# System of linear equations

1. Jan 10, 2005

### 3.14159265358979

Find the solution in C to the following linear system of equations.

(a) (1-i)z + 4w = 2 + 8i
(b) 3z + (1+i)w = 1 + 5i

I tried expanding but that didn't get me anywhere. Then i put it in a matrix, but i didn't know how to go from there. Any suggestions? Thanks.

2. Jan 10, 2005

### arildno

1.Multiply your first equation with 3/2*(1+i)
You should then have 3z in both equations.
2. Then subtract the first from the second and solve for w.
3) Don't bother to expand brackets until you've solved for w and z

3. Jan 10, 2005

### Hurkyl

Staff Emeritus
Don't be intimidated by the complex numbers. You would solve this problem exactly as you would if there were only real numbers involved.

For instance, in the first equation, the coefficient on z is simply the (single!) number (1 - i). So, if when solving systems of equations, you like to divide through by the leading coefficient, then you would do so, by dividing through by (1 - i).

4. Jan 10, 2005

### 3.14159265358979

thanks guys...i think i got it...