Transverse velocity and real/imaginary parts?

[SpaceIsCool]

Homework Statement

The transverse velocity of the particle in Sections 2.5 and 2.7 is contained in (2.77), since

By taking the real and imaginary parts, find expressions for v_x and v_y separately. Based on these expressions describe the time dependence of the transverse velocity.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

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I really don't know how to start this problem. In my textbook, it starts to show a solution but the whole "real and imaginary parts" aspect of this problem is really throwing me off.

 

[PeterDonis]

The transverse velocity of the particle in Sections 2.5 and 2.7

Of what textbook?

I really don't know how to start this problem.

Unfortunately, that's not an attempt at a solution. You need to make one. You say your textbook starts to show a solution: have you tried to work past it? Where specifically did you get stuck?

 

[SpaceIsCool]

Of what textbook?
Unfortunately, that's not an attempt at a solution. You need to make one. You say your textbook starts to show a solution: have you tried to work past it? Where specifically did you get stuck?

Hello,
It doesn't really show a solution. It just talks about how to derive the equation given. I'm just not sure how to start this problem at all. I just started this Mechanics course and am feeling a bit out of depth. The textbook is Classical Mechanics by John R. Taylor.

 

[berkeman]

It doesn't really show a solution. It just talks about how to derive the equation given. I'm just not sure how to start this problem at all. I just started this Mechanics course and am feeling a bit out of depth. The textbook is Classical Mechanics by John R. Taylor.

Can you post a PDF of the page or two that contains this? That would be a big help for folks who would like to help. You can use the UPLOAD button in the lower right of the Reply window to attach a PDF or JPEG file to your reply. Thanks.