Complex numbers / cartesian equations etc

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around establishing the Cartesian equation, range, and domain of the locus of points defined by the argument conditions involving complex numbers, specifically using the converse of the alternate segment theorem. The focus is on the equations involving Arg(z - a) and Arg(z), where a is a complex number.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using the converse of the alternate segment theorem to establish a Cartesian equation for the locus of points defined by Arg(z - a) - Arg(z) = pi/2, with a = 1 + 0i.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about the original intent and seeks clarification on whether the goal is to find the Cartesian equation of a circle or to express the argument equations in Cartesian form.
  • A participant provides a transformation of the argument equations into a form involving arctangent functions, but does not proceed further due to uncertainty about the original question.
  • One participant claims to have derived the Cartesian equation as (x - 1/2)^2 + y^2 = 1/4, stating a domain of (0, 1) and a range of (0, 1/2].
  • Another participant corrects the domain and range, suggesting the standard form for a circle and noting that the domain should be [0, 1] and the range [-1/2, 1/2].
  • A later reply emphasizes that the domain refers to the locus of points and not the circle itself, pointing out that for certain values of z, the argument conditions do not hold.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of the problem, the derived Cartesian equation, and the appropriate domain and range. There is no consensus on the correct approach or the final answer.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of the arguments and the implications of the conditions set by the locus of points. The discussion also highlights the complexity of transitioning between complex number representations and Cartesian coordinates.

dj_silver
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Using converse of alternate segment theorem (i think it is)

i.e. this:
"If the line joining two points A and B subtends equal magnitude angles at two other points on the same side of it, then the four points lie on a circle"

establish the cartesian equation, range and domain of the locus of points:

Arg(z - a) - Arg(z) = pi/2

a = 1 + 0i

and for

Arg(z) - Arg(z-a) = pi/2

a = 1 + 0i

say z = x + iy ( i think )

i get

( x - 1/2 ) ^2 + y^2 = 1/4

But I'm not sure about the domain, range etc

If anyone could help me, or point me in the right direction, that would be great.

Thanks.
 
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I can't really tell what it is you're trying to do at all.
 
I've got two complex numbers,

z and a
Let z = x + iy and a = 1 + 0i

And I want to establish a cartesian equation using this theorem:

"If the line joining two points A and B subtends equal magnitude angles at two other points on the same side of it, then the four points lie on a circle"

Basically, I'd like to determine the equation, range and domain of the locus of points such that

Arg (z-a) - Arg(z) = pi/2

Sorry if I'm not being clear, I'm finding it hard to explain :p
 
I don't see how the top and bottom relate. Do you want the cartesian equation of a circle (the locus of points I assume you're talking about)? Do you want to express your equation (with the "Arg"s) in Cartesian form?

Anyways, I'm not sure exactly what you want, but if we have z = x + iy, then arg(z) = arctan(y/x). So:

[tex]\arg (z - a) - \arg (z) = \pi /2[/tex]

[tex]\arctan \left (\frac{y}{x - 1} \right ) - \arctan \left (\frac{y}{x} \right ) = \pi /2[/tex]

[tex]\tan \left [ \arctan \left (\frac{y}{x - 1} \right ) - \arctan \left (\frac{y}{x} \right ) \right ] = \tan \frac{\pi}{2}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{\frac{y}{x - 1} - \frac{y}{x}}{1 + \frac{y}{x - 1}\frac{y}{x}} = \tan \frac{\pi}{2}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{y}{x(x - 1) + y^2} \times \frac{x(x - 1)}{x(x - 1)} = \tan \frac{\pi}{2}[/tex]

Since I'm not exactly sure what you want, I won't go further.
 
I used vectors and scalar product for the first one, I thought it might be relevant to this.

I'm after the cartesian of a circle - the locus of points. (I don't need the "Arg"s in there :))

thanks
 
Your confusing me even further. Scalar product of what? The cartesian equation of a circle is quite simply:

x² + y² - r² = 0

Of course, if it has its center elsewhere, you'd have to find the center and modify the equation. Another thing you could do:

|z| - r² = 0
 
don't worry, i did it myself

it's (x - 1/2)^2 + y^2 = 1/4

with a domain of (0, 1)
and a range of (0, 1/2]

Scalar product of vectors.

Complex numbers can be represented as vectors, and then i used the scalar (dot) product.

Thanks anyway
 
dj_silver said:
don't worry, i did it myself

it's (x - 1/2)^2 + y^2 = 1/4

with a domain of (0, 1)
and a range of (0, 1/2]
Yes, that's standard for any circle, although the domain is [0,1] and the range is [-1/2, 1/2]. A circle centered at (a,b) with radius r has the cartesian equation:

[tex](x-a)^2 + (y-b)^2 - r^2 = 0[/tex]
Scalar product of vectors.

Complex numbers can be represented as vectors, and then i used the scalar (dot) product.

Thanks anyway
I know what a scalar product and complex numbers are, I just didn't know which specific vectors/complex numbers you were talking about. This is odd, it seems you're learning about vectors and complex numbers before learning basic stuff about circles? Anyways, I suppose there's nothing wrong with that.
 
It's the domain for which the locus of points exists... not the circle

for any z below the x axis, Arg(z-a) - Arg(z) is not pi/2, it's -pi/2

(Also z = 0 + 0i gives Arg(z) as undefined - this is the reason for excluding (0,0))

Capische?
 

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