Is the Complex Number z on a Circle?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the complex number z defined as z = 1 + cos(theta) + i*sin(theta) and whether it lies on a circle in the Argand diagram for values of theta in the range -Pi < theta <= Pi. Participants explore various methods to demonstrate this geometrically and algebraically, while also addressing the understanding of complex numbers and their representation.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest translating the origin to simplify the problem, focusing on the general formula for a circle in the complex plane.
  • One participant provides a detailed algebraic manipulation to show that |Z-1|^2 = 3, indicating that z lies on a circle centered at 1 with a radius of √3.
  • Another participant expresses confusion regarding the use of the theorem related to circles in the complex plane, seeking a simpler method aligned with their current syllabus.
  • Some participants emphasize the geometric interpretation of the complex numbers as points in the plane, relating distance to the definition of a circle.
  • A participant mentions using trigonometric identities to derive the relationship between the coordinates and the circle equation.
  • Multiple solutions are presented, highlighting the diversity of approaches to the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various methods and interpretations, leading to multiple competing views on how to approach the problem. There is no consensus on a single method or solution, and some participants remain uncertain about the application of certain theorems.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note limitations in their understanding of complex number concepts and the expectations of their coursework, indicating that not all methods may be appropriate for their current level of study.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students learning about complex numbers, particularly those interested in geometric interpretations and algebraic representations in the complex plane.

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The question is :
The complex number [tex]z[/tex] is given by
z = 1 + cos (theta) + i*sin (theta)
where -Pi < theta <= Pi
Show that for all values of theta, the point representing z in a Argrand Diagram is located on a circle. Find the centre and radius of the circle.

Note that i understand perhaps some of you don't understand the symbol i used above, hence i will explain it here :
smaller or equal to : <=
theta : an angle
Pi : a usefull constant in circle, i don't know how to define it.
i = square root of -1
 
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Hint: go into the the reference frame with translated origin at 1+0i.
 
I think we all new what the symbols meant, if not we'd probably not be able to help...

do you know the general formula for a circle in the complex plane? It's the set S ={ z | |z-w|=r} for some fixed w in the plane and r a positive constant. Do any choices of w and r spring to mind given we know that cos^2+sin^2 is identically 1?

Of course there are other ways to see the answer since it is translation of the unit circle (centred on the origin).
 
Solution

Let me denote
: theta as x
:z* the complex conjugate of z
:^ denotes power x^2 ==x squared



then
Z=1+Cosx+iSinx
Z*=1+Cosx-iSinx

ZZ*=2 + 2Cosx^2 //z multiplied by (z*) will give you that

ZZ*-Z-Z*=
=2 + 2Cosx^2 - 1 - Cosx - iSinx - 1 - Cosx + iSinx
=2

therefore
ZZ* - Z - Z* + 1=3

==>Z(Z*-1) - (Z*-1) = 3
==>(Z-1)(Z*-1) = 3
==>(Z-1)(Z-1)*=3
==>|Z-1|^2=3
==>|Z-1|=real
Which is the general form of a circle in complex plane as matt grime pointed out.

Hope you found this solution useful :shy:

cheers
poolwin2001

P.S:Where did you get this question ??
 
This any help ?

[itex] \mbox{\Huge<br /> \[<br /> e^{i\theta } = cos\theta + isin\theta <br /> \]}[/itex]

Best
 
hard to understand

First of all, thanks to those people who had post reply to my question, your message is meaningful to me, thanks you.
Well, this question i get it from my work book in complex number exercise. Note that i am not European people, i live in South East Asian, hence i don't think is meaning to you if i told you which book i found this question, ok poolwin2001 ?

matt grime, i am just begin the Complex Number chapter, hence i really don't know got such Set which define any circle in the Argand Diagram. And to poolwin2001 also, i understand all your working but just don't understand how can u state that once u able to show |Z-1|=real , this implies that the point of complex number Z is located on a circle in Argand Diagram.

I just begin study this chapter, hence i don't think that the author expect me to use this kind of "theorem" ( which i think is under Further Mathematic ) to show Z is located in a circle, do you have any other easier method ?
For your information, i just study the operation of Complex Number (plus, minus, multiply and divide), conjugate ,draw Argand Diagram, that is all in my syllabus, and that question i was found it inside my textbook (so i sure the author will expect us use the method i study to solve it, and not using those "theorem" )
 
The idea that these points define a circle doesn't have anything to do with the complex numbers as such.

You should be thinking of the numbers as points in the complex plane, yes? then | | means distance. so {z| |z-w|=r} means all the points z a distance r from w. This is just geometry in the plane, but with nicer notation.
 
what matt grime probably asked you to do was to use the trigonometry identity.

Let z= x + iy
=[tex](1+cos\theta) + isin\theta[/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow x = 1+cos\theta[/tex]
[tex]\Rightarrow y = sin\theta[/tex]

[tex]sin^2\theta + cos^2\theta = 1[/tex]
[tex]y^2 + (x-1)^2 = 1[/tex]

Compare with the circle equation : [tex](x-a)^2 + (y-b)^2 = r^2[/tex]
with center coordinate of (a,b) and radius r.
 
I think I got the explanation down in the zip file (couldn't upload the image directly). Hope it helps, sure took me a long time to create it.
 

Attachments

  • #10
wow 3 different solutions

WOW 3 different solutions:bugeye:
Great !3 different solns each radically different have been given .Awesome!
(But mine had to be the longest :frown: :cry: )
 

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