Question

Find the real number a such that 7 – i = (2 – i)(a + i)
A) –3
B) 3
C) –2
D) 2
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Answer 1

The RHS becomes \(2a+2i-ai-i^2\) where \(i^2=-1\)
So, \(7-i=2a+2i-ai+1\)
Solve for a
Note: take i like any other variable. It will cancel out.