Polar Form of Complex Numbers: Understanding Quadrants and Sign Conventions

In summary, the conversation is about whether signs should be taken into account when finding \alpha in the equation tan^{-1} x/a. The person asking the question also wonders if it matters if either a or x are negative. They also ask about quadrants and provide four equations, and are unsure about taking signs into account in the third quadrant. The expert summarizer concludes that signs are not taken into account when finding \alpha, but is unsure about the third quadrant.
  • #1
Darth Frodo
212
1
Not homework as such, just need some clarification.

When finding [itex]\alpha[/itex] do you have to take the signs into account when finding tan[itex]^{-1}[/itex] x/a. Does it matter if a or x are negative?

Next question is about quadrants

1: [itex]\theta[/itex] = [itex]\alpha[/itex]

2: [itex]\theta[/itex] = [itex]\pi[/itex] - [itex]\alpha[/itex]

3: [itex]\theta[/itex] = -[itex]\pi[/itex] - [itex]\alpha[/itex]

4: [itex]\theta[/itex] = -[itex]\alpha[/itex]

Based on these (if correct) it seems that I should disregard the sign when finding [itex]\alpha[/itex].

Is this correct?
 
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  • #2
Darth Frodo said:
Not homework as such, just need some clarification.

When finding [itex]\alpha[/itex] do you have to take the signs into account when finding tan[itex]^{-1}[/itex] x/a. Does it matter if a or x are negative?

Next question is about quadrants

1: [itex]\theta[/itex] = [itex]\alpha[/itex]

2: [itex]\theta[/itex] = [itex]\pi[/itex] - [itex]\alpha[/itex]

3: [itex]\theta[/itex] = -[itex]\pi[/itex] - [itex]\alpha[/itex]

4: [itex]\theta[/itex] = -[itex]\alpha[/itex]

Based on these (if correct) it seems that I should disregard the sign when finding [itex]\alpha[/itex].

Is this correct?

No, signs aren't taken into account while finding [itex]\alpha[/itex].

I am not sure about the 3 quadrant.
 

Related to Polar Form of Complex Numbers: Understanding Quadrants and Sign Conventions

What are complex numbers in polar form?

Complex numbers in polar form are a way of representing a complex number in terms of its magnitude (or absolute value) and angle. Instead of using the traditional Cartesian coordinates (x + yi), polar form uses the notation r(cosθ + isinθ), where r is the magnitude and θ is the angle in radians.

How do you convert a complex number from Cartesian form to polar form?

To convert a complex number from Cartesian form (x + yi) to polar form, follow these steps:

1. Calculate the magnitude using the formula |z| = √(x² + y²)

2. Calculate the angle using the formula θ = tan⁻¹(y/x)

3. Rewrite the complex number in the form r(cosθ + isinθ), with r being the magnitude and θ being the angle.

What is the benefit of using polar form for complex numbers?

One of the main benefits of using polar form for complex numbers is that it allows for easier multiplication and division. In polar form, multiplication is simply a matter of multiplying the magnitudes and adding the angles, while division is a matter of dividing the magnitudes and subtracting the angles. This can be more efficient than using the traditional Cartesian form.

Can you plot complex numbers in polar form?

Yes, complex numbers in polar form can be plotted on a polar coordinate plane. The magnitude represents the distance from the origin, and the angle represents the direction from the positive x-axis. The real part of the complex number is the x-coordinate and the imaginary part is the y-coordinate.

Are there any other ways to represent complex numbers besides polar form?

Yes, complex numbers can also be represented in exponential form, where z = re^(iθ). This form is useful for simplifying calculations involving powers or roots of complex numbers. Additionally, there is also the rectangular or Cartesian form (x + yi), which is the most commonly used representation for complex numbers.

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