Square root of a complex number

In summary, the square root of a complex number is a complex number with two possible branches, and the chosen branch will determine the value of the square root. The polar form can be used to find the square root of a complex number.
  • #1
Nipon Waiyaworn
if a is a complex number then sqrt(a^2)=?
Is it is similar to Real Number?
Help me please
 
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  • #2
The square root of a complex number ##z## is a complex number ##w## such that ##w^2 = z##. Note that the square root function has two branches, or in other words, there are two possibilites to choose ##w##. ##\sqrt{z^2}=\pm z## depending on the chosen branch and ##z##.
 
  • #3
Here's an example:

http://www.qc.edu.hk/math/Advanced%20Level/Finding%20the%20square%20root%20of%20a%20complex%20number.htm
 
  • #4
Orodruin said:
The square root of a complex number ##z## is a complex number ##w## such that ##w^2 = z##. Note that the square root function has two branches, or in other words, there are two possibilites to choose ##w##. ##\sqrt{z^2}=\pm z## depending on the chosen branch and ##z##.
Thanks a lot
 
  • #5
jedishrfu said:
Here's an example:

http://www.qc.edu.hk/math/Advanced%20Level/Finding%20the%20square%20root%20of%20a%20complex%20number.htm
Thanks a lot
 
  • #6
Maybe using the polar form would help: ## a=re^{i\theta} ; a^2 =r^2e^{i2\theta} ## . Then its square root , as Orodruin said, is ## \pm re^{i\theta} ## , although if you are working within a branch to start with ## 2\theta ## may not fall within the branch.
 

FAQ: Square root of a complex number

1. What is a complex number?

A complex number is a number that contains both a real and an imaginary component. It is represented in the form a + bi, where a is the real part and bi is the imaginary part.

2. What does the square root of a complex number mean?

The square root of a complex number is another complex number that, when squared, equals the original complex number. It is essentially finding a number that, when multiplied by itself, gives the complex number.

3. How do you find the square root of a complex number?

The square root of a complex number can be found by using the same method as finding the square root of a real number. First, find the modulus (absolute value) of the complex number. Then, take the square root of the modulus. Finally, divide the argument (angle) of the complex number by 2.

4. Can the square root of a complex number have more than one value?

Yes, the square root of a complex number can have two values. This is because when taking the square root of a complex number, there are two possible solutions that satisfy the equation. These solutions are known as the principal square root and the negative square root.

5. What are the properties of the square root of a complex number?

The properties of the square root of a complex number include: 1) The square root of a negative number is a complex number. 2) The square root of a positive real number is a positive real number. 3) The square root of a negative real number is a complex number with an imaginary part. 4) The square root of a complex number multiplied by itself equals the original complex number. 5) The square root of a complex number is not unique and can have two values.

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