Find the argument of the complex number −8−7i in the interval 0^{\circ} \leq \theta<360^{\circ} , rounding to the nearest tenth of a degree if necessary.
Q. Find the argument of the complex number −8−7i in the interval 0∘≤θ<360∘, rounding to the nearest tenth of a degree if necessary.
Identify parts: To find the argument of a complex number in the form z=a+bi, where a is the real part and b is the imaginary part, we use the formula θ=arctan(ab). However, since the complex number is in the second or third quadrant (because the real part is negative), we need to add 180° to the result of arctan(ab) to get the correct argument in the range 0° \leq \theta < 360°.
Calculate arctan: First, identify the real part a and the imaginary part b of the complex number −8−7i. Here, a=−8 and b=−7.
Find quadrant: Next, calculate the arctan(ab) using the values of a and b. We have arctan(−8−7). Since both a and b are negative, the complex number is in the third quadrant.
Calculate correct argument: Using a calculator, find the value of arctan(−−87). The result is approximately arctan(0.875), which is about 41.2∘. However, since the complex number is in the third quadrant, we need to add 180∘ to this result to find the correct argument.
Add 180°: Add 180° to 41.2° to get the argument of the complex number in the correct range. So, the argument θ is 41.2°+180°=221.2°.
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