What Are Complex Numbers and How Can Beginners Start Learning About Them?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding complex numbers, specifically focusing on the cosine function and its properties in relation to complex logarithms. Participants are exploring how to approach problems involving the equation cos(z) = 2 and the implications of complex solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss starting points for understanding complex numbers and the cosine function. There are attempts to manipulate equations involving cos(z) and questions about the necessity of certain algebraic steps. Some participants express confusion about periodicity and the nature of solutions in the complex plane.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing guidance on how to approach the problem. There is recognition of the need to consider both principal and multiple values in the context of complex logarithms. Some participants are clarifying their understanding of the periodic nature of cosine and the implications for finding all solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of the cosine function in the context of complex numbers, with specific attention to the implications of periodicity and the multivalued nature of logarithms. There is an emphasis on understanding the foundational concepts without reaching a definitive conclusion.

  • #31
MissP.25_5 said:
Since the instruction says to find all solutions, doesn't that mean ln have to be multivalued? Multivalued means k>0, right? k=0 would be the principle value, which is single valued, isn't it?
Can you check the attachment?
That attachment is fine.
It is a minor technicality. To find all solutions we can use a multivalued inverse, or we can use a single value inverse to generate all solutions. k=0 can be the principal value if it is set up that way

your last post is confusing
where did i^0 come from?
third line from the bottom should have 2k pi i
then it should in the next line become 2k pi when you multiply both sides by -i
 
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  • #32
lurflurf said:
That attachment is fine.
It is a minor technicality. To find all solutions we can use a multivalued inverse, or we can use a single value inverse to generate all solutions. k=0 can be the principal value if it is set up that way

your last post is confusing
where did i^0 come from?
third line from the bottom should have 2k pi i
then it should in the next line become 2k pi when you multiply both sides by -i

Sorry, it should be i*0, this is due to iargZ. And argZ here is 0.
 
  • #33
lurflurf said:
That attachment is fine.
It is a minor technicality. To find all solutions we can use a multivalued inverse, or we can use a single value inverse to generate all solutions. k=0 can be the principal value if it is set up that way

your last post is confusing
where did i^0 come from?
third line from the bottom should have 2k pi i
then it should in the next line become 2k pi when you multiply both sides by -i

So, is this okay now?
 

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  • #34
^Yes that looks good.
 
  • #35
lurflurf said:
^Yes that looks good.

Between the 2 terms, (regarding the final answer) the symbol is just + or is it +/- ? I mean, how to simplify it?
 
Last edited:
  • #36
^Which 2? We need +/- either in front of log or between 2 and √3. We do not need it with 2k π unless we require k to not be negative.
 
  • #37
lurflurf said:
^Which 2? We need +/- either in front of log or between 2 and √3. We do not need it with 2k π unless we require k to not be negative.

Okay, I got it now! Thank you so much for being patient with me.
 

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