Question:medium

The conjugate of the multiplicative inverse of the complex number \[ z=\frac{1+7i}{3+i} \] is:

Show Hint

To simplify complex fractions, multiply numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator. This removes imaginary terms from the denominator.
Updated On: May 20, 2026
  • \(1+2i\)
  • \(\dfrac15+\dfrac25i\)
  • \(\dfrac25+\dfrac15i\)
  • \(\dfrac15-\dfrac25i\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Understanding the Concept: To find the conjugate of the multiplicative inverse of a complex number: \[ z^{-1}=\frac1z \] and then take the complex conjugate. The conjugate of: \[ a+bi \] is: \[ a-bi \]
Step 1: Simplify the given complex number. Given: \[ z=\frac{1+7i}{3+i} \] Multiply numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator: \[ 3-i \] Thus, \[ z= \frac{(1+7i)(3-i)}{(3+i)(3-i)} \]
Step 2: Expand numerator and denominator. Numerator: \[ (1+7i)(3-i) \] \[ =3-i+21i-7i^2 \] Since \[ i^2=-1, \] \[ =3+20i+7 \] \[ =10+20i \] Denominator: \[ (3+i)(3-i)=9+1=10 \] Therefore, \[ z=\frac{10+20i}{10} \] \[ =1+2i \]
Step 3: Find the multiplicative inverse. \[ z^{-1}=\frac1{1+2i} \] Multiply numerator and denominator by the conjugate: \[ 1-2i \] \[ z^{-1} = \frac{1-2i}{1+4} \] \[ =\frac15-\frac25i \]
Step 4: Take the conjugate. The conjugate is: \[ \frac15+\frac25i \] Hence, \[ \boxed{\frac15+\frac25i} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0