Math Problem Statement

Find the value of ( z ) for which ( \dfrac{z}{5 + 12i} ) is prime and minimal.

Solution

To solve this, we need to determine the value of zz such that the expression z5+12i\dfrac{z}{5 + 12i} is minimal and results in a prime number. Let’s go step-by-step:


Step 1: Understanding the Expression

The expression is:

z5+12i\dfrac{z}{5 + 12i}

We are tasked with finding zz such that this expression, likely interpreted as a complex number, is minimal (in some sense) and prime.

In the context of complex numbers, a Gaussian prime is a prime element in the set of Gaussian integers Z[i]\mathbb{Z}[i], which are numbers of the form a+bia + bi where a,bZa, b \in \mathbb{Z}. A Gaussian prime is a number that cannot be factored into smaller Gaussian integers (other than trivial factors like 11 or ii).


Step 2: Dividing by a Complex Number

To perform the division z5+12i\dfrac{z}{5 + 12i}, we typically multiply by the conjugate of 5+12i5 + 12i. The conjugate of 5+12i5 + 12i is 512i5 - 12i. Therefore:

z5+12i=z512i(5+12i)(512i)\dfrac{z}{5 + 12i} = z \cdot \dfrac{5 - 12i}{(5 + 12i)(5 - 12i)}

Now, compute the denominator:

(5+12i)(512i)=52+122=25+144=169(5 + 12i)(5 - 12i) = 5^2 + 12^2 = 25 + 144 = 169

Thus:

z5+12i=z(512i)169\dfrac{z}{5 + 12i} = \dfrac{z (5 - 12i)}{169}


Step 3: Gaussian Primes and Minimality

For this fraction to be prime and minimal, zz must be chosen such that z(512i)z (5 - 12i) is a Gaussian prime. In the context of Gaussian integers, we need zz to be a Gaussian integer itself (i.e., z=a+biz = a + bi).

To achieve minimality, a reasonable choice for zz is to make z(512i)z (5 - 12i) a Gaussian prime that has the smallest possible norm.

Let’s test some small Gaussian integers for zz to find such a case.


Step 4: Choosing zz and Verifying Primality

After trying small Gaussian integers, the following value works:

z=1+iz = 1 + i

Let’s compute (1+i)(5+12i)(1 + i)(5 + 12i) and verify if it results in a Gaussian prime.

Multiplication:

(1+i)(5+12i)=5+12i+5i+12i2(1 + i)(5 + 12i) = 5 + 12i + 5i + 12i^2

Recall that i2=1i^2 = -1:

=5+12i+5i12= 5 + 12i + 5i - 12

Combine like terms:

=(512)+(12i+5i)=7+17i= (5 - 12) + (12i + 5i) = -7 + 17i

Checking Primality:

The Gaussian integer 7+17i-7 + 17i is a Gaussian prime because its norm NN is:

N=(7)2+172=49+289=338N = (-7)^2 + 17^2 = 49 + 289 = 338

This norm cannot be factored into smaller norms of Gaussian integers, confirming that 7+17i-7 + 17i is a Gaussian prime.


Conclusion:

The minimal value of zz for which z5+12i\dfrac{z}{5 + 12i} is prime is:

1+i\boxed{1 + i}


Do you want further details or have any questions?


Related Questions:

  1. What are Gaussian primes, and how are they defined?
  2. How do you determine the conjugate of a complex number?
  3. How can you find the norm of a Gaussian integer?
  4. What are the criteria for a Gaussian integer to be prime?
  5. How do you multiply two complex numbers?

Tip:

When dividing complex numbers, always multiply by the conjugate to simplify the expression and eliminate the imaginary part from the denominator.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Complex Numbers
Gaussian Primes
Division of Complex Numbers
Norm of Complex Numbers

Formulas

Division of complex numbers: \( \frac{z}{a + bi} = \frac{z (a - bi)}{a^2 + b^2} \)
Norm of a complex number: \( N(a + bi) = a^2 + b^2 \)

Theorems

Gaussian Integer Primality Criterion: A Gaussian integer \( z = a + bi \) is prime if its norm is prime or if it is irreducible in the ring of Gaussian integers.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 and Undergraduate