Elementary Complex Number Problems

In summary, the conversation is about finding the argument of complex numbers. The first question asks if there is a way to find the argument without expanding the numerator. The expert suggests converting to polar form. The second question is about finding the argument of -1/2 and the expert provides a definition and a solution using logarithms. The third question asks for help in finding the argument of a complex number and the expert suggests using Wolfram|Alpha. The fourth question is about expanding a complex number and the expert explains the process. Finally, the conversation touches on the meaning of the term "argument" in complex numbers.
  • #1
nacho-man
171
0
1.
$|\frac{i(2+i)^3}{(1-i)^2}|$

Is there any way to complete this without expanding the numerator?2. what is the argument of $ -2\sqrt{3}-2i$
I got $r=4$

then
$\cos\theta_1 $ $= \frac{-2}{\sqrt{3}{4}}$ and $-2=4\sin\theta_2$
$\theta_1 = \pi - \frac{\pi}{6} = 5\frac{\pi}{6}$ and
$\theta_2 = \frac{-\pi}{6}$
so
Arg = $4cis(\frac{-\pi}{3})$ which is wrong according to my solutions and it should be $\frac{-5\pi}{6}$

where did i go wrong?


2. what is the method of finding the argument of -1/2.

so $z = -\frac{1}{2}$
and $r = \frac{1}{2}$

to solve for theta, i always get confused here.

i let
$-\frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{2}\cos\theta_{1}$ and $-\frac{1}{2}=\frac{1}{2}\sin\theta_{2}$ and solve

usually my $\theta_{2}$ ends up being wrong due to some error i make in the range. What would I do from here, being as meticulous and thorough in my working as possible?
in this example, i made no mistake.
i will edit this section with a question i get wrong, of similar fashion.
Thanks.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Re: elementary problems

nacho said:
2. what is the method of finding the argument of -1/2.

In my opinion the 'good definition' of $\displaystyle \text{arg}\ z$ is the following...

$\displaystyle \text{arg}\ z = \mathcal{Im} (\ln z)\ (1)$

On the basis of (1) is...

ln (- 1/2) - Wolfram|Alpha

$\displaystyle \text{arg}\ (- \frac{1}{2}) = \pi\ (2)$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
  • #3
Re: elementary problems

how would i find the argument of
$(1-i)(-\sqrt{3} + i)$
I get $r = 2\sqrt{2}$

but when solving for theta i get stuck because it gives:

$ \frac{\sqrt{3}+1}{2\sqrt{2}} = \cos\theta$ which i cannot solve.
 
  • #4
Re: elementary problems

nacho said:
how would i find the argument of
$(1-i)(-\sqrt{3} + i)$
I get $r = 2\sqrt{2}$

but when solving for theta i get stuck because it gives:

$ \frac{\sqrt{3}+1}{2\sqrt{2}} = \cos\theta$ which i cannot solve.

Also in this case 'Monster Wolfram' works excellently!...

ln [(1 - i)/(i - sqrt(3))] - Wolfram|Alpha

$\displaystyle \text{Im}\ (\ln \frac{1-i}{i - \sqrt{3}}) = \frac{11}{12}\ \pi\ (1)$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
  • #5
we are not expected to solve these by hand?
 
  • #6
nacho said:
1.
$|\frac{i(2+i)^3}{(1-i)^2}|$

Is there any way to complete this without expanding the numerator?

Yes, convert to polars.
 
  • #7
nacho said:
1.
$|\frac{i(2+i)^3}{(1-i)^2}|$
Is there any way to complete this without expanding the numerator?

[tex]\left| {\frac{{i{{(2 + i)}^3}}}{{{{(1 - i)}^2}}}} \right| = \frac{{|i||2 + i{|^3}}}{{|1 - i{|^2}}}[/tex]
 
  • #8
Plato said:
[tex]\left| {\frac{{i{{(2 + i)}^3}}}{{{{(1 - i)}^2}}}} \right| = \frac{{|i||2 + i{|^3}}}{{|1 - i{|^2}}}[/tex]

I just wasn't sure how to proceed with the $|(2+i)|^3$ term.
would i need expand the entire term or?
 
  • #9
Re: elementary problems

chisigma said:
In my opinion the 'good definition' of $\displaystyle \text{arg}\ z$ is the following...

$\displaystyle \text{arg}\ z = \mathcal{Im} (\ln z)\ (1)$

On the basis of (1) is...

ln (- 1/2) - Wolfram|Alpha

$\displaystyle \text{arg}\ (- \frac{1}{2}) = \pi\ (2)$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

I think what is meant by argument is finding the angle \(\displaystyle \theta\) of the complex number vector with the x-axis.
 
  • #10
nacho said:
I just wasn't sure how to proceed with the $|(2+i)|^3$ term.
would i need expand the entire term or?

\(\displaystyle |2+i|=\sqrt{5}\) so \(\displaystyle |2+i|^3=\sqrt{5}^3\)
 

Related to Elementary Complex Number Problems

1. What are complex numbers?

Complex numbers are numbers that consist of both a real part and an imaginary part. They are written in the form a + bi, where a is the real part and bi is the imaginary part. The imaginary unit, i, is equal to the square root of -1.

2. How do you perform operations on complex numbers?

To add or subtract complex numbers, you simply combine the real parts and the imaginary parts separately. To multiply complex numbers, you use the FOIL method, just like with binomials. To divide complex numbers, you multiply by the conjugate of the denominator.

3. How do you represent complex numbers on a graph?

Complex numbers can be represented on a graph using the complex plane, where the real part is plotted on the x-axis and the imaginary part is plotted on the y-axis. The point where the two axes intersect is known as the origin.

4. What is the importance of complex numbers in real life?

Complex numbers have many applications in physics, engineering, and other scientific fields. They are used to model and solve problems involving alternating currents, oscillations, and electrical circuits. They are also used in signal processing, control systems, and quantum mechanics.

5. How do you solve elementary complex number problems?

To solve elementary complex number problems, you must first understand the basic operations and properties of complex numbers. Then, you can use algebraic techniques to simplify expressions and solve equations involving complex numbers. It is also helpful to have a good understanding of the geometric representation of complex numbers on the complex plane.

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