What are the properties of nonzero complex numbers satisfying z^2 = i\bar{z}?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of three nonzero complex numbers \( z_1, z_2, z_3 \) that satisfy the equation \( z^2 = i \bar{z} \). Participants are tasked with finding the values of \( z_1 + z_2 + z_3 \), \( z_1 z_2 z_3 \), and \( z_1 z_2 + z_2 z_3 + z_3 z_1 \), with suggested answers being 0, purely imaginary, and purely real, respectively.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of the equation on the real and imaginary parts of the complex numbers. Some suggest using polar form to analyze the constraints on \( z \). Others question the distinctness of the roots and the nature of the solutions.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the properties of the complex numbers, with various participants offering insights into the relationships between the coefficients and roots. Some participants have noted the need for distinct roots and have shared their findings regarding the nature of the sums and products of the numbers.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight potential constraints, such as the requirement that the numbers be distinct and nonzero, while others point out the implications of the equation leading to \( |z| = 1 \) and the existence of three nonzero roots of \( z^3 = i \).

cr7einstein
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Homework Statement


Consider 3 nonzero complex numbers $$z_1,z_2,z_3$$ each satisfying $$z^2=i \bar{z}$$. We are supposed to find $$z_1+z_2+z_3, z_1z_2z_3, z_1z_2+z_2z_3+z_3z_1$$.

The answers- 0, purely imaginary , purely real respectively.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I have no idea how to proceed. I tried to use the expansion for $$(a+b+c)^2$$ for them, but I am not getting anywhere. Please help. Thanks in advanced!
 
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Asking you to show your work doesn't make sense for this expansion. Did you try to work out what ##z^2 = i\bar z ## means for the real and imaginary parts ##\alpha## and ##\beta## if you write ##z = \alpha + i\beta## ?
 
Hi cr7:

I suggest that you work with the equation
z2 = i zbar .​
Try to understand the constraints on values of z that satisfy this equation. I suggest thinking about z in polar form. You also might find the following of some help:

Good luck.

Regards,
Buzz

PS. I have no idea why that PNG file got attached. Please ignore it.
 

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No typos in the problem statement ?
 
cr7einstein said:
z1+z2+z3, z1z2z3, z1z2+z2z3+z3z1
Do those three expressions remind you of any standard formulas?
 
Yes @haruspex I got the answer ...the relation between coeffecients and roots...
 
cr7einstein said:

Homework Statement


Consider 3 nonzero complex numbers $$z_1,z_2,z_3$$ each satisfying $$z^2=i \bar{z}$$. We are supposed to find $$z_1+z_2+z_3, z_1z_2z_3, z_1z_2+z_2z_3+z_3z_1$$.

The answers- 0, purely imaginary , purely real respectively.

Two things. The question ought to say that ##z_1, z_2, z_3## are distinct. Also, can you not get much a much more specific answer than that?
 
Can someone help me out ? If I follow my own advice (#2) and solve, I get pure imaginary, 0, pure real, respectively (hence my #4, and indeed, the three roots must be distinct to get that).
 
BvU said:
Can someone help me out ? If I follow my own advice (#2) and solve, I get pure imaginary, 0, pure real, respectively (hence my #4, and indeed, the three roots must be distinct to get that).

This was definitely one to use polar form.
 
  • #10
Same thing. Still I get an imaginary number as sum, zero as a product and one real nonzero term in sum of dyadic products ... :oldconfused:
 
  • #11
BvU said:
Same thing. Still I get an imaginary number as sum, zero as a product and one real nonzero term in sum of dyadic products ... :oldconfused:

If ##z^2 = i \bar{z}## then, first, we get ##|z| = 1## and then ##z^3 = i##.
 
  • #12
So ##\cos{\pi\over 6} + i\sin {\pi\over 6},\ \ 0,\ \ \cos{5\pi\over 6} + i\sin {5\pi\over 6}##.
Sum imaginary, product zero, and sum of dyadic products real, respectively ... :oldconfused:
 
  • #13
BvU said:
So ##\cos{\pi\over 6} + i\sin {\pi\over 6},\ \ 0,\ \ \cos{5\pi\over 6} + i\sin {5\pi\over 6}##.
Sum imaginary, product zero, and sum of dyadic products real, respectively ... :oldconfused:

I just read off the coefficients of ##z^3 - i = (z-z_1)(z-z_2)(z-z_3)##

##z = 0## is a fourth solution, but the problem states that the ##z_i## are non-zero. There's your problem!
 
  • #14
BvU said:
So ##\cos{\pi\over 6} + i\sin {\pi\over 6},\ \ 0,\ \ \cos{5\pi\over 6} + i\sin {5\pi\over 6}##.
Sum imaginary, product zero, and sum of dyadic products real, respectively ... :oldconfused:

No: from ##z^2 = i \bar{z}## it follows that either ##z=0## or else ##|z| = 1## and then ##z^3 = i##. There are three nonzero roots of ##z^3 = i##.
 
Last edited:
  • #15
Finally got it ..
o:) Thanks guys !
 
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