Graph of a Complex Number (basic concept)

In summary, the conversation is about the graph of the function z = x + iy and how to visualize the set of points where arg(z) lies between 0 and pi/4. This set of points forms a wedge shape, with the points where arg(z) = 0 being the positive x-axis and the points where arg(z) = pi/4 being a ray at 45 degrees to the x-axis. The conversation also mentions how the concept of arg(z) can be visualized as the angle in radians when graphing a complex number z = x + iy.
  • #1
DEMJ
44
0

Homework Statement



Sketch [tex]0 \le arg z \le \frac{\pi}{4}[/tex] [tex](z \not= 0)[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I know from my book that his is a punctured disk aka deleted neighborhood only because it says so and because it is in the form of [tex]0 < \mid z - z_0 \mid < \epsilon[/tex]. I honestly have no clue how to graph this or even visual how it is a disk with a hole in it. Anyone care to mention or explain anything that will help me understand this concept and eventually be able to graph it. Thank you.
 
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  • #2
It's not a punctured disk. If you can explain to me what you think arg(z) is, I think I can explain what the graph looks like. If you can explain that clearly, you probably won't need me to explain what the graph looks like.
 
  • #3
honestly I always think of it as the angle in radians you get when you graph a complex number z = x + iy but this may be wrong =[
 
  • #4
DEMJ said:
honestly I always think of it as the angle in radians you get when you graph a complex number z = x + iy but this may be wrong =[

No, that's exactly right. So the region you are graphing should look more like a wedge, shouldn't it?
 
  • #5
I do not even know how to begin graphing this so I honestly do not see how it looks like a wedge...sigh.

All I can visualize is a vector z = x + iy with theta = pi/4 but this is can't be right and 0 must be involved somehow
 
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  • #6
Sigh. The set of points where arg(z)=0 is the positive x-axis, right? The set of points where arg(z)=pi/4 is a ray at 45 degrees to the x-axis, right? What you want are the points whose angles are in between. I would call that a "wedge". What would you call it?
 
  • #7
Wow I feel embarrassed how straight forward it is yet I could not grasp it by myself LOL, and I would call it Sergeant Dick Amazing (lol just kidding) and thank you for clearing this up for me kind sir.
 
  • #8
You'll do better next time, right? Not all 'complex' problems are hard.
 

FAQ: Graph of a Complex Number (basic concept)

What is a complex number?

A complex number is a number that can be expressed in the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers and i is the imaginary unit (√-1).

What is the graph of a complex number?

The graph of a complex number is a two-dimensional plane where the horizontal axis represents the real part of the complex number and the vertical axis represents the imaginary part.

How is a complex number represented on a graph?

A complex number is represented as a point on the complex plane, with the real part as the x-coordinate and the imaginary part as the y-coordinate.

What is the modulus of a complex number?

The modulus (or absolute value) of a complex number is the distance from the origin (0,0) to the point representing the complex number on the complex plane. It is calculated as √(a² + b²), where a and b are the real and imaginary parts respectively.

How does multiplication/division of complex numbers affect their graphs?

Multiplying a complex number by a scalar will result in a new complex number with the same argument (angle from the positive real axis) but with a different modulus (distance from the origin). Division by a scalar will have the opposite effect. Multiplying/division by a complex number will result in a rotation and/or scaling of the original graph.

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