Graph complex numbers to verify z^2 = (conjugate Z)^2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the equation z² = (conjugate z)², where z is a complex number expressed as z = x + iy. Participants are exploring the conditions under which this equation holds true and how to graph the corresponding complex numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of the equation, particularly focusing on when the product of two real numbers equals zero. They explore the nature of pure complex and pure imaginary numbers and question how to graph these scenarios in the complex plane.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with various participants providing insights and corrections regarding terminology and the nature of complex numbers. Some guidance on graphing in the complex plane has been suggested, but no consensus has been reached on the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of terminology corrections and the need for clarity regarding the definitions of complex numbers. Participants are also considering the polar form of complex numbers as a potential avenue for understanding the problem better.

il postino
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Homework Statement
Find the complex numbers that verify the equation
Relevant Equations
z^2 = (conjugate Z)^2
Hello! :smile:
I am locked in an exercise.
I must find (and graph) the complex numbers that verify the equation:
##z^2=\bar z^2 ##​

If ##z=x+iy## then:

##(x+iy)^2=(x-iy)^2 ##
and operating and simplifying,

##4.x.yi=0 ##
and here I don't know how to continue...
can you help me with ideas?
thanks!
 
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Well, when is a product of two real numbers equal to zero ?
After all, ##x## and ##y## are real numbers !
 
A correction of your terminology: You should say they are values of z that satisfy the equation, not verify.
 
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BvU said:
Well, when is a product of two real numbers equal to zero ?
After all, xxx and yyy are real numbers !
Then the answer is: It is true for pure complex numbers, and for pure imaginary complex numbers?
how can i graph them?
thanks for answering!
 
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il postino said:
Then the answer is: It is true for pure complex numbers, and for pure imaginary complex numbers?
how can i graph them?
thanks for answering!

Whenever you are asked to draw a graph of complex numbers, you should consider looking at the polar form.
 
il postino said:
Then the answer is: It is true for pure complex numbers, and for pure imaginary complex numbers?
how can i graph them?
Are you familiar with the complex plane and how it is drawn in two dimensions?
 
When does multiplying two real numbers yield zero? When either or both are equal to zero.
il postino said:
It is true for pure complex numbers, and for pure imaginary complex numbers?
Indeed. Do you know where these numbers, i.e ##z=x## and ##z=iy##, lie in the complex plane?
 
il postino said:
Then the answer is: It is true for pure complex numbers, and for pure imaginary complex numbers?
how can i graph them?
thanks for answering!
Small correction: you represented ##{\bf z} = x + iy## and found that ##{\bf z} ^2 = \bar {\bf z} ^2\ \ ## if ##\ x=0\ ## or ##\ y = 0\ ##.

##\ y = 0\ ## for real numbers, ##\ x = 0\ ## for purely imaginary numbers.

Real numbers are a subset of the complex numbers.
The term 'pure complex numbers' is meaningless.

And you know how to draw ##\ x=0\ ## and how to draw ##\ y = 0\ ##.

I warmly recommend @LCKurtz ' excellent essay on complex numbers. It is aimed at teachers but contains a treasuretrove of guidance for students as well.

[edit]
Oh, and: an alternative way to look at ##{\bf z} ^2 = \bar {\bf z} ^2\ \ ## is to conclude that this is satisfied if ##{\bf z} = \bar {\bf z} \ ## and also if ##{\bf z} = -\bar {\bf z} \ ## so you don't even need to work out the complex squares :wink:
 
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It's not clear how much you know about complex numbers. Their polar form, how multiplication works in polar form, and how conjugation works in polar form, would all make the answer to this problem much more intuitive.
 
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  • #10
[QUOTE = "FactChecker, publicación: 6322397, miembro: 500115"]
No está claro cuánto sabes sobre números complejos. Su forma polar, cómo funciona la multiplicación en forma polar y cómo funciona la conjugación en forma polar, haría que la respuesta a este problema sea mucho más intuitiva.
[/CITAR]

Planteo el problema en forma polar y te muestro
 

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