Math Problem Statement

Given the complex number, 0 − 2i, how would it be written in polar form?

Solution

To convert the complex number 02i0 - 2i into polar form, we need to represent it in terms of its magnitude (modulus) and argument (angle). The polar form of a complex number zz is given by:

z=r(cosθ+isinθ)z = r (\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)

where:

  • rr is the modulus (magnitude) of the complex number
  • θ\theta is the argument (angle) of the complex number

Step 1: Find the modulus rr

The modulus of a complex number a+bia + bi is given by:

r=a2+b2r = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2}

For the complex number 02i0 - 2i, the real part a=0a = 0 and the imaginary part b=2b = -2. Therefore:

r=02+(2)2=4=2r = \sqrt{0^2 + (-2)^2} = \sqrt{4} = 2

Step 2: Find the argument θ\theta

The argument θ\theta is the angle the complex number makes with the positive real axis in the complex plane. It is given by:

θ=tan1(ba)\theta = \tan^{-1}\left( \frac{b}{a} \right)

For a=0a = 0 and b=2b = -2, the complex number lies on the negative imaginary axis, which corresponds to an angle of θ=π2\theta = -\frac{\pi}{2} radians.

Step 3: Write the polar form

Now we can write the complex number in polar form:

z=r(cosθ+isinθ)z = r (\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)

Substituting r=2r = 2 and θ=π2\theta = -\frac{\pi}{2}:

z=2(cos(π2)+isin(π2))z = 2 \left( \cos\left( -\frac{\pi}{2} \right) + i \sin\left( -\frac{\pi}{2} \right) \right)

Thus, the polar form of 02i0 - 2i is:

z=2(cos(π2)+isin(π2))z = 2 \left( \cos\left( -\frac{\pi}{2} \right) + i \sin\left( -\frac{\pi}{2} \right) \right)

Alternatively, you can express it as:

z=2cis(π2)z = 2 \text{cis}\left( -\frac{\pi}{2} \right)

where "cis" is shorthand for cosθ+isinθ\cos \theta + i \sin \theta.

Final Answer:

The polar form of 02i0 - 2i is:

2cis(π2)2 \text{cis} \left( -\frac{\pi}{2} \right) or 2(cos(π2)+isin(π2))2 \left( \cos\left( -\frac{\pi}{2} \right) + i \sin\left( -\frac{\pi}{2} \right) \right)

Would you like further clarification or have any questions on this? Here's some related material you may find interesting:

  1. How do you convert from polar form to rectangular form for complex numbers?
  2. What are the properties of complex numbers in polar form?
  3. How do you multiply two complex numbers in polar form?
  4. How do you divide two complex numbers in polar form?
  5. What is the significance of the modulus and argument in complex numbers?

Tip: When the real part of a complex number is zero, the argument is simply ±π2\pm \frac{\pi}{2}, depending on whether the number is above or below the real axis.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Complex Numbers
Polar Coordinates
Modulus and Argument of Complex Numbers

Formulas

r = √(a^2 + b^2) (Modulus of a complex number)
θ = tan^(-1)(b/a) (Argument of a complex number)
z = r(cos(θ) + i sin(θ)) (Polar form of a complex number)

Theorems

Polar form of complex numbers

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12