Hints on solving this equation

  • Thread starter missmerisha
  • Start date
In summary, the equation a^3 z^3+b^3 i =0 can be rewritten as (az-ib)((az)^{2}+iazb-b^{2})=0, where a and b are positive real numbers. To solve for z, use the fact that i^3 = -i and rewrite z in terms of its real and imaginary components.
  • #1
missmerisha
22
0

Homework Statement



The solutions of the equation a^3 z^3+b^3 i =0
where a,b are an element of R+


The Attempt at a Solution


a^3 z^3 = - b^3 i
z^3 = (-b^3 i) / (a^3)

Now I'm stuck.
Any other suggestions?
 
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  • #2
Note that

[tex]
i^3 = -i
[/tex]

As a start you can rewrite the entire right side as a 3rd power.
 
  • #3
You may also want to write z in terms of its real and imaginary components.
 
  • #4
statdad said:
Note that

[tex]
i^3 = -i
[/tex]

As a start you can rewrite the entire right side as a 3rd power.

That has nothing to do with the question.
 
  • #5
missmerisha said:
That has nothing to do with the question.

Actually, it has. In fact, I think it is a genius way to solve the problem! Just making sure, we are asked to solve z in terms of a, b?
Really, try his way, and see what you can do next.
Because after doing that substitution, basically there is only one more step to find get the solution
 
  • #6
missmerisha said:
That has nothing to do with the question.
It has everything to do with the equation. Assuming that a and b are real numbers, the cube root of [itex]-a^3/b^3[/itex] is -a/b so the only question is the cube root of i. Knowing that [itex]i^3= -i[/itex] helps with that. Warning: [itex]-ia^3/b^3[/itex]
has three cube roots.
 
  • #7
Re-write the left-hand side as:
[tex](az)^{3}-(ib)^{3}=0\to{(az-ib)((az)^{2}+iazb-b^{2})=0[/tex]
 

FAQ: Hints on solving this equation

What is the first step in solving an equation?

The first step in solving an equation is to simplify both sides of the equation by combining like terms and using the distributive property, if necessary.

How do I isolate the variable in an equation?

To isolate the variable, you need to get it on one side of the equation by performing the inverse operation. For example, if the variable is being multiplied by a number, you can divide both sides by that number to cancel it out.

What is the order of operations for solving equations?

The order of operations for solving equations follows the acronym PEMDAS, which stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right).

How do I check my solution to an equation?

To check your solution, simply plug in the value you found for the variable into the original equation. If both sides of the equation are equal, then your solution is correct.

What should I do if I encounter fractions or decimals in an equation?

If there are fractions or decimals in an equation, you can eliminate them by multiplying both sides of the equation by the common denominator. This will help you to solve the equation using whole numbers.

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