Find real x and y, for which |z+3|=1-iz

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding real values for x and y that satisfy the equation |z+3|=1-iz, where z is expressed as a complex number z=x+iy. Participants are exploring the implications of the absolute value and the conditions it imposes on the real and imaginary parts of the equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessity of equating the real and imaginary parts of both sides of the equation. There is confusion regarding the role of the absolute value on the left-hand side and its implications for the right-hand side. Some participants attempt to manipulate the equation into polar form and express z in terms of its components, while others question the assumptions about the realness of iz.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the relationship between the components of z and the conditions imposed by the absolute value. Some participants have noted that since |z+3| is non-negative and real, iz must also be real, leading to further questioning about the implications for the values of x and y. No consensus has been reached, but several productive lines of inquiry are being pursued.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the constraints of the problem, particularly the requirement that both sides of the equation must yield real values. There is acknowledgment that the absolute value cannot be ignored, and this leads to further questioning about the nature of y and its implications for the solution.

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Homework Statement


Find real x and y, for which |z+3|=1-iz

Homework Equations


z=x+iy=re=rcos(θ) + rsin(θ)i

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that there must exist some x and y which satisfies both of these equations, since the real part of the LHS must be the same as the RHS, and same with the imaginary part. What is tripping me up is that z is on both sides. If there wasn't a z on either side, I would normally just convert each side into it's polar form, and solve for r and θ, thus finding x and y.

In this case, I've only gotten so far as changing to polar and doing trivial manipulations to both sides:
re +3 = 1-ire
re (1+i) = -2
re = i-1 = (i-1)ei2πn

Then I found r=√2, θ=2π. So x=√2 and y =0.

That's where I'm at so far. I ignored the absolute value of the LHS, which I'm sure probably plays a part in the answer, but I don't quite know how. The answer in the back of the book is x=0 and y=4. I have no idea how to get that answer. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.
 
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acdurbin953 said:

Homework Statement


Find real x and y, for which |z+3|=1-iz

Homework Equations


z=x+iy=re=rcos(θ) + rsin(θ)i

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that there must exist some x and y which satisfies both of these equations, since the real part of the LHS must be the same as the RHS, and same with the imaginary part. What is tripping me up is that z is on both sides. If there wasn't a z on either side, I would normally just convert each side into it's polar form, and solve for r and θ, thus finding x and y.

In this case, I've only gotten so far as changing to polar and doing trivial manipulations to both sides:
re +3 = 1-ire
re (1+i) = -2
re = i-1 = (i-1)ei2πn

Then I found r=√2, θ=2π. So x=√2 and y =0.

That's where I'm at so far. I ignored the absolute value of the LHS, which I'm sure probably plays a part in the answer, but I don't quite know how. The answer in the back of the book is x=0 and y=4. I have no idea how to get that answer. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

If you copied the equation correctly, it has an immediate consequence for ##z##. Since the LHS is a non-negarive real, the right-hand-side must be real as well, so ##iz## must be real.
 
Remember: \left\lvert z+3 \right\rvert is real and ≥0. This will give you some boundary conditions for z...
 
acdurbin953 said:

Homework Statement


Find real x and y, for which |z+3|=1-iz
....

That's where I'm at so far. I ignored the absolute value of the LHS, which I'm sure probably plays a part in the answer, but I don't quite know how. The answer in the back of the book is x=0 and y=4. I have no idea how to get that answer. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

The absolute value can not be ignored. It makes the left hand side of the equation real: The right hand side must be real, too. What does it mean for y?
 
Okay so since |z+3| ≥ 0 does that mean I can now interpret the equation as |z+3| = 1+3i → |z| = -2+3i? I don't think I can, since then r = √13.
 
acdurbin953 said:
Okay so since |z+3| ≥ 0 does that mean I can now interpret the equation as |z+3| = 1+3i → |z| = -2+3i? I don't think I can, since then r = √13.
No!
 
Svein said:
No!

I don't get it then. What am I missing? What other value is z supposed to have?
 
acdurbin953 said:
I don't get it then. What am I missing? What other value is z supposed to have?
Have you read all the posts?
 
SammyS said:
Have you read all the posts?

Yes. I know now that the absolute value of the LHS makes everything real, and that |z+3| is some non-negative value. Also, since |z+3| is real, iz must also be real. What I don't understand is the direction I'm supposed to go with that information. And I don't know what that means for y. I'm assuming it means y must be real, but that seems obvious given that the question implies that a real y value exists.
 
  • #10
acdurbin953 said:
Yes. I know now that the absolute value of the LHS makes everything real, and that |z+3| is some non-negative value. Also, since |z+3| is real, iz must also be real. What I don't understand is the direction I'm supposed to go with that information. And I don't know what that means for y. I'm assuming it means y must be real, but that seems obvious given that the question implies that a real y value exists.
Isn't z = x + iy ?

This gives you that if iz is real, then i(x+ iy) = ix + i2y is real. What can you conclude from this?
 
  • #11
SammyS said:
Isn't z = x + iy ?

This gives you that if iz is real, then i(x+ iy) = ix + i2y is real. What can you conclude from this?

Does it mean that the imaginary part of the LHS would be the real y value of the RHS? Since i(x+iy) = ix+y. When I initially started the problem I wrote |x +iy +3| = 1-ix+y, but I really didn't know what I would do with that.
 
  • #12
acdurbin953 said:
Does it mean that the imaginary part of the LHS would be the real y value of the RHS?
No.
The left hand side is purely real.

You said (correctly) that iz is real, which means that ix + i2y is purely real. From that you should be able to conclude something important regarding x or y .
 
  • #13
ehild said:
The absolute value can not be ignored. It makes the left hand side of the equation real: The right hand side must be real, too. What does it mean for y?
You mean ##x##.
 

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