Re: Sqrt of complex number
- To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
- Subject: [mg126638] Re: Sqrt of complex number
- From: Bob Hanlon <hanlonr357 at gmail.com>
- Date: Mon, 28 May 2012 05:09:16 -0400 (EDT)
- Delivered-to: l-mathgroup@mail-archive0.wolfram.com
- References: <201205270842.EAA17817@smc.vnet.net>
A function (e.g., Sqrt) must be single-valued at each point so Sqrt is
defined as the "principal root." The two values you are looking for
are
y /. Solve[y^2 == x, y]
{-Sqrt[x], Sqrt[x]}
y /. Solve[y^2 == 3 - 4 I, y]
{-2 + I, 2 - I}
See http://reference.wolfram.com/mathematica/tutorial/FunctionsThatDoNotHaveUniqueValues.html
Bob Hanlon
On Sun, May 27, 2012 at 4:42 AM, Jacare Omoplata
<walkeystalkey at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> When I try to find the square root of of a complex number, I get only one answer.
>
> In[1]:= Sqrt[3-4 I]
> Out[1]= 2-I
>
> But -2+I is an answer as well.
>
> In[2]:= (-2+I)^2
> Out[2]= 3-4 I
>
> Why does Mathematica give the first answer and not the second? Does it choose the answer with the positive real number? Is there any way I can get both answers? Or do I just have to remember that the negative of the given answer is also an answer?
>
> Thanks.
>
- References:
- Sqrt of complex number
- From: Jacare Omoplata <walkeystalkey@gmail.com>
- Sqrt of complex number