Why does e^-im(3pi/2) equal i^m?

In summary, the conversation involves a person trying to understand the solution to an exercise in physics involving the equation e^{-im \frac{3\pi}{2}}=i^m. The person applies Euler's formula but is still unsure of why this equation is true. After some discussion, it is revealed that e^{i\frac{-3\pi}{2}}= i and using this, the expression simplifies to i^m. The conversation also includes a reminder of the unit circle and the properties of exponents to further clarify the solution.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


I'm trying to follow some solution to an exercise in physics and apparently [itex]e^{-im \frac{3\pi}{2}}=i^m[/itex] where [itex]m \in \mathbb{Z}[/itex].
I don't realize why this is true.

Homework Equations


Euler's formula.

The Attempt at a Solution


I applied Euler's formula but this is still a mistery.
[itex]i^m=\cos \left ( \frac{3\pi m}{2} \right ) -i \sin \left ( \frac{3\pi m }{2} \right )[/itex].
I've checked the formula for m=1 and 2, it works. I must be missing the obvious, but I'm very tired physically and mentally.
Thanks for any help.

Edit: I found it. I drew a mental sketch of [itex]e^{-i \frac{3\pi }{2}}[/itex], it's "i" in the complex plane. Then just elevate this to the power m and the job is done.
 
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  • #2
What you can do is to use
[tex]i^m = e^{\ln(i^m)} = e^{m \ln i} [/tex]
and then calculate what is [itex] \ln i [/itex]
 
  • #3
[itex]e^{im\frac{-3\pi}{2}}= \left(e^{i\frac{-3\pi}{2}}\right)^m[/itex]

And, of course, [itex]e^{i\frac{-3\pi}{2}}= i[/itex] so that expression is just [itex]i^m[/itex].

If you are not clear that [itex]e^{i\frac{3\pi}{2}}= i[/itex], recall that [itex]e^{i\theta}[/itex], for any real [itex]\theta[/itex], lies on the unit circle ([itex]|e^{i\theta}|= 1[/itex] at angle [itex]\theta[/itex] measured counter clockwise from the positive real axis.
[itex]e^{i\frac{-3\pi}{2}}[/itex] lies on the unit circle, an angle [itex]3\pi/2[/itex] measured clockwise from the positive real axis.

Another way to see this is to recall that [itex]x^{-1}= 1/x[/itex] and that [itex]1/i= -i[/itex].
 

FAQ: Why does e^-im(3pi/2) equal i^m?

What is the definition of a complex number identity?

A complex number identity is an equation that represents the relationship between two complex numbers. It is used to show that two complex numbers are equal to each other.

Can you give an example of a complex number identity?

One example of a complex number identity is (a + bi) + (c + di) = (a + c) + (b + d)i. This equation shows that the sum of two complex numbers is equal to the sum of their real parts plus the sum of their imaginary parts.

How is the complex number identity used in mathematics?

The complex number identity is used in various mathematical operations involving complex numbers, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It is also used in proving theorems and solving equations involving complex numbers.

Are there any special properties of the complex number identity?

Yes, the complex number identity has several properties that make it useful in mathematics. For example, it is commutative and associative, which means that the order in which complex numbers are added or multiplied does not change the result. It is also distributive, meaning that the result of multiplying a complex number by a sum of other complex numbers is equal to the sum of the products of the complex number with each individual number.

How does the complex number identity relate to the real number system?

The complex number identity is an extension of the real number system. It includes both real and imaginary numbers and allows for more complex calculations. The real numbers can be seen as a subset of the complex numbers, where the imaginary part is equal to 0.

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