1.4.1 complex number by condition

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the equation \(1 + x = \sqrt{10 + 2x}\) to find complex numbers \(x\). Participants derive that the equation simplifies to \(x^2 - 9 = 0\), yielding real solutions \(x = 3\) and \(x = -3\). The conversation highlights that while these solutions are real, they are also valid complex numbers, as all real numbers are included in the set of complex numbers. The use of complex notation \(z = x + iy\) is suggested for clarity, although it does not change the fundamental solutions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex numbers and their properties
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation and solving equations
  • Knowledge of the square root function and its implications in equations
  • Basic understanding of complex notation, such as \(z = x + iy\)
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the properties of complex numbers and their applications in solving equations
  • Learn about the geometric interpretation of complex numbers in the complex plane
  • Study the use of polar coordinates in complex number representation, specifically \(z = re^{i\theta}\)
  • Investigate common pitfalls in solving equations involving radicals and complex numbers
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, educators, and anyone interested in the intricacies of complex number theory and algebraic problem-solving.

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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