Complex Division: Solving Proof for Dividing 2 Complex Numbers

In summary: If you divide by zero, you get an error, so it's important to make sure you're not dividing by zero when solving for x.
  • #1
Monochrome
11
0
I'm working on the proof that two complex numbers can be divided from Alhford and I'm completely s(t)uck.

I've gotten as far as:

a = gx - dy
b = dx +gy

from
(a+ib) / (g + id)

where

a+ib = (g + id)(x+iy)

I've managed to get

[tex]x={\frac {b-{\it gy}}{d}}[/tex]

and done the same for y (latex is a bit hard for me right now so I can't really show both and I'd like to have a go at it myself when I get what is done for x)

But the book says I'm mean to get:
[tex]x={\frac {{\it ag}+{\it bd}}{{g}^{2}+{d}^{2}}}[/tex]
Help?
 
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  • #2
Monochrome said:
I've gotten as far as:

a = gx - dy
b = dx +gy

from
(a+ib) / (g + id)

where

a+ib = (g + id)(x+iy)

I've managed to get

[tex]x={\frac {b-{\it gy}}{d}}[/tex]

and done the same for y (latex is a bit hard for me right now so I can't really show both and I'd like to have a go at it myself when I get what is done for x)

But the book says I'm mean to get:
[tex]x={\frac {{\it ag}+{\it bd}}{{g}^{2}+{d}^{2}}}[/tex]
Help?
You want to solve for x and y. If you have an expression for x that involves y, you haven't really solved for x. You have deduced two equations

a = gx - dy
b = dx +gy

You used the second one to isolate x and got

x = (b-gy)/d

Now plug this into the first equation, solve for y. Then sub your solution for y back into your expression for x, and solve for x. Note, how do you know you're allowed to divide by d, as in x = (b-gy)/d? What if d = 0?
 
  • #3
Oh bloody hell, I had that at the start but didn't see the division by d continued to g. Thanks.

And about d = 0, the book says we're to assume that d isn't zero, than it just becomes normal division.
 

FAQ: Complex Division: Solving Proof for Dividing 2 Complex Numbers

How do you divide two complex numbers?

To divide two complex numbers, you can use the formula (a+bi)/(c+di) = [(a+bi)(c-di)]/(c^2 + d^2). This can also be written as (a+bi)/(c+di) = [(ac+bd)/(c^2 + d^2)] + [(bc-ad)/(c^2 + d^2)i].

What is the purpose of dividing complex numbers?

Dividing complex numbers allows us to solve equations and problems involving complex numbers. It is also useful in applications such as electrical engineering and physics.

Can you divide a complex number by 0?

No, you cannot divide a complex number by 0. Division by 0 is undefined in mathematics.

What are the steps for dividing two complex numbers?

The steps for dividing two complex numbers are as follows:
1. Rewrite the complex numbers in the form (a+bi).
2. Apply the division formula [(a+bi)(c-di)]/(c^2 + d^2).
3. Simplify the resulting complex number by combining like terms and simplifying the imaginary part.
4. Write the answer in the form a+bi.

Are there any restrictions when dividing complex numbers?

Yes, when dividing complex numbers, the denominator (c+di) cannot equal 0. This is because division by 0 is undefined. In addition, the imaginary unit i cannot be divided by itself, so the denominator cannot be a pure imaginary number (0+di).

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