What is the arg() function in complex analysis?

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The arg() function in complex analysis represents the argument of a complex number, which is a key component alongside its modulus. It is defined as the angle in polar coordinates, typically expressed using the arctan function: arg(z) = arctan(y/x) for a complex number z = x + iy. The discussion highlights the multivalued nature of the complex logarithm and exponential functions, where the term 2πik (k ∈ ℤ) arises. There is confusion regarding the relationship between arg(z) and arccos, with clarifications that arg(z) cannot be directly equated to arccos(Re(z)). Overall, the arg() function is essential for characterizing complex numbers in polar form.
Peter VDD
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What is the arg() function? I can find no reference to it?

exp(z)=w => z=ln(|w|)+i*arg(w)+2*k*Pi*i

what's that arg()?
 
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A complex # is characterized through modulus & argument.

z=\left|z\right| e^{i\varphi}

That \varphi is called argument.

The same real number appears as the argument (sic!) of the "sine" & "cosine",if u use Euler's formula in the exponential form written above.

Daniel.
 
And there's one more thing:

where does that 2\pi i k,k\in \mathbb{Z} come from...?Euler's formula explains it.It's called "multivaluedness" of the complex exponential (hence of the complex logarithm).

Daniel.
 
Yes, I suspected something like that yet :) but the term is described nowhere in our course. {or I still have to find it}

Thx.
 
So, basically, arg(z) = arccos(Re(z))?
 
Well,arccos returns a value in the interval [0,\pi],while that argument can be any #,complex even...

Daniel.
 
Manchot said:
So, basically, arg(z) = arccos(Re(z))?
I don't see how that works, you saying that:

arg(70) = arg(109i + 70)?

Shouldn't there be something else in there?
 
No,he's saying something like

\arg (70+3i)=\arccos 70

which is ballooney.

Daniel.
 
So, basically, arg(z) = arccos(Re(z))?

No. You can write

\arg z = \arccos \left( \mbox{Re}\left[ \frac{z}{|z|} \right] \right)

in a form similar to yours. The standard definition is if z = x + iy then

\arg z = \arctan \left(\frac{y}{x}\right)

though.
 

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