MHB Can Complex Numbers Solve This Linear System?

AI Thread Summary
To solve the linear system involving complex numbers, one suggested method is to multiply the second equation by 2i to eliminate y, allowing for the calculation of x. Cramer's Rule is also mentioned as a viable alternative if Gaussian elimination is not permitted. The discussion emphasizes that complex numbers can be treated like real numbers in algebraic methods. Substitution is recommended as another approach if Cramer's Rule is not desired. Overall, various methods can be applied to solve the system, demonstrating the flexibility of handling complex coefficients in linear equations.
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$$\mathbb C: (1+i)x + 2y = 3, 3x + (1i)y = 2i$$

I don't know how to go about this, am I supposed to do addition of complex number? Please help.
 
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One way to proceed would be to multiply the second equation by $2i$, and then add the two equations:

$$(1+i)x+2y=3$$

$$6ix-2y=-4$$

Then you will have eliminated $y$ and can solve for $x$, after which you may substitute for $x$ into either equation to determine $y$.
 
MarkFL said:
One way to proceed would be to multiply the second equation by $2i$, and then add the two equations:

$$(1+i)x+2y=3$$

$$6i-2y=-4$$

Then you will have eliminated $y$ and can solve for $x$, after which you may substitute for $x$ into either equation to determine $y$.

I am not supposed to use Gaussian elimination.
 
I thought Gaussian elimination involved an augmented matrix. If you are not to use any type of elimination then use substitution instead.
 
Since this has two equations and two variables, it's easy to apply Cramer's Rule, since the determinant of a 2x2 matrix $\begin{bmatrix}a&b\\c&d \end{bmatrix}$ is just $ad-bc$
 
crypt50 said:
I am not supposed to use Gaussian elimination.
It would have helped if you had told us that!

In any case "complex numbers", as far as algebra is concerned, are just numbers. Any method that you could use with real coefficients works with complex coefficients.

If you are not allowed to use the easiest method (Gaussian elimination) you could use Cramer's rule, as eddybob123 suggested:
x= \dfrac{\left|\begin{array}{ccc}3 & 2 \\ 2i & 2i\end{array}\right|}{\left|\begin{array}{ccc}1+i & 2 \\ 3 & i \end{array}\right|}
y= \dfrac{\left|\begin{array}{ccc}1+i & 3 \\ 3 & 2i\end{array}\right|}{\left|\begin{array}{ccc}1+i & 2 \\ 3 & i \end{array}\right|}

(Editted thanks to eddybob123.)
 
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I'm sure you meant y on the second equation!
 
HallsofIvy said:
It would have helped if you had told us that!

In any case "complex numbers", as far as algebra is concerned, are just numbers. Any method that you could use with real coefficients works with complex coefficients.

If you are not allowed to use the easiest method (Gaussian elimination) you could use Cramer's rule, as eddybob123 suggested:
x= \dfrac{\left|\begin{array}{ccc}3 & 2 \\ 2i & 2i\end{array}\right|}{\left|\begin{array}{ccc}1+i & 2 \\ 3 & i \end{array}\right|}
x= \dfrac{\left|\begin{array}{ccc}1+i & 3 \\ 3 & 2i\end{array}\right|}{\left|\begin{array}{ccc}1+i & 2 \\ 3 & i \end{array}\right|}

I thought I could figure it out. What if I don't want to use Cramer's rule.
 
$$(1+i)x+2y=3$$

$$6ix-2y=-4$$

Solve one of these equations for $2y$ and then substitute that into the other equation and solve for $x$.
 
  • #10
crypt50 said:
$$\mathbb C: (1+i)x + 2y = 3, 3x + (1i)y = 2i$$

I don't know how to go about this, am I supposed to do addition of complex number? Please help.

Online service - linear system to complex numbers

?? ? ? ? ?? ?
 
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