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Exponential Form


Complex numbers are a fundamental concept in mathematics that extends the idea of a one-dimensional number line to a two-dimensional complex plane. They are written in the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers, and i is the imaginary unit, satisfying i 2 = -1.

Traditional representation

Typically, complex numbers are represented in their standard form, where they are expressed as the sum of the real part a and the imaginary part bi. This is known as the rectangular form. However, there is another compelling and more practical representation known as the exponential form, which takes advantage of Euler's formula.

Understanding Euler's formula

Euler's formula is a fundamental equation in complex analysis that establishes a deep connection between complex exponentials and trigonometric functions. It is stated as follows:

e  = cos(θ) + i*sin(θ)

Example 1:

For θ = π, Euler's formula gives:

e  = cos(π) + i*sin(π) = -1 + i*0 = -1

Hence, e + 1 = 0, known as Euler's identity, is often celebrated for its beauty as it connects five fundamental mathematical constants: 0, 1, π, e, and i.

Exponential form of a complex number

Using Euler's formula, any complex number can be expressed in its exponential form. Given a complex number, r(cos θ + i sin θ) in polar coordinates, it can be rewritten using Euler's formula as:

z = re 

Here, r is the magnitude (or modulus) of the complex number, which is the distance from the origin to the point in the complex plane. θ is the argument (or angle), measured from the positive real axis to the line representing the complex number.

Example 2: Exponential transformation

Suppose we have a complex number z = 1 + i√3. We need to convert it to its exponential form:

  1. Calculate the magnitude r:
    r = √(1 2 + (√3) 2) = √4 = 2
  2. Calculate the argument θ:
    θ = atan2(√3, 1) = π/3
  3. Thus, the exponential form is:
    z = 2e iπ/3

Advantages of using exponential form

One of the main advantages of the exponential form of complex numbers is that it greatly simplifies operations such as multiplication, division, and root extraction. In exponential form, complex number multiplication becomes simple: just multiply the magnitudes and add the angles.

Operations with exponential form

Suppose we have two complex numbers in exponential form: z1 = r1e iθ1 and z2 = r2e iθ2. Here are the basic operations:

Multiplication of complex numbers

z1 * z2 = (r1 * r2)e i(θ1 + θ2)

Example 3: Multiplication

Let z1 = 3e iπ/4 and z2 = 2e iπ/6.

z1 * z2 = (3 * 2)e i(π/4 + π/6) = 6e i(5π/12)

Division of complex numbers

z1 / z2 = (r1 / r2)e i(θ1 - θ2)

Example 4: Division

Divide by z1 = 4e iπ/3 z2 = 2e iπ/6.

z1 / z2 = (4 / 2)e i(π/3 - π/6) = 2e iπ/6

Finding powers

For powers we use the following formula:

z n = (r n)e inθ

Example 5: Powers

Let z = 2e iπ/4. Find z 3.

z 3 = (2 3)e i(3π/4) = 8e i3π/4

Finding the roots

n root of the complex number z = re can be found as follows:

z k = r 1/n e i(θ+2kπ)/n for k = 0, 1, ..., n-1

Example 6: Roots

Find the cube root of z = 8e .

z k = 8 1/3 e i(π+2kπ)/3 for k = 0, 1, 2

This process gives the roots 2e iπ/3, 2e i(π+2π)/3, and 2e i(π+4π)/3.

Viewing complex numbers in exponential form

The exponential form of a complex number can be viewed as a rotation around the origin of the complex plane. In the SVG below, assume a circle of radius r centered at the origin, and the angle θ represents the rotation about the positive x-axis. Each complex number can be viewed as a point on this circle.

Jade θ R

Conclusion

The exponential form of complex numbers is not just a different way to write complex numbers; it provides insight and simplifications, especially in complex calculus, signal processing, and Fourier analysis. This form integrates seamlessly with the concepts of angles and rotations, making it invaluable in both theoretical and practical applications in various fields of mathematics and engineering.


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