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Worked solution

Solve coupled equations by three algebraic methods

Without the use of a calculator, find the complex numbers z,wz,w satisfying z−wi=3z-wi=3 and z2−w+6+3i=0z^2-w+6+3i=0. marks

[2017/SAJC/II/1]

CJC · Review problems · Question 11

Answer

(z,w)=(2i,2+3i)(z,w)=(2i,2+3i) or (−3i,−3+3i)(-3i,-3+3i).

Method 1: eliminate w and use the quadratic formula

From z−wi=3z-wi=3, w=(z−3)/i=3i−ziw=(z-3)/i=3i-zi. Substitute into the second equation: z2−(3i−zi)+6+3i=0z^2-(3i-zi)+6+3i=0, hence z2+iz+6=0z^2+iz+6=0. Its discriminant is i2−24=−25i^2-24=-25, so z=(−i±5i)/2=2iz=(-i\pm5i)/2=2i or −3i-3i. Then w=2+3iw=2+3i or −3+3i-3+3i, paired respectively.

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Method 2: eliminate z instead

Write z=3+wiz=3+wi. Substitution gives (3+wi)2−w+6+3i=0(3+wi)^2-w+6+3i=0, or w2+(1−6i)w−15−3i=0w^2+(1-6i)w-15-3i=0. The discriminant is (1−6i)2−4(−15−3i)=25(1-6i)^2-4(-15-3i)=25, so w=(−1+6i±5)/2w=(-1+6i\pm5)/2. This gives w=2+3iw=2+3i with z=2iz=2i, or w=−3+3iw=-3+3i with z=−3iz=-3i.

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Method 3: compare real and imaginary parts

Again obtain z2+iz+6=0z^2+iz+6=0. Let z=a+biz=a+bi, with a,b∈Ra,b\in\mathbb R. Comparing parts gives a2−b2−b+6=0a^2-b^2-b+6=0 and a(2b+1)=0a(2b+1)=0. If b=−1/2b=-1/2, then a2=1/4−1/2−6=−25/4a^2=1/4-1/2-6=-25/4, impossible for real aa. If a=0a=0, then b2+b−6=(b−2)(b+3)=0b^2+b-6=(b-2)(b+3)=0, giving b=2,−3b=2,-3. Substitution into w=−iz+3iw=-iz+3i returns the same two paired solutions.

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Common mistakes

The real and imaginary coordinates are real numbers even when z and w are complex. Reject the negative value of a²; do not invent additional coordinate pairs.

Solution notes

Source filename says 2026; printed header says 2025/JC2. Both identities are retained; rendered pages determine radicals and modulus bars.

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