How Do You Solve a Complex Number Problem Involving a Parallelogram?

In summary, the parallegram OABC, described in an anticlockwise sense where O is the origin, lies in the first quadrant in which OA = 3 OC and ∠COA = 30 °. The vertices A, B, C represent the complex numbers a, b, c respectively. Express the complex number c/a in polar form. Given that a = 6 + i, find b and c in their simplest exact form. For the first part, I was thinking that since OA = 3OC, OC is 1/3 of OA and hence the answer but my gut feeling was that my logic was way too simple. For second part, I tried using the following. This is the
  • #1
PuzzledMe
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(Self-solved) Need help with complex number question

Homework Statement


I'm looking at this question while practising and I still don't really understand the question entirely. I'm extremely bad with this chapter, not very good at understanding questions and am in need of some help or guidelines with going about doing it.

"The parallegram OABC, described in an anticlockwise sense where O is the origin, lies in the first quadrant in which OA = 3 OC and ∠COA = 30 °. The vertices A, B, C represent the complex numbers a, b, c respectively. Express the complex number c/a in polar form.

Given that a = 6 + i, find b and c in their simplest exact form."


I'm really not sure if parellegram refers to parellelogram but either way, I'm still stuck.

I'm given these solutions for this question.

1/3 (cos 30 ° + i sin 30 °); b = (35/6 + √3) + (2 + √3/6 i), c = (√3 - 1/6) + (1 + √3/6 i)

Homework Equations


1st try (no success): I tried using cosine/sin rules here though.
2nd try (some success): I used multiplication/addition rule for complex numbers...

The Attempt at a Solution


For the first part, I was thinking that since OA = 3OC, OC is 1/3 of OA and hence the answer but my gut feeling was that my logic was way too simple..

For second part, I tried using the following. This is the way I see the question:

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/...help/complexnumbers/pic1_ltbook_complexno.png

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/...help/complexnumbers/pic2_ltbook_complexno.png

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/...help/complexnumbers/pic3_ltbook_complexno.png

What I got was c = 1/6 √111 + (1/6 √37) i
I don't know where I've gone terribly wrong, and felt discouraged so I did not do calculations for b...
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
I think I thought too far for this one, managed to get c now without drawing any pictures...I'll try B later but I have no idea what to do from now also...

pic4_ltbook_complexno.png
 
  • #3
Ok stupid me managed to solve it...a + c = b...
I feel like a noob...
 

1. What are complex numbers?

Complex numbers are numbers that have a real and an imaginary part. They are written in the form a + bi, where a is the real part and bi is the imaginary part with i being the square root of -1.

2. How do you add or subtract complex numbers?

To add or subtract complex numbers, you simply add or subtract the real parts and add or subtract the imaginary parts separately. For example, (3 + 2i) + (1 + 4i) = (3 + 1) + (2i + 4i) = 4 + 6i.

3. What is the conjugate of a complex number?

The conjugate of a complex number is the number with the same real part but the opposite sign of the imaginary part. For example, the conjugate of 3 + 2i is 3 - 2i.

4. How do you multiply complex numbers?

To multiply complex numbers, you use the FOIL method just like multiplying binomials. First, Outer, Inner, Last. For example, (3 + 2i)(1 + 4i) = (3)(1) + (3)(4i) + (2i)(1) + (2i)(4i) = 3 + 12i + 2i + 8i2 = 3 + 14i - 8 = -5 + 14i.

5. How do you divide complex numbers?

To divide complex numbers, you multiply the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator. This will result in a real number in the denominator, making it easier to divide. For example, (3 + 2i) / (1 + 4i) = [(3 + 2i)(1 - 4i)] / [(1 + 4i)(1 - 4i)] = (3 - 12i + 2i - 8i2) / (1 - 16i2) = (-5 - 10i) / 17 = (-5/17) - (10i/17).

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