Understanding Complex Exponential Summation: How is the Arctan Function Used?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the derivation involving complex exponential summation and the use of the arctan function. The conversion of a complex number from rectangular to polar form is highlighted, specifically how to express the angle phi using the relationship between the sine and cosine of the components. It emphasizes that phi can be determined through the equation phi = arctan(w/v), where w and v are derived from the original expressions. Visual aids, such as a diagram of the complex plane, are suggested to aid in understanding the conversion process. The thread seeks clarification on these concepts to enhance comprehension of the derivation.
wirefree
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I appreciate the opportunity afforded by this forum to submit a question.

I have struggled with the derivation shown in the attached picture. I am certainly unfamiliar with the concept used to include the arctan function in the encircled step.

Would be highly appreciative of a prompt.wirefree
 

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Hello there,

I then assume you are happy with (4) and wonder how the factor in [ ] brackets is converted to the polar form in the red oval.
For simplicity I propose to introduce $$ v = A\cos\alpha+B\cos\beta \\ w = A\sin\alpha+B\sin\beta$$ so that we have to convert ## v + jw## to polar form, i.e. to a form ##R\,e^{j\phi}##

(which is the reverse of what was done to write out (4), where, for example, they wrote$$A\,e^{j\alpha}= A\cos\alpha + j A\sin\alpha$$)

If we want to solve ## v + jw = R\,e^{j\phi}## for ##R## and ##\phi## and compare with the above, we see that ##\phi## follows from ##{\sin\phi\over\cos \phi} = {w\over v}##, meaning ##\tan\phi = w/v## or ##\phi = \arctan {w\over v}##

R follows from ##R^2 = (v+jw)(v-jw) = v^2 - j^2 w^2 = v^2 + w^2 ##

What helps a lot in this is to draw a picture of the complex plane (j axis vertical, real axis horizontal). And a unit circle or a circle with radius R to convert ##R \, e^{j\phi} ## to real and imaginary parts.

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Thank you, BvU.
 
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