How to eliminate imaginary parts of complex expression?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenge of expressing complex numbers solely in terms of their real parts, specifically focusing on the expressions x1 = - (a + ib), x2 = (a + ib), x3 = - (a - ib), and x4 = (a - ib). Participants explore various mathematical approaches and concepts related to complex numbers, including Euler's Formula, De Moivre's Theorem, and polar coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the formula Re(z) = (z + conjugate(z))/2 to find the real part of a complex number.
  • Another participant proposes that using polar coordinates allows for expressing the real part as Re(z) = r * cos(theta).
  • Some participants argue that it is impossible to express complex numbers solely in terms of real numbers, as they inherently include imaginary components.
  • A later reply emphasizes the need for clarity in wording when discussing the conversion of complex expressions.
  • There is a suggestion to consider the conjugate of each complex expression and their sums as a potential approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that complex numbers cannot be expressed solely in terms of real numbers, but there is disagreement on the methods and interpretations of how to handle the imaginary parts.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the specific goals of the original question, leading to varying interpretations of how to approach the problem.

kaizen.moto
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Hi,
I have a problem on how to convert the imaginary parts of expression into all real parts. For example:

x1 = - (a + ib)
x2 = (a + ib)
x3 = - (a - ib)
x4 = (a - ib)

My question is that how to express x1, x2, x3 and x4 in terms of real parts only without imaginary parts. I have used Eulers Formula, De Moivers theorem, polar coordinates to solve this problem but still ending with imaginary parts.

Please help me how to solve this problems.

Many thanks in advance.
 
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kaizen.moto said:
Hi,
I have a problem on how to convert the imaginary parts of expression into all real parts. For example:

x1 = - (a + ib)
x2 = (a + ib)
x3 = - (a - ib)
x4 = (a - ib)

My question is that how to express x1, x2, x3 and x4 in terms of real parts only without imaginary parts. I have used Eulers Formula, De Moivers theorem, polar coordinates to solve this problem but still ending with imaginary parts.

Please help me how to solve this problems.

Many thanks in advance.

If I think what you're trying to do is find Re(z) where z is the complex variable using a formula, then the only way to find Re(z) without just getting it directly by looking at it, is to use the conjugate.

Re(z) = (z + conjugate(z))/2

If you have the polar coordinates you can simply use

Re(z) = r * cos(theta)

Hope that helps!
 
kaizen.moto said:
Hi,
I have a problem on how to convert the imaginary parts of expression into all real parts. For example:

x1 = - (a + ib)
x2 = (a + ib)
x3 = - (a - ib)
x4 = (a - ib)


My question is that how to express x1, x2, x3 and x4 in terms of real parts only without imaginary parts.
You can't. Because those are complex numbers, they cannot be expressed solely in terms of real numbers. If you mean "express only in terms of a, the real part of each number, you can't do that either because they all depend upon b, the imaginary part.

I have used Eulers Formula, De Moivers theorem, polar coordinates to solve this problem but still ending with imaginary parts.

Please help me how to solve this problems.

Many thanks in advance.
It's not clear what you want to do- you can't write a complex number without using imaginary numbers.
 
As HallsofIvy said, you can't. You should be clearer with your word choice if you wish to do what chiro referred to.

As per your problem: take a look at the variables and see if you can find the conjugate of each expressed as another variable, and then consider their sum.
 

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