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For example suppose we have $\ce{[Pt(NH3)4][PtCl4]}.$ For the naming of this complex I need to know the oxidation number of the metals; let the oxidation number of first and second $\ce{Pt}$ be $x, y$ respectively, then one can obtain the equation $x+y=4$. How are we supposed to proceed further? Thanks.

Osmium
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Platinum can exist under two common oxidation numbers : $+2$ and $+4$. The most reasonable oxidation numbers are $x = y = 2$, because if the first $\ce{Pt}$ atoms is at $+4$, the other one is at zero, which is not reasonable. And if the first $\ce{Pt}$ atom is at zero, $\ce{[Pt(NH3)4]}$ would not be charged, which is contrary to the original formula.

Maurice
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  • Do you have a list of common oxidation numbers for transition metals? How do you remember them; do you have some general trends which can ease the memorization process? – Osmium Mar 20 '22 at 13:31
  • Reference : https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/78/platinum – Maurice Mar 20 '22 at 13:44
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    @osmium There are 3 major ways how to reach chemical knowledge 1/Memorize data what is memory challenging. 2/Recognize or learn behaviour patterns, what is challenge in understanding 3/ Derive behaviour from principles of quantum chemistry, what is computational demanding and extremely challenging mathematically and conceptually. Reasonable approach is combination of 1/ and 2/. – Poutnik Mar 20 '22 at 14:21
  • @Osmium Chemistry is too wide and deep domain for a single author or book being the best in all of it. It cannot be at the same time wide enough and deep enough and correct enough. // See also Chemistry SE: resources-for-learning-chemistry – Poutnik Mar 21 '22 at 12:05