Help Solve a Math Problem: Find the Conjugate of 2-5i

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ersatz
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Conjugate
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a math problem asking for the conjugate of the complex number 2-5i. Participants confirm that the conjugate is 2+5i, while some express skepticism about the survey's purpose and suggest it may not yield diverse opinions. There is a mention that most educated individuals familiar with complex numbers will likely answer correctly. Some contributors humorously acknowledge their uncertainty or provide incorrect answers, highlighting the need for a broader survey. Overall, the thread emphasizes the importance of understanding complex conjugates in mathematics.
Ersatz
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi today I will be constructing a ratio thing for math. Our teacher asked us to survey as many people as we can. I am going to ask a simple math question and if you can answer it with 100% confidence. This is just a little survey I am not trying to trick you in doing my homework, I already know the answer. I just need you guys to help me out with this.

Q. What is the conjugate of 2-5i?

Thanks

:)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
5+2i. I think you might want to post this somewhere else to get much interesting for your survey numbers. I'm already lying through my teeth to give you something to chew on. I can answer it with complete confidence. You didn't ask if I would be telling the truth.
 
Um where might else may I post?
 
Good question. I'm not sure. What is the point of this exercise? To determine if people on physicsforums know what a complex conjugate is? You'll probably find almost everyone who is sure what the answer is will be right. Though I can think of some exceptions. If you just want to gather some stats, you might ask more of an opinion question, or at least one that isn't so cut and dried.
 
I for one would be an exception. I thought maybe it was 2+5i.
For a more legitimate survey, you would need to ask a variety of people from various educated backgrounds. Most helpers/veterans here on PF that are likely to read this topic are highly educated.
 
Why everyone knows that the complex conjugate of 2- 5i is \sqrt{2^2+ 5^2}= \sqrt{29}!
 
I picked up this problem from the Schaum's series book titled "College Mathematics" by Ayres/Schmidt. It is a solved problem in the book. But what surprised me was that the solution to this problem was given in one line without any explanation. I could, therefore, not understand how the given one-line solution was reached. The one-line solution in the book says: The equation is ##x \cos{\omega} +y \sin{\omega} - 5 = 0##, ##\omega## being the parameter. From my side, the only thing I could...
Back
Top