Solving Complex Equations: A Step-by-Step Guide
This article will guide you through the process of solving the complex equation (x + 2y) + (2x - 3y)i + 4i = 5.
Understanding Complex Numbers
A complex number is a number that can be expressed in the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers, and i is the imaginary unit, defined as the square root of -1.
In our equation, the real part is (x + 2y) and the imaginary part is (2x - 3y)i + 4i.
Isolating Real and Imaginary Components
To solve the equation, we need to equate the real and imaginary parts on both sides of the equation.
Real Part: x + 2y = 5
Imaginary Part: (2x - 3y)i + 4i = 0
Simplifying the imaginary part, we get: (2x - 3y + 4)i = 0
Since the imaginary unit 'i' cannot be zero, the coefficient of 'i' must be zero: 2x - 3y + 4 = 0
Solving the System of Equations
Now we have two equations with two unknowns:
- x + 2y = 5
- 2x - 3y + 4 = 0
We can solve this system using various methods, such as substitution or elimination.
Using Elimination:
Multiply the first equation by 3 and the second equation by 2:
- 3x + 6y = 15
- 4x - 6y + 8 = 0
Adding the two equations together, we get: 7x + 8 = 15
Solving for x: 7x = 7 x = 1
Substitute the value of x back into either of the original equations to solve for y. Let's use the first equation:
1 + 2y = 5 2y = 4 y = 2
Solution
Therefore, the solution to the complex equation (x + 2y) + (2x - 3y)i + 4i = 5 is x = 1 and y = 2.