For z = x+iy find the relationship between x and y

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The discussion focuses on finding the relationship between x and y for the complex number z = x + iy, given the equation (Im(z^2)) / z^2 = -i. The user derived that the imaginary part of z^2 is 2xy and set up the equation, leading to the conclusion that x^2 = y^2. However, the user struggled to find solutions that satisfy the original equation, questioning whether the problem was flawed or if they were missing something. The realization that 1/i equals -i clarified the misunderstanding regarding the imaginary component. Ultimately, the user is seeking confirmation on their approach and understanding of the problem.
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Homework Statement


For z = x+iy find the relationship between x and y so that (Imz2) / z2 = -i

2. The attempt at a solution
I attempted this in a few different ways (i.e. looking at the exponential and trig forms of complex numbers)... I settled on simple FOIL which gave me the following:

(x+iy)^2 = x^2 + i2xy - y^2

The imaginary part is 2xy; so:

2xy / (x^2 + i2xy - y^2) = -i <-- from original problem

from here, multiplying -i by the denominator gives:

2xy = -ix^2 + 2xy + iy^2


Cancel out 2xy to get zero on the left side, and factor out i, leaving:

x^2 = y^2

However... this does not seem to produce any solutions resulting in -i.

For example, if x=2 and y=2, z^2 = 8i ... for x=-2 and y=2, z^2 = -8i ...

The problem is, there never seems to be a sign change for Im(z^2) over z^2.

Is this problem flawed, or am I missing something obvious...?
 
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zigzag7 said:
For example, if x=2 and y=2, z^2 = 8i ... for x=-2 and y=2, z^2 = -8i ...
What is wrong with those examples?

Im(8i)=8. What is 8/(8i)?
Im(-8i)=-8. What is -8/(-8i)?
 
Ah, I didn't realize that 1/i equals -i.

Thanks for the quick response!
 
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