Simple Complex number problem,

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around complex numbers, specifically addressing three problems involving the properties of complex numbers and their real and imaginary components. Participants are exploring how to determine specific values of complex variables under given conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to analyze the conditions under which the square of a complex number is real and how to express complex numbers in terms of their real and imaginary parts. Some participants question the interpretation of the conditions provided, particularly regarding the imaginary part of the square of a complex number.
  • There is discussion about expressing complex numbers in terms of their components and determining when certain expressions are real, with some participants suggesting methods involving the imaginary part.
  • Participants also explore the implications of certain forms of complex numbers, such as when a fraction of complex numbers is real, and how to manipulate these expressions to reveal properties of the variables involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and guidance on how to approach the problems. Some have offered partial solutions or hints, while others are seeking further clarification on specific steps or concepts. There is a collaborative effort to unpack the problems without reaching a definitive resolution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of homework problems that require them to find specific values or demonstrate properties of complex numbers. There is an emphasis on understanding the relationships between the real and imaginary parts of complex numbers, as well as the conditions under which certain expressions are real.

UnD
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just having a problem with these 3 questions.
z E C such that I am z=2 and z^2 is real find z
well from my knowledge, it's will be x+2i, z^2 is (x^2 -4) + 4xi, since I am z= 2
then 4xi= 2? doesn't it, Umm don't really know what to do next

2nd questions
z E C such that Re z= 2Im z, and z^2 -4i is real, find x.
Umm don't have a clue on this one

Also 1 more
z EC such that z/(z-i) is real, show that z is imaginary

Thanks very much if you can help
 
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UnD said:
just having a problem with these 3 questions.
z E C such that I am z=2 and z^2 is real find z
well from my knowledge, it's will be x+2i, z^2 is (x^2 -4) + 4xi, since I am z= 2
then 4xi= 2? doesn't it, Umm don't really know what to do next
No, it's the imaginary part of z that is 2, not z2. Knowing that z2 is real tells you that Im(z2)= 0.

2nd questions
z E C such that Re z= 2Im z, and z^2 -4i is real, find x.
Umm don't have a clue on this one
z= 2x+ xi= x(2+ i). z2= x2(4+ 2i- 1)= x2(3+ 2i) so z2- 4i= 3x2+ (2x2- 4)i.
If z2- 4i is real, then the imaginary part of that is 0.

Also 1 more
z EC such that z/(z-i) is real, show that z is imaginary
Thanks very much if you can help

The standard way of dealing with fractions is to multiply numerator and denominator by the complex conjugate of the denominator. Here that would be z*+ i (z* being the complex conjugate of z). Remembering that z(z*)= |z|2, a real number, what condition on z makes z/(z-i) real?

Or, again, write z= x+iy so that z*+i= x- yi+ i= x+ (1-y)i.
 
Thanks, Still having a bit of problem with question 1 and 2. If you could explain again, It would be great.
 
For 1: start with the general z = x+iy. Taking the imaginary part and lettting it equal 2 will solve one of the two unknowns directly. Then z², take the imaginary part of it, let it equal 0 this time, since it has to be purely real.

Use a similar strategy for 2, but HallsofIvy already did most of the work for you. What part don't you understand?
 

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