Solving Complex Equations: (3 + 2i)a + (4 - i)b = 6 - 7i
This article will guide you through solving the complex equation (3 + 2i)a + (4 - i)b = 6 - 7i. We'll break down the steps and explain the concepts involved.
Understanding Complex Numbers
Complex numbers are numbers that extend the real number system by including the imaginary unit, i, where i² = -1. A complex number is typically expressed in the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers.
Solving the Equation
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Expand the equation:
(3 + 2i)a + (4 - i)b = 6 - 7i
3a + 2ai + 4b - bi = 6 - 7i
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Group real and imaginary terms:
(3a + 4b) + (2a - b)i = 6 - 7i
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Equate real and imaginary components:
For two complex numbers to be equal, their real and imaginary parts must be equal. Therefore:
- 3a + 4b = 6
- 2a - b = -7
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Solve the system of equations:
We now have a system of two linear equations with two unknowns. We can solve for a and b using various methods like substitution or elimination.
- Substitution Method:
- Solve the second equation for b: b = 2a + 7
- Substitute this value of b into the first equation: 3a + 4(2a + 7) = 6
- Simplify and solve for a: 3a + 8a + 28 = 6 => 11a = -22 => a = -2
- Substitute the value of a back into the equation for b: b = 2(-2) + 7 = 3
- Substitution Method:
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Solution:
Therefore, the solution to the equation (3 + 2i)a + (4 - i)b = 6 - 7i is a = -2 and b = 3.
Verification
To verify our solution, we can substitute the values of a and b back into the original equation:
(3 + 2i)(-2) + (4 - i)(3) = 6 - 7i
-6 - 4i + 12 - 3i = 6 - 7i
6 - 7i = 6 - 7i
This confirms that our solution is correct.
Conclusion
By applying the principles of complex numbers and solving a system of equations, we have successfully found the solution for the equation (3 + 2i)a + (4 - i)b = 6 - 7i. This problem illustrates the importance of understanding complex number operations and how to manipulate them effectively in solving equations.