How can I match some parts of an expression?

Question

Suppose I have an expression like Abs[x+I y]+Sin[Abs [c+ I (d+e)]],

and I want to replace all expressions in the form of Abs[a1 + I a2] to Sqrt[a1^2+a2^2].

How should I do that?

Thanks in advance!

score 4 · Answer 1 · answered Apr 16 '15 at 01:23

4

Use ComplexExpand

expr = Abs[x + I y] + Sin[Abs[c + I (d + e)]];

expr // ComplexExpand

Sqrt[x^2 + y^2] + Sin[Sqrt[c^2 + (d + e)^2]]

answered Apr 16 '15 at 01:23

Bob Hanlon

1

It makes assumptions about symbols that are not necessarily in this form too. But as quick solution it is probably fine. – Kuba Apr 16 '15 at 07:35
1

@Kuba - the second argument to ComplexExpand is used to designate any variables in the expression that are complex. – Bob Hanlon Apr 16 '15 at 12:38

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 16 '15 at 07:26

1

expr = Abs[x + I y] + Sin[Abs[c + I (d + e)]];

expr /. Abs[a_ + I*b_] -> Sqrt[a^2 + b^2]

(*  Sqrt[x^2 + y^2] + Sin[Sqrt[c^2 + (d + e)^2]]  *)

Have fun!

answered Apr 16 '15 at 07:26

Alexei Boulbitch

2 Answers2