Using complex numbers to solve for a current in this circuit

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a complex number equation related to current in a circuit, specifically the expression [50/(4+j3)(50)+100] x 150. The original poster (OP) incorrectly simplified the complex number 4+j3 to its magnitude, 5, leading to confusion in the calculations. The correct approach involves using the complex conjugate to manipulate the expression into standard form, ultimately yielding the answer 20 - 10j. Participants emphasized the importance of clear mathematical notation and understanding complex numbers in circuit analysis.

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  • #31
This was not a homework assignment, it's not necessary to understand the equation for this course, I was just interested in how they derived their answer.
 
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  • #32
GJ1 said:
This was not a homework assignment, it's not necessary to understand the equation for this course, I was just interested in how they derived their answer.
I should have said that we are only supposed to give hints and directions in a homework type of question. I think you should give it another try using the hint in my post #30 above.
 
  • #33
Babadag said:
50/[(4+3j)x50+100]x150=20-10j
Although you have parentheses and brackets in your work, you don't have enough of them.

50/[(4+3j)x50+100]x150 means this:
$$\frac{50}{(4 + 3j) \cdot 50 + 100} \cdot 150$$
The above equals $$\frac {7500}{(4 + 3j) \cdot 50 + 100}$$
and does not equal 20 - 10j.
 
  • #34
Mark44 said:
50/[(4+3j)x50+100]x150 means this:
$$\frac{50}{(4 + 3j) \cdot 50 + 100} \cdot 150$$
The above equals $$\frac {7500}{(4 + 3j) \cdot 50 + 100}$$
and does not equal 20 - 10j.
And yet:
$$\bigg [\frac{50}{(4 + j3)(50) + 100} \bigg ] \times 150 = \frac{150}{(4 + j3) + 2}= \frac{50}{2+ j} = \frac{(50)(2 - j)}{5} = 20 - j10 $$
 
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  • #35
Can you just explain how you get 50/2+j from 150/(4+j)+2
 
  • #36
GJ1 said:
Can you just explain how you get 50/2+j from 150/(4+j)+2
He doesn't. He gets 50/(2+j) from 150/( (4+j3)+2 ).
Please use parenthesis to make your math expressions clear.

This is not just a picky complaint. In these days of computers and calculators, they will always give you the wrong answer if the parenthesis are wrong.
 
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  • #37
Just got it. Thanks for explaining it with your example. Greatly appreciated!!!!!
 
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  • #38
PeroK said:
And yet:
$$\bigg [\frac{50}{(4 + j3)(50) + 100} \bigg ] \times 150 = \frac{150}{(4 + j3) + 2}= \frac{50}{2+ j} = \frac{(50)(2 - j)}{5} = 20 - j10 $$
I stand corrected.
 
  • #39
FactChecker said:
He doesn't. He gets 50/(2+j) from 150/( (4+j3)+2 ).
Please use parenthesis to make your math expressions clear.

This is not just a picky complaint. In these days of computers and calculators, they will always give you the wrong answer if the parenthesis are wrong.
Understood
 
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  • #40
Mark44 said:
I stand corrected.
And now the OP has what he wanted. A solution on a plate!
 
  • #41
PeroK said:
And now the OP has what he wanted. A solution on a plate!
Right. But it won't go very far unless the OP has learned from this thread. Still, we should be careful to not give in to frustration and just give the answer.
 
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  • #42
FactChecker said:
Right. But it won't go very far unless the OP has learned from this thread.
We could give them a similar complex number manipulation question to test their understanding. Any volunteers? :smile:
 
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  • #43
GJ1 said:
It's (50/(4+j3)(50)
Those parentheses do not match up. You are missing a "closing paren" somewhere. I'm having a little trouble guessing what the 50 over (4+j3) represents. What about the second 50? Some units would be nice.
 

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