What are the properties of nonzero complex numbers satisfying z^2 = i\bar{z}?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on finding properties of nonzero complex numbers satisfying the equation z^2 = i\bar{z}. The key results indicate that the sum of the numbers (z1 + z2 + z3) is zero, their product (z1z2z3) is purely imaginary, and the sum of their dyadic products (z1z2 + z2z3 + z3z1) is purely real. Participants emphasize the importance of using polar form and the relationship between the coefficients and roots of the polynomial derived from the equation. The conclusion highlights that the three roots must be distinct and confirms the derived properties of the complex numbers.
cr7einstein
Messages
87
Reaction score
2

Homework Statement


Consider 3 nonzero complex numbers $$z_1,z_2,z_3$$ each satisfying $$z^2=i \bar{z}$$. We are supposed to find $$z_1+z_2+z_3, z_1z_2z_3, z_1z_2+z_2z_3+z_3z_1$$.

The answers- 0, purely imaginary , purely real respectively.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I have no idea how to proceed. I tried to use the expansion for $$(a+b+c)^2$$ for them, but I am not getting anywhere. Please help. Thanks in advanced!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Asking you to show your work doesn't make sense for this expansion. Did you try to work out what ##z^2 = i\bar z ## means for the real and imaginary parts ##\alpha## and ##\beta## if you write ##z = \alpha + i\beta## ?
 
Hi cr7:

I suggest that you work with the equation
z2 = i zbar .​
Try to understand the constraints on values of z that satisfy this equation. I suggest thinking about z in polar form. You also might find the following of some help:

Good luck.

Regards,
Buzz

PS. I have no idea why that PNG file got attached. Please ignore it.
 

Attachments

  • upload_2016-9-15_7-56-23.png
    upload_2016-9-15_7-56-23.png
    46 KB · Views: 491
No typos in the problem statement ?
 
cr7einstein said:
z1+z2+z3, z1z2z3, z1z2+z2z3+z3z1
Do those three expressions remind you of any standard formulas?
 
Yes @haruspex I got the answer ...the relation between coeffecients and roots...
 
cr7einstein said:

Homework Statement


Consider 3 nonzero complex numbers $$z_1,z_2,z_3$$ each satisfying $$z^2=i \bar{z}$$. We are supposed to find $$z_1+z_2+z_3, z_1z_2z_3, z_1z_2+z_2z_3+z_3z_1$$.

The answers- 0, purely imaginary , purely real respectively.

Two things. The question ought to say that ##z_1, z_2, z_3## are distinct. Also, can you not get much a much more specific answer than that?
 
Can someone help me out ? If I follow my own advice (#2) and solve, I get pure imaginary, 0, pure real, respectively (hence my #4, and indeed, the three roots must be distinct to get that).
 
BvU said:
Can someone help me out ? If I follow my own advice (#2) and solve, I get pure imaginary, 0, pure real, respectively (hence my #4, and indeed, the three roots must be distinct to get that).

This was definitely one to use polar form.
 
  • #10
Same thing. Still I get an imaginary number as sum, zero as a product and one real nonzero term in sum of dyadic products ... :oldconfused:
 
  • #11
BvU said:
Same thing. Still I get an imaginary number as sum, zero as a product and one real nonzero term in sum of dyadic products ... :oldconfused:

If ##z^2 = i \bar{z}## then, first, we get ##|z| = 1## and then ##z^3 = i##.
 
  • #12
So ##\cos{\pi\over 6} + i\sin {\pi\over 6},\ \ 0,\ \ \cos{5\pi\over 6} + i\sin {5\pi\over 6}##.
Sum imaginary, product zero, and sum of dyadic products real, respectively ... :oldconfused:
 
  • #13
BvU said:
So ##\cos{\pi\over 6} + i\sin {\pi\over 6},\ \ 0,\ \ \cos{5\pi\over 6} + i\sin {5\pi\over 6}##.
Sum imaginary, product zero, and sum of dyadic products real, respectively ... :oldconfused:

I just read off the coefficients of ##z^3 - i = (z-z_1)(z-z_2)(z-z_3)##

##z = 0## is a fourth solution, but the problem states that the ##z_i## are non-zero. There's your problem!
 
  • #14
BvU said:
So ##\cos{\pi\over 6} + i\sin {\pi\over 6},\ \ 0,\ \ \cos{5\pi\over 6} + i\sin {5\pi\over 6}##.
Sum imaginary, product zero, and sum of dyadic products real, respectively ... :oldconfused:

No: from ##z^2 = i \bar{z}## it follows that either ##z=0## or else ##|z| = 1## and then ##z^3 = i##. There are three nonzero roots of ##z^3 = i##.
 
Last edited:
  • #15
Finally got it ..
o:) Thanks guys !
 
  • Like
Likes PeroK
Back
Top