, indicating that the angle in polar form may not always align with the chosen branch.

Nipon Waiyaworn
if a is a complex number then sqrt(a^2)=?
Is it is similar to Real Number?
Help me please
 
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The square root of a complex number ##z## is a complex number ##w## such that ##w^2 = z##. Note that the square root function has two branches, or in other words, there are two possibilites to choose ##w##. ##\sqrt{z^2}=\pm z## depending on the chosen branch and ##z##.
 
Here's an example:

http://www.qc.edu.hk/math/Advanced%20Level/Finding%20the%20square%20root%20of%20a%20complex%20number.htm
 
Orodruin said:
The square root of a complex number ##z## is a complex number ##w## such that ##w^2 = z##. Note that the square root function has two branches, or in other words, there are two possibilites to choose ##w##. ##\sqrt{z^2}=\pm z## depending on the chosen branch and ##z##.
Thanks a lot
 
jedishrfu said:
Here's an example:

http://www.qc.edu.hk/math/Advanced%20Level/Finding%20the%20square%20root%20of%20a%20complex%20number.htm
Thanks a lot
 
Maybe using the polar form would help: ## a=re^{i\theta} ; a^2 =r^2e^{i2\theta} ## . Then its square root , as Orodruin said, is ## \pm re^{i\theta} ## , although if you are working within a branch to start with ## 2\theta ## may not fall within the branch.
 

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