1.4.1 complex number by condition

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding all complex numbers \( x \) that satisfy the equation \( 1+x=\sqrt{10+2x} \). Participants explore various approaches to solving the equation, including rearranging variables and equating real and imaginary parts. The scope includes theoretical reasoning and mathematical exploration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the original equation leads to real solutions \( x = 3 \) and \( x = -3 \), questioning the necessity of complex solutions.
  • Others propose rearranging the equation using \( z = x + iy \) and equating real and imaginary parts, leading to a system of equations.
  • A participant suggests that if \( x = 0 \), it raises questions about the possible values for \( y \).
  • There is a discussion about the validity of using \( z = re^{i \theta} \) for complex numbers, with some expressing skepticism about its utility in this context.
  • Some participants express concern that the problem may contain a typo, as it seems unusual for a problem to ask for complex solutions when only real solutions exist.
  • Humorous exchanges occur regarding the nature of complex numbers, with some participants joking about their "evil" characteristics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that real numbers are a subset of complex numbers, but there is disagreement about the necessity and existence of complex solutions for the given equation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding whether the original problem was correctly stated.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the transition from the original equation to the rearranged forms, highlighting potential missing steps or assumptions in the reasoning process.

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
 
Last edited:
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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
[math]1 + z = \sqrt{10 + 2z}[/math]

etc.
[math]1 + z^2 = 10[/math]

[math]1 + (x + iy)^2 = 10[/math]

[math]1 + x^2 - y^2 + 2ixy = 10[/math]

Equating real and imaginary parts on both sides gives:
[math]\begin{cases} 1 + x^2 - y^2 = 10 \\ 2xy = 0 \end{cases}[/math]

(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 [math]x = r e^{i \theta }[/math] but I don't think this adds anything.
 
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
[math]1 + z = \sqrt{10 + 2z}[/math]

etc.
[math]1 + z^2 = 10[/math]

[math]1 + (x + iy)^2 = 10[/math]

[math]1 + x^2 - y^2 + 2ixy = 10[/math]

Equating real and imaginary parts on both sides gives:
[math]\begin{cases} 1 + x^2 - y^2 = 10 \\ 2xy = 0 \end{cases}[/math]

(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 [math]x = r e^{i \theta }[/math] but I don't think this adds anything.
ok I see what your basic idea is but how did you get [math]1 + (x + iy)^2 = 10[/math] what happened to 2x ?
 
a+bi=10
a=10
b=0
 
karush said:
ok I see what your basic idea is but how did you get [math]1 + (x + iy)^2 = 10[/math] what happened to 2x ?
Nothing changed from your original.
[math]1 + z = \sqrt{10 + 2z}[/math]

[math](1 + z)^2 = 10 + 2z[/math]

[math]1 + \cancel{2z} + z^2 = 10 + \cancel{2z}[/math]

[math]1 + z^2 = 10[/math]
as before.

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

-Dan
 
@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. [math]z = re^{i \theta }[/math] is probably better in general since you can recall that [math]z = r e^{i \theta } = r e^{i ( \theta + 2 \pi k )}[/math] which may give you more solutions... such as when solving a cubic equation.

-Dan
 
ok
must of been a lot students stumble on that problem:(
 
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
 

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