Solve Conjugate Complex Equations: Rules & Examples

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter matsorz
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving equations involving conjugate complex numbers, specifically the equations (conjugate)z=2/z and (conjugate)z=-2/z. Participants explore rules and methods for handling these types of equations, including the implications of using conjugates in complex analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to solve the equations involving conjugates and asks if there are specific rules for using them.
  • Another participant provides relationships involving complex numbers, such as z + (conjugate)z = 2Re(z) and z - (conjugate)z = 2Im(z), suggesting these could be useful.
  • A participant notes that the second equation (conjugate)z=-2/z leads to an impossibility, stating that it implies z(conjugate)z = -2, which contradicts the requirement that z(conjugate)z = |z|^2 must be a positive real number.
  • There is a discussion about substituting values and whether to use coordinates or solve directly for z, with some suggesting that avoiding coordinates may be quicker.
  • Another participant mentions that for the first equation, |z| = √2, and hints at a general solution for z without providing it explicitly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of the second equation, with at least one participant asserting it is impossible while others focus on the first equation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to solve the equations.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, such as the lack of clarity on the assumptions made when using conjugates and the implications of the equations presented. The mathematical steps involved in reaching conclusions are not fully resolved.

matsorz
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
I have a couple of problems with the conjugate. I have two equations to solve, (conjugate)z=2/z and (conjugate)z=-2/z
How do I solve these= Are there some rules when you use the conjugate?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
hi matsorz! :smile:

[itex]z + \bar{z} = 2Re(z)[/itex]

[itex]z - \bar{z} = 2Im(z)[/itex]

[itex]z\bar{z} = |z|^2[/itex] :wink:
 
Ok, so I put |z^2|=2 in a) and |z^2|=-2 in b? Do I put in x and y, or do i just solve for z straight away?
 
One problem you have is that the second equation is impossible.
[tex]\overline{z}= -\frac{2}{z}[/tex]
is the same as [itex]z\overline{z}= -2[/itex] but [itex]z\overline{z}= |z|^2[/itex] must be a positive real number.
 
matsorz said:
I have a couple of problems with the conjugate. I have two equations to solve, (conjugate)z=2/z and (conjugate)z=-2/z
How do I solve these= Are there some rules when you use the conjugate?

(a-bi)*(a+bi)=2
a**2 + b**2 = 2

center ( 0,0 ) radius =sqrt2

(a-bi)*(a+bi)=-2

center (a,b) radius = i sqrt2

take abs of radii both

one is sqrt2
other abs ((sqrt 2) *i)=abs(i) * abs(sqrt2)

abs(i)=1

so they turn out to be equal.
 
matsorz said:
Ok, so I put |z^2|=2 in a) and |z^2|=-2 in b? Do I put in x and y, or do i just solve for z straight away?

straight away …

(it's always quickest to avoid coordinates as far as you can)

|z| = √2 (the first case), so the general solution for z is … ? :smile:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K