Understanding arg(z1/z2) = arg(z1z2) with Conjugate z2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the identity arg(z1/z2) = arg(z1z2) where z2 is the conjugate of a complex number. Participants are exploring the implications of this identity in the context of complex numbers and their arguments.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to understand the identity by testing specific values for z1 and z2, questioning how the arguments of the resulting complex numbers relate to the identity. Some express confusion over the equality and seek clarification on the reasoning behind it.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their attempts and questioning the validity of the identity. Some have provided insights into how to express the arguments in terms of each other, while others are still grappling with the underlying concepts.

Contextual Notes

Participants are encouraged to consider the polar form of complex numbers and how it relates to the identity, indicating a need for deeper exploration of the topic. There is mention of specific homework constraints and the requirement to understand the identity in a general sense, not just through examples.

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Homework Statement



How is arg(z1/z2) = arg(z1z2) ?Where the bold z2 represents the conjugate.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Jbreezy said:

Homework Statement



How is arg(z1/z2) = arg(z1z2) ?Where the bold z2 represents the conjugate.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


What have you tried?

Where are you stuck ?
 
Yeah I tried. I just took an example say z1= 2+2i and z2= 3+4i

So arg (z1/z2) = .56-.08i
now arg(z1z2) = 14-2i
I don't get how this person wrote that arg(z1/z2) = arg(z1z2)
 
Jbreezy said:
Yeah I tried. I just took an example say z1= 2+2i and z2= 3+4i

So arg (z1/z2) = .56-.08i
now arg(z1z2) = 14-2i
I don't get how this person wrote that arg(z1/z2) = arg(z1z2)

Actually:

arg (z1/z2) = arg(.56-.08i)

and

arg(z1z2) = arg(14-2i) .

Are not those the same; arg(.56-.08i) and arg(14-2i) ?
 
Opps. Thanks
 
So you are happy that your particular example satisfies the identity arg(z_1/z_2)=arg(z_1 \bar{z_2}), but do you understand why it is an identity - ie it is satisfied by any z_1 and z_2 (with z_1,z_2 \neq 0)?

If not, think about how you can represent each of the following:
arg(z_1/z_2)arg(z_1 z_2)arg(\bar{z_2}) in terms of arg(z_1) and arg(z_2).
 
Last edited:
Of course, that just verifies it for those two particular values in that example. What happens if you write for general ##z_1## and ##z_2## in polar form and try it?
 
oay said:
So you are happy that your particular example satisfies the identity arg(z_1/z_2)=arg(z_1 \bar{z_2}), but do you understand why it is an identity - ie it is satisfied by any z_1 and z_2 (with z_1,z_2 \neq 0)?

If not, think about how you can represent each of the following:
arg(z_1/z_2)arg(z_1 z_2)arg(\bar{z_2}) in terms of arg(z_1) and arg(z_2).


arg(z_1/z_2)= arg(z1)-arg(z2)
arg(z_1 z_2)= arg(z1) +arg(z2)
arg(\bar{z_2})= -arg(z2)but you said in terms of ##arg(z1) ##and ## arg(z2)##
So I don;t know about the last one.

Of course, that just verifies it for those two particular values in that example. What happens if you write for general z1 and z2 in polar form and try it?

What do you mean?
 
LCKurtz said:
Of course, that just verifies it for those two particular values in that example. What happens if you write for general ##z_1## and ##z_2## in polar form and try it?

What do you mean?

##z = re^{i\theta}## form.
 
  • #10
Jbreezy said:
arg(z_1/z_2)= arg(z1)-arg(z2)
arg(z_1 z_2)= arg(z1) +arg(z2)
arg(\bar{z_2})= -arg(z2)but you said in terms of ##arg(z1) ##and ## arg(z2)##
So I don;t know about the last one.
That's right, you've answered all three correctly.

So,
arg(z_1/z_2)=arg(z_1)-arg(z_2)=arg(z_1)+arg(\bar{z_2})
=arg(z_1 \bar{z_2})
 
  • #11
oay said:
That's right, you've answered all three correctly.

But didn't he say he didn't understand the third one?
 
  • #12
LCKurtz said:
But didn't he say he didn't understand the third one?
I took that to mean that he/she was unsure about it simply because I'd said "in terms of arg(z_1) and arg(z_2)" and only one of these terms was necessary. A problem of the wording really, rather than not understanding the answer, IMO.

EDIT: @Jbreezy When asked to represent an expression "in terms of A, B and C" (for example), you are not obliged to use all of A, B and C in your answer.
 
Last edited:
  • #13
LCKurtz said:
##z = re^{i\theta}## form.

I don't know this form. You represent a complex number like a + ib like this? what?
 
  • #14
Jbreezy said:
I don't know this form. You represent a complex number like a + ib like this? what?
Any complex number can be represented this way.

r represents the modulus (ie \sqrt{a^2+b^2}) and \theta represents the argument.
 
  • #15
Jbreezy said:
I don't know this form. You represent a complex number like a + ib like this? what?

It's equivalent to
z=r \left(\cos(\theta)+i\sin(\theta)\right)=re^{i\theta}
 
  • #16
Yeah I will answer this question when I get to that part in my text.Thx
 
  • #17
Multiply z1/z2 by z2/z2 .

This gives (z1z2)/(z2z2) .

However, (z2z2) is a purely real number, so dividing by (z2z2) has no effect on the argument.
 

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