# Homework Help: Complex number

1. Apr 28, 2012

### sharks

The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Given that the real and imaginary parts of the complex number $z=x+iy$ satisfy the equation $(2-i)x-(1+3i)y=7$. Find x and y.

The attempt at a solution
I know it's quite simple. Just equate the real and imaginary parts, but i checked and redid it again, but the answer still evades me!
$$(2x-y-7) + i(-x-3y)=0 \\2x-y-7=x \\x-y=7\, (1) \\-x-3y=y \\4y+x=0\, (2) \\x=28/5 \\y=-7/5$$
I replaced in the original equation but i can't get 7 on the L.H.S.
The correct answers: x=3 and y=-1.

2. Apr 28, 2012

### LCKurtz

Why aren't those 0 on the right side?

3. Apr 28, 2012

### SammyS

Staff Emeritus
When you write:
$2x-y-7=x$

and

$-x-3y=y\ ,$​
you are saying that
$(2x-y-7) + i(-x-3y)=z\ .$​

That's not what you're trying to solve !

4. Apr 28, 2012

### sharks

I was confused about z=x+iy. I thought i had to compare the real and imaginary parts of z with those of the equation in order to solve it. I now realize that it has absolutely nothing to do with z. All i had to do was solve the equation independently and ignore whatever was given for z.

Solving:$$2x-y=7 \\-x-3y=0$$I get the correct answers.

Thank you, LCKurtz and SammyS.

Last edited: Apr 28, 2012