What is the Argument of a Complex Number with a Given Modulus?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the argument of a complex number given its modulus, specifically focusing on the equation z^4 = 1/2 + i sqrt(3)/2. Participants are exploring the transformation of the complex number into polar form and the implications of De Moivre's theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss transforming the complex number into polar form and applying De Moivre's formula. There are inquiries about the nature of complex roots and how to derive additional solutions from the initial transformation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering insights into the application of De Moivre's theorem and the general form of complex roots. There is an exploration of multiple solutions and the concept of rotating the argument by multiples of 2π.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of the modulus and the argument in the context of complex numbers, while also addressing the periodic nature of the argument in polar coordinates.

kasse
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z^4= 1/2 + i sqrt(3)/2

I start by transforming into polar form:

z^4 = e^(i*Pi/3)

But then I'm blank.
 
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kasse said:
z^4= 1/2 + i sqrt(3)/2

I start by transforming into polar form:

z^4 = e^(i*Pi/3)

But then I'm blank.

Have you tried De Moivre's formula ?
 
I believe the complex root is defined by (that is: it's usually continued from the real function by)
\sqrt{r e^{i \phi}} = \sqrt{r} e^{i \phi / 2}
 
CompuChip said:
I believe the complex root is defined by (that is: it's usually continued from the real function by)
\sqrt{r e^{i \phi}} = \sqrt{r} e^{i \phi / 2}

yes, and from De Moivre's formula we get the general:

z^{1/n} = r^{1/n}*exp(i \phi / n)
 
malawi_glenn said:
yes, and from De Moivre's formula we get the general:

z^{1/n} = r^{1/n}*exp(i \phi / n)


So e^((i Pi)/12) is a solution. How about the other three?
 
Remember that the same complex number can be obtained by rotating 2*pi and so on.

i.e arg((1/2) + i (rot3 / 2)) = pi / 3 + 2 pi * n, where n is ... -3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3...
 

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