Verifying and Proving z=cisθ Identity

  • Thread starter Thread starter danago
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Identity
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around verifying the identity involving the complex number \( z = \text{cis}(\theta) \) and its relationship to trigonometric identities, specifically focusing on the verification of \( \tan \theta = \frac{{z - z^{-1}}}{{i(z + z^{-1})}} \) and the subsequent proof of \( \cos(2\theta) = \frac{{1 - \tan^2 \theta}}{{1 + \tan^2 \theta}} \).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the meaning of \( z^{-1} \) and clarify that it refers to the reciprocal of \( z \). There is an exploration of the implications of \( z = \text{cis}(\theta) \) and its reciprocal, leading to questions about how to utilize the verified identity to prove the second equation. Hints are provided regarding substitution and simplification.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing hints and clarifications. Some guidance has been offered on how to approach the proof of the second identity by substituting the expression for \( \tan \theta \) into the equation for \( \cos(2\theta) \). There is a recognition of the relationship between the identities being discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that \( |z| = 1 \) and discuss properties of complex numbers, including relationships involving the real and imaginary parts of \( z \). There is an acknowledgment of the shorthand notation "cis" and its equivalence to the exponential form of complex numbers.

danago
Gold Member
Messages
1,118
Reaction score
4
If [tex]z=cis\theta[/tex], verify that [tex] \tan \theta = \frac{{z - z^{ - 1} }}{{i(z + z^{ - 1} )}}[/tex]. Use this result to prove that [tex] \cos (2\theta ) = \frac{{1 - \tan ^2 \theta }}{{1 + \tan ^2 \theta }}[/tex]


Ok, I've managed to verify the first equation given, but I am not really sure how to use it to prove the second identity. I am really not sure where to start. If somebody could give me a hint about where to start id be very appreciative.

Thanks,
Dan.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Does your [tex]z^{-1}[/tex] actually mean conjugate of z?
 
Nah its the reciprocal of z.
 
Haven't seen "cis" in a long time! It's engineering shorthand for [itex]cos(\theta)+ i sin(\theta)= e^{i\theta}[/itex]. From the last form, or comparing [itex]\theta[/itex] for z and z-1, it should be clear that if [itex]z= cis(\theta)[/itex] then [itex]z^{-1}= cis(-\theta)= cos(\theta)- i sin(\theta)[/itex]. Putting those in for z and z-1 in
[tex]\frac{z- z^{-1}}{i(z+ z^{-1}}[/itex]<br /> <br /> By the way, when |z|= 1, as is the case here, z<sup>-1</sup> <b>is</b> the complex conjugate:<br /> [tex]\frac{1}{x+ iy}= \frac{1}{x+iy}\frac{x-iy}{x-iy}= \frac{x-iy}{x^2+ y^2}= x- iy[/tex][/tex]
 
basically, you have [tex]\tan \theta[/tex] equal something, so all you need to do to prove your 2nd identity is just sub in this where [tex]\tan \theta[/tex]'s appear and simplify then you shall see that it actually equals to [tex]\cos (2\theta)[/tex]
hint:
[tex]\cos (x)=\frac{e^{ix}+e^{-ix}}{2}[/tex]
 
Nah its the reciprocal of z.

Nah, my question was a rhetorical one :smile:

also note that [tex]z+z^*=2\text{Re}(z)[/tex] , [tex]z-z^* = 2i\text{Im}(z)[/tex] and [tex]z z^* = |z|[/tex]
 
Got it :smile: thanks for the help guys :D
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
54
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K