Are There Limited Ordered Triples for Complex Number Equations?

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  • Thread starter anemone
  • Start date
In summary, complex numbers consist of a real part and an imaginary part, written in the form a + bi. The concept of "finite possibilities" refers to the limited number of operations that can be performed on complex numbers. They are used in various fields of science, including physics, engineering, and mathematics. Real-world applications of complex numbers include electronics, computer graphics, and finance. POTW #315 May 23rd, 2018 is a problem that highlights the limited but essential role of complex numbers in mathematics and science.
  • #1
anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Prove that there are only a finite number of possibilities for the ordered triple $(a-b,\,b-c,\,c-a)$ where $a$, $b$ and $c$ are complex numbers satisfying the simultaneous equations

$a(a-1)+2bc=b(b-1)+2ca=c(c-1)+2ab$

and list all such triples.

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Remember to read the https://mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to https://mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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  • #2
Congratulations to castor28 for his correct solution, which you can find below:):

Partial credit goes to the following members for their partially correct solution:
1. Olinguito
2. kaliprasad

Solution from castor28:
The two independent equations can be written as:
\begin{align*}
(a-b)(a+b-2c-1) &= 0 = (a-b)((b-c)-(c-a)-1)\\
(a-c)(a+c-2b-1) &= 0 = -(c-a)((a-b)-(b-c)-1)
\end{align*}
Writing $x=a-b$, $y=b-c$, $z=c-a$, we get:
\begin{align*}
x(y-z-1) &= 0\\
y(z-x-1) &= 0
\end{align*}
Since $x+y+z=0$, we may substitute $z=-x-y$, and we obtain:
\begin{align*}
x(x+2y-1) &= 0\\
y(y+2x+1) &= 0
\end{align*}
We can choose one of the two factors in each equation in four possible ways; in each case, we obtain a non-singular system of two linear equations in $x$ and $y$. Using the fact that $z=-x-y$, we obtain the four possible triples $(x,y,z)$ : $(0,0,0)$, $(0,-1,1)$, $(1,0,-1)$, and $(-1,1,0)$.
 

Related to Are There Limited Ordered Triples for Complex Number Equations?

1. What are complex numbers?

Complex numbers are numbers that consist of two parts - a real part and an imaginary part. They are typically written in the form a + bi, where a is the real part and bi is the imaginary part (with i representing the square root of -1).

2. What is the concept of "finite possibilities" in relation to complex numbers?

The concept of "finite possibilities" in relation to complex numbers refers to the fact that there are a finite number of operations and calculations that can be performed on complex numbers in order to arrive at a result. This means that there are a limited number of ways to manipulate complex numbers, as opposed to real numbers where there are an infinite number of possibilities.

3. How are complex numbers used in science?

Complex numbers are used in many areas of science, including physics, engineering, and mathematics. They are particularly useful in fields that deal with oscillation and waves, such as acoustics and electrical engineering. They are also used in quantum mechanics and signal processing.

4. What are some real-world applications of complex numbers?

Complex numbers have many real-world applications, such as in electronics and circuit analysis, where they are used to represent and analyze alternating currents. They are also used in computer graphics and video game development to represent 2D and 3D objects. In finance, complex numbers are used in the Black-Scholes model for option pricing.

5. What is the significance of POTW #315 May 23rd, 2018 in relation to complex numbers?

POTW #315 May 23rd, 2018 is a problem of the week (POTW) from the American Mathematical Society that specifically focuses on finite possibilities for complex numbers. This particular POTW challenges individuals to find all possible values of a complex number raised to a power. It serves as a reminder of the limited but important role complex numbers play in mathematics and science.

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