Impedance network and complex algebra

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a homework problem involving an impedance network and complex algebra. Participants explore the derivation of a specific expression related to the impedance and its components, focusing on the mathematical manipulation of complex numbers in the context of electrical circuits.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • The initial post presents a derivation attempt for the impedance network, leading to a discrepancy in the expected result, specifically an extra factor of j in the final expression.
  • One participant suggests that the issue may stem from a typographical error in the original question, proposing that the typesetter may have omitted an italic j.
  • Another participant recommends using numerical values to verify the calculations, suggesting a method to check the correctness of the derived expressions.
  • A further suggestion is made to utilize WolframAlpha for simplifying complex arithmetic expressions, indicating a preference for using different notations for complex numbers.
  • The original poster later reports that a tutor confirmed the question was incorrect and that their derived answer was indeed correct.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the original question, but there is agreement that the original poster's calculations may be valid. The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the accuracy of the problem statement.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations in the problem statement and the reliance on specific definitions and assumptions regarding the impedance components and their relationships.

cjs94
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Homework Statement


This is one part of a wider question, I'm only posting the part I'm having trouble with.
$$
\begin{align}
\text{Given an impedance network } B &= \frac{Z_1 \parallel Z_3}{Z_2 + Z_1 \parallel Z_3} \\
\text{show that: } \frac{1}{B} &= 1 + \frac{R_2}{R_1} + j\frac{\omega CR_2}{1 + \omega CR_3}
\end{align}
$$

Homework Equations


$$\begin{align}
Z_1 &= R_1 \\
Z_2 &= R_2 \\
Z_3 &= R_3 + C_1 \text{(in series)}
\end{align}$$

The Attempt at a Solution


$$\begin{align}
Z_3 &= R_3 - j\frac{1}{\omega C_1} \\
Z_1 \parallel Z_3 &= \frac{Z_1 Z_3}{Z_1 + Z_3} \\
&= \frac{R_1 \left( R_3 - j\frac{1}{\omega C_1} \right)}{R_1 + R_3 - j\frac{1}{\omega C_1}} \\
\frac{1}{B} &= \frac{Z_1 \parallel Z_3}{Z_1 \parallel Z_3} + \frac{Z_2}{Z_1 \parallel Z_3} \\
&= 1 + \frac{R_2}{\frac{R_1 \left( R_3 - j\frac{1}{\omega C_1} \right)}{R_1 + R_3 - j\frac{1}{\omega C_1}}} \\
&= 1 + \frac{R_2 \left( R_1 + R_3 - j\frac{1}{\omega C_1} \right)}{R_1 \left( R_3 - j\frac{1}{\omega C_1} \right)}\\
&= 1 + \frac{R_2 \left( R_3 - j\frac{1}{\omega C_1} \right)}{R_1 \left( R_3 - j\frac{1}{\omega C_1} \right)} + \frac{R_2 R_1}{R_1 \left( R_3 - j\frac{1}{\omega C_1} \right)}\\
&= 1 + \frac{R_2}{R_1} + \frac{R_2}{R_3 - j\frac{1}{\omega C_1}} \\
&= 1 + \frac{R_2}{R_1} + \frac{j\omega C_1 R_2}{1+ j\omega C_1 R_3}
\end{align}$$
I just can't get the right hand element to match, I've got an extra ##j##. What am I doing wrong?
 
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It's a fair bet that you are right, and the typesetter has dropped an italic j.

I
followed your working, nothing leapt out as being wrong.

One way to check your own work is to assign the pronumerals some easy numeric values, and evaluate the expressions (manually, or using a calculator).
e.g., let R1=1, R2=4, R3=3, C=5, w=1
 
Thanks for the replies. I've just had a response from the tutor, the question is wrong and my answer is correct. :)
 

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