1.4.1 complex number by condition

In summary, this conversation is about the difference between complex and real numbers, and how the set of complex numbers includes the real numbers.
  • #1
karush
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1.4.1 Miliani HS
Find all complex numbers x which satisfy the given condition
$\begin{array}{rl}
1+x&=\sqrt{10+2x} \\
(1+x)^2&=10+2x\\
1+2x+x^2&=10+2x\\
x^2-9&=0\\
(x-3)(x+3)&=0
\end{array}$
ok looks these are not complex numbers unless we go back the the radical
 
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  • #2
karush said:
1.4.1 Miliani HS
Find all complex numbers x which satisfy the given condition
$\begin{array}{rl}
1+x&=\sqrt{10+2x} \\
(1+x)^2&=10+2x\\
1+2x+x^2&=10+2x\\
x^2-9&=0\\
(x-3)(x+3)&=0
\end{array}$
ok looks these are not complex numbers unless we go back the the radical
I realize what you are saying but real numbers are complex numbers!

Let's re-arrange the variables in a more standard way. Let z = x + iy.

Then
\(\displaystyle 1 + z = \sqrt{10 + 2z}\)

etc.
\(\displaystyle 1 + z^2 = 10\)

\(\displaystyle 1 + (x + iy)^2 = 10\)

\(\displaystyle 1 + x^2 - y^2 + 2ixy = 10\)

Equating real and imaginary parts on both sides gives:
\(\displaystyle \begin{cases} 1 + x^2 - y^2 = 10 \\ 2xy = 0 \end{cases}\)

(Hint: If x = 0 can we have a real value for y?)

So what values of x and y can we have and thus what values of z?

-Dan

Addendum: You can also let \(\displaystyle x = r e^{i \theta }\) but I don't think this adds anything.
 
  • #3
topsquark said:
I realize what you are saying but real numbers are complex numbers!

Let's re-arrange the variables in a more standard way. Let z = x + iy.

Then
\(\displaystyle 1 + z = \sqrt{10 + 2z}\)

etc.
\(\displaystyle 1 + z^2 = 10\)

\(\displaystyle 1 + (x + iy)^2 = 10\)

\(\displaystyle 1 + x^2 - y^2 + 2ixy = 10\)

Equating real and imaginary parts on both sides gives:
\(\displaystyle \begin{cases} 1 + x^2 - y^2 = 10 \\ 2xy = 0 \end{cases}\)

(Hint: If x = 0 can we have a real value for y?)

So what values of x and y can we have and thus what values of z?

-Dan

Addendum: You can also let \(\displaystyle x = r e^{i \theta }\) but I don't think this adds anything.
ok I see what your basic idea is but how did you get \(\displaystyle 1 + (x + iy)^2 = 10\) what happened to 2x ?
 
  • #4
a+bi=10
a=10
b=0
 
  • #5
karush said:
ok I see what your basic idea is but how did you get \(\displaystyle 1 + (x + iy)^2 = 10\) what happened to 2x ?
Nothing changed from your original.
\(\displaystyle 1 + z = \sqrt{10 + 2z}\)

\(\displaystyle (1 + z)^2 = 10 + 2z\)

\(\displaystyle 1 + \cancel{2z} + z^2 = 10 + \cancel{2z}\)

\(\displaystyle 1 + z^2 = 10\)
as before.

-Dan
 
  • #6
maxkor said:
a+bi=10
a=10
b=0
Where did you get a + bi = 10 from?

-Dan
 
  • #7
@karush: What I'm trying to say is that the only possible solution (complex or real) is x = 3. It doesn't matter how you solve it. The z = x + iy method is probably best (to my mind) as it reminds you to think in terms of complex numbers instead of reals. \(\displaystyle z = re^{i \theta }\) is probably better in general since you can recall that \(\displaystyle z = r e^{i \theta } = r e^{i ( \theta + 2 \pi k )}\) which may give you more solutions... such as when solving a cubic equation.

-Dan
 
  • #8
ok
must of been a lot students stumble on that problem:(
 
  • #9
karush said:
ok
must of been a lot students stumble on that problem:(
My guess is that there is a typo in the original problem. Most problems will not ask for complex solutions if there are only real solutions. You are right to be suspicious.

-Dan
 
  • #10
possible its a typo
came out of a handwritten journal
 
  • #11
The set of complex number includes the real numbers!

3 and -3 are perfectly good complex numbers.
 
  • #12
Country Boy said:
The set of complex number includes the real numbers!

3 and -3 are perfectly good complex numbers.
No, these are evil complex numbers. I know these two personally.

-Dan
 
  • #13
Well, I am part of their gang!
 
  • #14
Country Boy said:
Well, I am part of their gang!
Actually, it's a "triad." Hahahahahaha!

-Dan
 

FAQ: 1.4.1 complex number by condition

What is a complex number?

A complex number is a number that can be expressed in the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers and i is the imaginary unit (√-1).

How is a complex number represented on a graph?

A complex number can be represented on a graph using the complex plane, where the real part is plotted on the x-axis and the imaginary part is plotted on the y-axis.

What is the condition for a number to be considered a complex number?

A number is considered a complex number if it has a non-zero imaginary part (bi) or if it can be written in the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers and i is the imaginary unit.

How can complex numbers be added and subtracted?

Complex numbers can be added and subtracted by adding/subtracting the real parts and the imaginary parts separately. For example, (3 + 2i) + (5 - 4i) = (3+5) + (2i-4i) = 8 - 2i.

What is the complex conjugate of a complex number?

The complex conjugate of a complex number a + bi is the number a - bi. It is obtained by changing the sign of the imaginary part. For example, the complex conjugate of 3 + 2i is 3 - 2i.

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