# Math Help - quadratic equations with imaginary numbers

1. ## quadratic equations with imaginary numbers

I am doing some work with z transforms which are littered with quadratics, but I am slightly confused about a fundamental when solving a quadratics with an imaginary component.

$2s^2-2s+1 = 0$

$\frac{2\pm\sqrt{-4}} {4} = \frac{2\pm2j} {4} = \frac{1} {2} \pm \frac{1}{2}j$

thats fine. no problem. its next example which has me confused,

$s^2 + 2s + 5 = 0$

$\frac {-2\pm \sqrt{-16}} {10} = \frac {-2 \pm 4j} {10} = -\frac{1}{5} \pm \frac{2}{5}j$

$-1 \pm 2j$

so what happens to the denominator?

thanks!

2. Originally Posted by edm
its next example which has me confused,

$s^2 + 2s + 5 = 0$

$\frac {-2\pm \sqrt{-16}} {{\color{red}10}} = \frac {-2 \pm 4j} {{\color{red}10}} = -\frac{1}{5} \pm \frac{2}{5}j$

but the answer should be, so what happens to the denominator? $-1 \pm 2j$
The denominator is 2 not 10.

3. Remember that the denominator in the quadratic formula is $2a$ from the general quadratic equation $ax^2+bx+c=0$

4. ah bloody hell thats why it made no sense, i took the s or a 5 .

thats the problem when you scribble down Ss 2s and Zs they all look the same (well in my hand writing anyway!).

many thanks.