[Math] If x and y are real, solve the equation $\frac{xi}{1+yi}=\frac{3x+4i}{x+3y}$

algebra-precalculuscomplex numbers

If x and y are real, solve the equation
$$\frac{xi}{1+yi}=\frac{3x+4i}{x+3y}$$

I have tried giving both sides of the equation a common denominator of $(1+yi)(x+3y)$ and then manipulating the resulting numerators, but I couldn't get anything helpful to appear. I have also tried multiplying the LHS by $\frac{1-yi}{1-yi}$, but again couldn't see how to proceed. Undrstanding how to do this is more important than knowing the answer (which is in the back of the book: Stroud's Fundamentals of Engineering Mathematics).

I am reading the book for self study, so this is not a homework assignment, I just would really like to understand how to do this.

Best Answer

Hint: Multiply by the common denominator to get

$$xi(x+3y)=(3x+4i)(1+yi)$$

Write as real and imaginary parts.

$$x(x+3y)i=3x+4i+3xyi-4y$$

$$x(x+3y)i=(3x-4y)+(3xy+4)i$$

Thus the real and imaginary parts on both sides are equal. This gives:

$$x(x+3y)=3xy+4$$ $$3x-4y=0$$

I think you can solve this system of equations.

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