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

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the fundamentals of complex numbers, specifically how to solve equations involving cosine and exponential functions. Participants guide a beginner through the process of manipulating the equation \(\cos z = 2\) using Euler's identity and the complex logarithm. Key insights include the importance of considering the periodic nature of cosine and the multivalued aspect of the complex logarithm, leading to a comprehensive understanding of the solution set for \(z\).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Euler's identity: \(e^{iz} = \cos z + i \sin z\)
  • Familiarity with complex logarithms and their properties
  • Knowledge of trigonometric identities, particularly the periodic nature of cosine
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills for complex equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of complex logarithms, focusing on multivalued functions
  • Learn about the periodic properties of trigonometric functions, especially cosine
  • Explore the applications of Euler's identity in solving complex equations
  • Practice solving equations involving complex numbers and trigonometric identities
USEFUL FOR

Students and self-learners in mathematics, particularly those interested in complex analysis, trigonometry, and algebraic manipulation of complex equations.

  • #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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