Adding parallel Impedance 1

impedance

A homework problem tells me to find the equivalent impedance, so I added the series and parallel impedances just like I would a resistor; however, I don't understand how does one go from \$100/(12-16j)\$ to \$3+4j \Omega\$. My book just jumps to that conclusion. Can anyone please explain?

Best Answer

To divide by a complex number, use the conjugate of the denominator. like so:

$$ \begin{align} {100\over (12 - 16j)} & = {100\over (12 - 16j)} {(12 + 16j)\over (12 + 16j)} \\ \\ & = {(1200 + 1600j)\over (144 + 256)} \\ \\ & = {(1200 + 1600j)\over 400} \\ \\ & = {(3 + 4j)\over 1} \\ \\ \end{align} $$