Why is 1+i = root 2e^(pi/4+2pi k) true?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the identity involving the complex number 1+i and its representation in exponential form, specifically questioning why 1+i = √2e^(π/4 + 2πk) holds true. Participants explore the implications of complex powers and the nature of imaginary numbers, touching on concepts from complex analysis and Euler's identity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the identity 1+i = √2e^(π/4 + 2πk) and its implications regarding cosine and sine values on the unit circle.
  • Another participant asserts that 1+i is not equal to √2, suggesting a misunderstanding of the identity.
  • A participant later clarifies that 1+i can be represented in the complex plane as a+ib, where the modulus and argument can be calculated using standard formulas.
  • There is a discussion about the multi-valued nature of complex powers, with a participant noting that i^i has infinitely many values due to the periodicity of the argument in complex numbers.
  • One participant acknowledges the complexity of the topic and the need to consider the multi-valuedness when discussing complex powers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the identity in question. There are conflicting views regarding the interpretation of 1+i and its representation, as well as the implications of complex powers.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the limitations of understanding complex numbers and their representations, particularly regarding the multi-valued nature of complex logarithms and powers. Participants reference the need for careful consideration of definitions and assumptions in their arguments.

The_ArtofScience
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Imaginary numbers have always intrigued me from the very beginning I was taught to believe that some negative root number could have an "i" factored out!

Anyway, I like to know more about this identity if anyone can help me out:

(1+i)^(1+i) = e^ln(root 2)-pi(1/4+2k)e^i(ln(root2)+pi(1/4+2k))

I'm not quite sure as to how 1+i = root 2e^(pi/4+2pi k). I do know that i^i = e^-pi/2 from the identity e^ipi=-1 which gives i = ln(-1)/pi. So my question is why is 1+i = root 2e^(pi/4+2pi k) true? This statement does not seem to make sense to me because it describes both cosine and sine giving 1 as an answer which does not seem to be the case on the unit circle and neither from Euler's identity
 
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1 + i is not root 2.
 
Ha! Sorry found out my own answer

1+i is really just a case of a+ib on the complex xy plane. The modulus can be calculated using (a^2+b^2)^1/2 and the argument can be done using the fact that tangent = b/a

edit:Yes, dx I'm aware of that. I changed it after you made your post
 
The_ArtofScience said:
Imaginary numbers have always intrigued me from the very beginning I was taught to believe that some negative root number could have an "i" factored out!

Anyway, I like to know more about this identity if anyone can help me out:

(1+i)^(1+i) = e^ln(root 2)-pi(1/4+2k)e^i(ln(root2)+pi(1/4+2k))

I'm not quite sure as to how 1+i = root 2e^(pi/4+2pi k). I do know that i^i = e^-pi/2 from the identity e^ipi=-1 which gives i = ln(-1)/pi. So my question is why is 1+i = root 2e^(pi/4+2pi k) true? This statement does not seem to make sense to me because it describes both cosine and sine giving 1 as an answer which does not seem to be the case on the unit circle and neither from Euler's identity

Complex powers are not what they seem. You stated that i^i=e^-pi/2, in fact i^i has infinitely many values:
[tex]i^i=e^{ilogi}=e^{i(i(\frac{\pi}{2}+2k\pi))}=e^{-\frac{\pi}{2}}e^{-2k\pi}[/tex]
Where k is an integer. This 'multi-valuedness' arises from the fact that the argument of a complex number is 'multi-valued', adding an integer multiple of 2pi to the angle a complex number makes with the positive x-axis (real axis) gives you the same number.
Moral of story: Beware of complex powers!

Edit: woops in my haste i forgot to re-read your 3rd line which shows you have taken into account the multivaluedness.
 

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