SOLUTION: Please help with this problem The complex numbers 2/5xi + 3 and -4 - 1/4yi are equal. Find the values of x and y Have tried solving as a regular equation but cannot find equal va

Algebra ->  Complex Numbers Imaginary Numbers Solvers and Lesson -> SOLUTION: Please help with this problem The complex numbers 2/5xi + 3 and -4 - 1/4yi are equal. Find the values of x and y Have tried solving as a regular equation but cannot find equal va      Log On


   

Question 152423: Please help with this problem
The complex numbers 2/5xi + 3 and -4 - 1/4yi are equal. Find the values of x and y
Have tried solving as a regular equation but cannot find equal values.
Answer by orca(409) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
It seems that 2/5xi + 3 should be changed to 2/5x + 3i.
NOTE THAT: Two complex numbers are equal if and only if their real parts are equal and their imaginary parts are equal.
Therefore for %282%2F5%29%2Ax%2B3i and -4-%281%2F4%29%2Ayi to be equal, two conditions must be satisfied:
%282%2F5%29%2Ax=-4
3=-%281%2F4%29%2Ay
Solving the first equation for x, we have x=-10.
Solving the second equation for y, we have y=-12.