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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function f(z) = z^(7/3) at the point z = -i, specifically expressing the result in the form a + bi. Participants are exploring various approaches to compute this derivative and are encountering discrepancies in their results.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to apply the derivative formula for complex functions and explore the implications of using logarithmic forms. Some express confusion regarding the application of the derivative formula and the handling of complex exponentials. Others question the correctness of their calculations and the assumptions made during the process.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different methods to arrive at the derivative, with some participants suggesting alternative approaches and others questioning the validity of their previous calculations. Guidance has been offered regarding the use of the derivative formula and the manipulation of complex numbers, but no consensus has been reached on the correct method or final answer.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention mixing up formulas related to complex exponentiation and logarithms, indicating potential confusion about the application of these concepts in the context of the problem.

Pouyan
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Consider the principal branch of the function

f(z)= z7/3

Find f'(-i) and write it in the form a+bi

My attemp is :

I know zc = exp(c logz)
and the derivative of that is : (c/z) * exp(c Logz)
That is in this case (7/3)*(i) *exp((7/3)*Log-i) = f'(-i)
I know that Log(-i) = Log(1) + i(-pi/2)= -i pi/2
and exp((7/3)(-i pi/2)) = (cos(7pi/6)-i*sin(7pi/6))
and I get (7/3)*(i)(cos(7pi/6)-i*sin(7pi/6)) as final answer

But I see the answer is : -(7/6)(1+isqrt(3))!
What is wrong with my algorithm ?
 
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Pouyan said:
Consider the principal branch of the function

f(z)= z7/3

Find f'(-i) and write it in the form a+bi

My attemp is :

I know zc = exp(c logz)
and the derivative of that is : (c/z) * exp(c Logz)
That is in this case (7/3)*(i) *exp((7/3)*Log-i) = f'(-i)
I know that Log(-i) = Log(1) + i(-pi/2)= -i pi/2
and exp((7/3)(-i pi/2)) = (cos(7pi/6)-i*sin(7pi/6))
and I get (7/3)*(i)(cos(7pi/6)-i*sin(7pi/6)) as final answer

But I see the answer is : -(7/6)(1+sqrt(3))!
What is wrong with my algorithm ?
Include (i) into the exponent.
 
ehild said:
Include (i) into the exponent.

-i is in the exponent
 
Pouyan said:
Consider the principal branch of the function

f(z)= z7/3

Find f'(-i) and write it in the form a+bi

My attemp is :

I know zc = exp(c logz)
and the derivative of that is : (c/z) * exp(c Logz)
Is there some reason you can't use the derivative formula ##\frac d {dz} z^k = k z^{k - 1}##?
Then ##f'(-i) = \frac 7 3 (-i)^{4/3} = \frac 7 3 (e^{-i \pi/2})^{4/3}##
Simplify this last expression to get to the form in your textbook.
Pouyan said:
That is in this case (7/3)*(i) *exp((7/3)*Log-i) = f'(-i)
I know that Log(-i) = Log(1) + i(-pi/2)= -i pi/2
and exp((7/3)(-i pi/2)) = (cos(7pi/6)-i*sin(7pi/6))
and I get (7/3)*(i)(cos(7pi/6)-i*sin(7pi/6)) as final answer

But I see the answer is : -(7/6)(1+sqrt(3))!
What is wrong with my algorithm ?
 
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Pouyan said:
-i is in the exponent

Easier: if ##f(z) = z^n## then ##f'(z) = n z^{n-1}##. Apply that to ##n = 7/3## and ##z = -i##.

Anyway,
$$\exp((7/3)(-i \pi/2)) = \cos(7\pi/6)-i \sin(7\pi/6) =- \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} + \frac{1}{2} i $$.
 
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Ray Vickson said:
Easier: if ##f(z) = z^n## then ##f'(z) = n z^{n-1}##. Apply that to ##n = 7/3## and ##z = -i##.
That's what I said.
Ray Vickson said:
Anyway,
$$\exp((7/3)(-i \pi/2)) = \cos(7\pi/6)-i \sin(7\pi/6) =- \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} + \frac{1}{2} i $$.
 
Pouyan said:
-i is in the exponent
i is also a factor:
Pouyan said:
and I get (7/3)*(i)(cos(7pi/6)-i*sin(7pi/6)) as final answer
Write the multiplicative i in exponential form and collect the exponents.
 
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Thank you so much for your help. I actually mixed up this problem with the formula

Zm/n = exp((m/n)Log|z|)exp(i(m/n)(Arg z + 2kpi))
but now I see I could solve it easier:smile:
 
Mark44 said:
That's what I said.

For some reason, your message did not appear on my screen until after I pressed the "enter" key. That sort of thing happens to me quite often, and I have no idea why.

In fact, I did not see your message until I had logged off and later, logged on again!
 

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