Solve Complex Equation z^2 - (7+i)z + 24 + 7i = 0

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the complex equation z^2 - (7+i)z + 24 + 7i = 0. Participants explore various methods for simplifying the equation and finding its roots, including checking solutions against the original equation and discussing different approaches to handle complex square roots.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation and attempts to simplify it using the quadratic formula, reaching a point of difficulty with the square root.
  • Another participant points out a discrepancy in the calculation of the discriminant, suggesting it should be -48 instead of -47.
  • A third participant confirms the correct value of the discriminant and states that the book provides solutions 3+4i and 4-3i.
  • One participant verifies the correctness of the book's solutions by substituting them back into the original equation.
  • Another participant suggests a method to simplify the square root by finding real numbers a and b that satisfy specific equations derived from the complex number.
  • A later reply introduces a polar form approach to handle the square root of the complex number, providing values for r and theta and expressing the square roots in trigonometric form.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the correct solutions provided in the book, but there is disagreement regarding the simplification process and the calculation of the discriminant. The discussion remains unresolved on how to transition from one form to the other.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made in the simplification process and the dependence on the definitions of complex numbers and polar coordinates. Some mathematical steps remain unresolved.

newton1
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z^2 - (7+i)z + 24 + 7i = 0
z= \frac{\ 7+i \pm \sqrt{(7+i)^2 - 4(24+7i)} }{ 2 }
z= \frac{\ 7+i \pm \sqrt{-47 - 14i }}{ 2 }
i stuck here
 
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I don't know whether you can simplify it further than that.

When I check the real part of what you have inside the root, I get 7^2 - 1 - 4*24, which is -48, not -47.
 
Last edited:
yes, it's -48
the answer in book is 3+4i , 4-3i
 
I just substituted one of the book solutions into the original equation to check whether it is valid:

(3 + 4i) (3 + 4i) - (7 + i) (3 + 4i) + 24 + 7i = 0 + 0i.

So that book solution seems to be correct.

I also checked the other book solution, and it is also correct.

I do not know how you get from your form to the book form.
 
Last edited:
To simplify sqrt(-48-14i), solve for real numbers a and b such that:

(a + bi)(a+bi)= -48-14i,

so that a^2 - b^2 = -48 and 2ab = -14.

You may be able to figure it out by doing that.

The next step could be that since a=-7/b,

(-7/b)^2 - b^2 = -48.
 
get it!
Thank~~~
 
A standard way of handling \sqrt{-48-14i} is to convert to polar form and use DeMoivre's formula: this happens to have r= 50 and [theta]= 0.284 radians.
The square root will have r= \sqrt{50}= 5\sqrt{2} and theta= 0.142 radians or 3.283 radians. That is, the square roots are 5\sqrt{2}(cos(0.142)+ i sin(0.142))= 7+ i and 5\sqrt{2}(cos(3.283)+ i sin(3.283))= -7- i.
 

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