What are the Real Numbers c and d for Inverting Complex Numbers?

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
1 reply · 2K views
TheDoorsOfMe
Messages
46
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Suppose a and b are real numbers, not both 0. Find real numbers c and d, such that

[tex]\frac{1}{a + bi}[/tex] = [tex]c + di[/tex]


Homework Equations



I said that:

[tex]1 = (c + di) (a + bi)[/tex]

[tex]1 = (ac - bd) + (bc + ad)i[/tex]

so if b = 0 then
[tex]\frac{1}{a} = c + di[/tex]

The rationale holds for if a = 0. Since this is equal to a real number 1/a can I just say that c and d are real numbers?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You need to understand that if
x + yj = a + bj
then
x = a
and
y = b

2)
Multiply left side by a-bj / a-bj