Finding X, Y in complex numbers.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equation involving complex numbers: 8i = (2x + i)(2y + i) + 1. Participants explore the values of x and y that satisfy this equation, examining potential solutions and the reasoning behind them.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant claims that the solutions provided in the book ([x = 0, 4] and [y = 4, 0]) are incorrect based on their own calculations, arriving at [x = 0, y = 4] as the only solution.
  • Another participant suggests that there is a symmetry in the equations that may lead to another solution similar to the first.
  • Multiple participants request clarification on the steps taken to arrive at the proposed solutions, indicating a need for detailed reasoning.
  • One participant asserts that the teacher confirmed their solution of [x = 0, y = 4] is correct, while also stating that the book's answers are wrong.
  • Another participant points out that the equation 4xy = 0 implies either x = 0 or y = 0, suggesting that both x = 0 and y = 4, as well as x = 4 and y = 0, could be valid solutions.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the interpretation of the solutions, arguing that x cannot equal both 0 and 4 simultaneously and that the values depend on how the equations are solved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct solutions. There are competing views regarding the validity of the book's answers and the interpretation of the solutions derived from the equation.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the interpretation of the solutions and the conditions under which x and y are determined. The discussion highlights the complexity of solving equations involving complex numbers and the potential for multiple valid interpretations.

TheKittehCP
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Homework Statement



8i = ( 2x + i ) (2y + i ) + 1

The final answers is [x =0, 4]
[y=4, 0]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



The final answer in the book is stated as above but if I follow the solution I will get the real parts which would
Equal 0=4xy meaning that both x and y when solving for either wil equal zero. If I continue the result I will get is

[X= 0, Y= 4]

I get one solution instead of 2 as provided in the book..
 
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x=0 and y=4 is indeed one solution. There is another one and it's very similar to the first. Hint: note the symmetry of the real and imaginary equations in terms of x and y!
 
I don't see your attempt at a solution...?
If you are given number = a *b +another number, then it is obvious that number - another number = a*b
In the case of complex numbers, if we call the Real part of x, Re(x), and Im(x) for the imaginary part so that x = Re(x)+Im(x), then it is straightforward that:
Re(number-another number) = Re((2x+i)(2y+i)) and
Im(number-another number) = Im((2x+i)(2y+i)) and
this gives you two equations and two unknowns.
 
OK, how did you arrive at x=0, y=4? (Your post 1). Show every step.
 
Last edited:
abitslow said:
I don't see your attempt at a solution...?
If you are given number = a *b +another number, then it is obvious that number - another number = a*b
In the case of complex numbers, if we call the Real part of x, Re(x), and Im(x) for the imaginary part so that x = Re(x)+Im(x), then it is straightforward that:
Re(number-another number) = Re((2x+i)(2y+i)) and
Im(number-another number) = Im((2x+i)(2y+i)) and
this gives you two equations and two unknowns.

x and y are real numbers.
 
rude man said:
OK, how did you arrive at x=0, y=4? (Your post 1). Show every step.

My answers X=0 and Y=4 were correct, I talked to the teacher and he said the final answers given were wrong

Here's how I came up with it:

8i = 4xy + 2xi + 2yi + i^2 + 1

0 + 8i = 4xy + 2xi + 2yi -1 + 1 [ Since i^2 equals -1 ]

Real part = real part thus

0=4xy

X = 0/4y

X=0

Imaginary part = imaginary part thus

8 =2x + 2y

-2y = 2x -8

2y = 8-2x

Y = (8-2x)/2.. Now substitute with X=0

Y = (8-0)/2

Y= 4

[ X= 0, Y=4]


This is the correct solution. Thanks for the help everyone ^^
 
TheKittehCP said:
My answers X=0 and Y=4 were correct, I talked to the teacher and he said the final answers given were wrong

Here's how I came up with it:

8i = 4xy + 2xi + 2yi + i^2 + 1

0 + 8i = 4xy + 2xi + 2yi -1 + 1 [ Since i^2 equals -1 ]

Real part = real part thus

0=4xy

X = 0/4y

X=0

##4xy=0## means either ##x=0## or ##y=0##. You only have one of the two answers.

Imaginary part = imaginary part thus

8 =2x + 2y

-2y = 2x -8

2y = 8-2x

Y = (8-2x)/2.. Now substitute with X=0

Y = (8-0)/2

Y= 4

[ X= 0, Y=4]This is the correct solution. Thanks for the help everyone ^^

It is an incomplete solution. ##x=4,~y=0## also works as suggested in post #2.
 
Looks like LC did the rest for you. It is correct. If your teacher said the two answers are wrong then HE is wrong.
 
I also did that when I didn't get the answer same as mine but I think the difference is that X doesn't equal 0 and 4 in the same formation; X either equals 0 or 4 depends on what you solve for.. It doesn't equal 0 and 4 when we solve for the same variant such as

x (x-4)=0

Where X will equal both 0 and 4 and get final answer as [x = 0, 4] instead of [x =0] only or [x=4] only.. I talked to the teacher about the possibility of when X equals 0
When we solve for x at 4xy = 0 and when it equals 4 when we solve for Y at the same part and he said they're both correct.8
 

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