Solving Complex Number Homework: No Value for x

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving complex numbers, specifically examining the conditions under which two complex expressions are conjugates. The original poster presents a scenario where the expressions are given as cosx - isin2x and sinx - icos2x, and seeks to determine the value of x.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the modulus and angles of the complex numbers, questioning the validity of the original poster's reasoning regarding their conjugate status. There is an attempt to equate real and imaginary parts to derive conditions for x.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the necessary conditions for complex conjugates. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to consider both modulus and angle relationships, indicating a productive exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing debate about the implications of the modulus condition and whether it is sufficient for establishing conjugacy. The original poster expresses confusion about their solution in light of the provided feedback.

zorro
Messages
1,378
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


If cosx - isin2x and sinx - icos2x are conjugates of each other, then what is the value of x?

The Attempt at a Solution



Since the given complex numbers are conjugates of each other,
their modulus must be same.
i.e.

cos2x + sin22x = sin2x + cos22x
cos2x = cos4x
On solving, I got x=nπ/3 or x = nπ

But the answer given is- No value of x.

Please help
 
Physics news on Phys.org
if z_{1}=\cos x - i\sin 2x,\quad z_{2}=\sin x - i\cos 2x Then, \bar{z}_{1}=z_{2} and we obtain:
<br /> \cos x - i\sin 2x=\sin x +i\cos 2x<br />
Equate and and imaginary parts...
 
Thanks for your reply.
I already got the solution that way.
I would like to find out what is the problem with my solution.
 
if the two numbers are conjugates, there modulus must be the same is true.
If two complex numbers have the same modulus, they are conjugates is not true.
 
I completely agree with you that its converse is not true.
But its already given that the numbers are conjugates of each other so their moduli must be same. ( I'm not applying any converse here)
 
It's not enough for their moduli to be the same, their angles must be negatives of each other too. And since it gives you that they're conjugates, then you just need to equate their real parts, and the negative of their imaginary parts.
 
Thanks!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
31
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K