How to Solve (a+bi)/(x-i)=0 to Find X?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the equation (5 + 3i)/(a - i) = 0, where participants are tasked with finding a real value for 'a' that satisfies this equation. The subject area involves complex numbers and their properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express confusion regarding the equation's setup and whether it is correctly stated. Some suggest that the only way for the fraction to equal zero is if the numerator is zero, leading to questions about the nature of 'a'. Others explore the implications of multiplying by the complex conjugate and the resulting equations for real and imaginary parts.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations of the problem being explored. Some participants have provided insights into the implications of the equation, while others have questioned the completeness of the problem statement. There is no explicit consensus on how to proceed, but several participants are actively engaging with the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are indications that the original problem statement may be incomplete or misinterpreted, as participants note discrepancies in the expression and its implications for finding a real solution.

Wi_N
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Homework Statement


so the equation is 5+3i/(a-i) =0

i need to find a REAL A so it becomes 0

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



i tried multiplying with its conjugate but it won't take. I am completely clueless.
 
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Wi_N said:
i need to find a REAL A
No way. Please post the complete problem statement . And your attempt at solution in detail. You know how things go at PF
 
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I need to find a REAL "a" that makes this function 5+3i/(a-i) =0

maybe i can use trigonometry...
 
Last edited:
There is no single value 'a' can take to give zero. If you multiply, numerator & denominator, by complex conjugate of the denominator to simplify, then will get two equations one for real part & other imaginary. Each requires 'a' to be different values; in fact they are negative reciprocals of each other. So, I'm with BvU in that this cannot be entire problem statement, or there is some other error.
 
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Wi_N said:

Homework Statement


so the equation is 5+3i/(a-i) =0

i need to find a REAL A so it becomes 0

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



i tried multiplying with its conjugate but it won't take. I am completely clueless.
Do you perhaps mean

(5+3i)/(a-i) =0 ?
 
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Wi_N said:

Homework Statement


so the equation is 5+3i/(a-i) =0

i need to find a REAL A so it becomes 0

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



i tried multiplying with its conjugate but it won't take. I am completely clueless.

Do you mean
$$\frac{5 + 3i}{a-i} = 0,$$
or do you mean
$$5 + \frac{3i}{a-i}=0?$$
It makes a great difference.

Actually, if I read your expression using standard rules for parsing mathematical expressions, what you wrote really is the second one.
 
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Wi_N said:

Homework Statement


so the equation is 5+3i/(a-i) =0
i need to find a REAL A so it becomes 0
I am assuming from what you wrote in the title, "(a+bi)/(x-i)=0 finding x", your equation is really this: (5 + 3i)/(a - i) = 0.

The only way for a fraction or other rational expression to be equal to zero is when the numerator is zero.
 
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SrayD said:
There is no single value 'a' can take to give zero. If you multiply, numerator & denominator, by complex conjugate of the denominator to simplify, then will get two equations one for real part & other imaginary. Each requires 'a' to be different values; in fact they are negative reciprocals of each other. So, I'm with BvU in that this cannot be entire problem statement, or there is some other error.

No, there is a unique ##a## that solves
$$5 + \frac{3i}{a-i} = 0,$$
but it is not real.
 
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(5+3i)/(a-i) =0

"a" has to be a real number.
 
  • #10
Wi_N said:
(5+3i)/(a-i) =0

"a" has to be a real number.

You can spend the next thousand years looking for a solution, but you will not find one.
 
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  • #11
I'm guessing the real question was ... = 1
 
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  • #12
Wi_N said:
(5+3i)/(a-i) =0

"a" has to be a real number.
Ray Vickson said:
You can spend the next thousand years looking for a solution, but you will not find one.
I agree completely with Ray here. The only way a fraction can be zero is if the numerator is zero. Are you positive that what you have written is the problem that is to be solved?
 
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  • #13
nevermind. missunderstood the question i guess. the answer is just solving the a in a+bi and ignoring the i part. trivial question.
 
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  • #14
Is not what I see in post #1. By accident ?
 
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  • #15
BvU said:
Is not what I see in post #1. By accident ?

not an accident. but same kind of problem.
 
  • #16
repeat my post #2. What do you want to work on ?
 
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