Finding x and y from complex equation (2-i)x-(1+3i)y=7

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DryRun
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Homework Statement
Given that the real and imaginary parts of the complex number [itex]z=x+iy[/itex] satisfy the equation [itex](2-i)x-(1+3i)y=7[/itex]. 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!
[tex](2x-y-7) + i(-x-3y)=0<br /> \\2x-y-7=x<br /> \\x-y=7\, (1)<br /> \\-x-3y=y<br /> \\4y+x=0\, (2)<br /> \\x=28/5<br /> \\y=-7/5[/tex]
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.
 
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sharks said:
Homework Statement
Given that the real and imaginary parts of the complex number [itex]z=x+iy[/itex] satisfy the equation [itex](2-i)x-(1+3i)y=7[/itex]. 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!
[tex](2x-y-7) + i(-x-3y)=0<br /> \\2x-y-7=x<br /> \\x-y=7\, (1)<br /> \\-x-3y=y<br /> \\4y+x=0\, (2)<br /> \\x=28/5<br /> \\y=-7/5[/tex]
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.

Why aren't those 0 on the right side?
 
sharks said:
Given that the real and imaginary parts of the complex number [itex]z=x+iy[/itex] satisfy the equation [itex](2-i)x-(1+3i)y=7[/itex]. Find x and y.

[tex](2x-y-7) + i(-x-3y)=0<br /> \\2x-y-7=x<br /> \\ \dots<br /> \\-x-3y=y<br /> \\ \dots[/tex]
When you write:
[itex]2x-y-7=x[/itex]

and

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

That's not what you're trying to solve !
 
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:[tex]2x-y=7 <br /> \\-x-3y=0[/tex]I get the correct answers.

Thank you, LCKurtz and SammyS. :smile:
 
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