How do you work out simultaneous eqns w/ complex numbers & phasor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving simultaneous equations involving complex numbers and phasors, with a focus on methods applicable for exam preparation. Participants explore various approaches, tools, and techniques for handling these equations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about using phasors and complex numbers in simultaneous equations and seeks guidance on changing phasor forms.
  • Another participant suggests converting to complex impedances and using a+jb notation for complicated meshes, providing examples of phasor conversions.
  • Several participants propose rearranging equations to group coefficients of variables together, indicating a method for solving them with complex arithmetic.
  • Some participants mention the availability of online calculators for solving simultaneous complex equations and discuss the limitations of their own calculators.
  • A participant recalls that older programming languages like FORTRAN could handle complex numbers implicitly, suggesting a programming approach to solving such equations.
  • Another participant shares their method using Excel for complex arithmetic, detailing steps for defining and manipulating complex numbers within the software.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for rearranging equations and the potential utility of converting to complex impedances. However, there is no consensus on the best tools or methods to use, as various approaches and preferences are expressed.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention limitations related to specific calculators and software capabilities, as well as the need for rearranging equations before applying certain methods.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students preparing for exams involving complex numbers and phasors, as well as those interested in various methods for solving simultaneous equations in electrical engineering or physics contexts.

whatphysics
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I'm having trouble figuring out to get the answers from the 2 equations. The phasors and complex numbers confuse me. Do I need to change the phasor form? How do I go about doing this thanks! (Not homework question I am trying to figure this for my exam!)
 

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There are lots of ways to do this sort of problem ...
For complicated meshes, you may find it easier to convert to complex impedences and use a+jb type notation.
So 20∠0 would be just 20+0j, 20∠π/2 would be 0+20j (j=√-1). Then you can solve the simultaneous equations normally.

For simple problems you can usually just add the phasors like vectors.
 
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Rearrange your equations so that coefficients of I1 and I2 are together like this:

(5-j2)*I1 + (-3)*I2 = 30
(-5)*I1 + (3+j8)*I2 = 0

Now you can use a standard method to solve them but with complex arithmetic: http://www.mathportal.org/calculators/system-of-equations-solver/system-2x2.php

Will your exam be a take home? If so, you can find solvers on the internet to do the job; search for "simultaneous complex linear equations calculator". If you will be solving systems like this at school, you should get an app for your laptop or get a calculator that can solve simultaneous complex equations.
 
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The Electrician said:
Rearrange your equations so that coefficients of I1 and I2 are together like this:

(5-j2)*I1 + (-3)*I2 = 30
(-5)*I1 + (3+j8)*I2 = 0

Now you can use a standard method to solve them but with complex arithmetic: http://www.mathportal.org/calculators/system-of-equations-solver/system-2x2.php

Will your exam be a take home? If so, you can find solvers on the internet to do the job; search for "simultaneous complex linear equations calculator". If you will be solving systems like this at school, you should get an app for your laptop or get a calculator that can solve simultaneous complex equations.
No unfortunately it isn't a take home exam, I have a Texas instrument Graphic Calculator but I don't think it can solve complex simultaneous equations.

But thanks for the great help!
 
Simon Bridge said:
There are lots of ways to do this sort of problem ...
For complicated meshes, you may find it easier to convert to complex impedences and use a+jb type notation.
So 20∠0 would be just 20+0j, 20∠π/2 would be 0+20j (j=√-1). Then you can solve the simultaneous equations normally.

For simple problems you can usually just add the phasors like vectors.
I will try it again using your method. Thanks for the help!
 
whatphysics said:
No unfortunately it isn't a take home exam, I have a Texas instrument Graphic Calculator but I don't think it can solve complex simultaneous equations.

But thanks for the great help!

What model is your TI calculator?
 
In "the good old days" FORTRAN implicitly knew about complex numbers.

So if you can make a program that can solve simultaneous equations with real numbers, you just declare these real numbers as complex numbers, and FORTRAN will do the job. All calculations ( addition, division, etc. ) will be done with complex numbers.
 
The Electrician said:
What model is your TI calculator?

TI-84 Plus Pocket SE
 
It might be worth your while to get a calculator that can do complex arithmetic. The TI-86 can do complex arithmetic, including matrices with complex arithmetic.

I see them for sale on eBay from $20 to $35.
 
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I, usually, use the excel complex system.
However, at first you have to rearrange the equation as The Electrician said.
a*I1+b*I2=V1 where a=5-j2; b=-3+j0 ;c=-5+j0; d=3+j8; V1=30+j0; V2=0
c*I1+d*I2=V2
1) define a,b,c,d,V1,V2
2) put a=COMPLEX(Re,Im) where Re=5 and Im=-2 in your case.
Do the same with b,c, d,V1 and V2.
3) define DetGen and put IMSUB(IMPRODUCT(a,d),IMPRODUCT(b,c))
4) define DetI1 and set IMSUB(IMPRODUCT(V1,d),IMPRODUCT(V2,b))
5) define DetI2 and put IMSUB(IMPRODUCT(V2,a),IMPRODUCT(V1,c))
6) I1=IMDIV(DetI1,DetGen); I2=IMDIV(DetI2,DetGen)
 

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