Argument of a random complex no. lying on given line segment.

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The discussion revolves around finding the argument of a complex number z lying on the line segment between z1 = -3 + 5i and z2 = -5 - 3i in the Argand plane. The key points include determining that z lies in the second or third quadrant and evaluating the potential arguments based on the given options. The user initially struggles to differentiate between two possible answers, -3π/4 and 5π/6, but later confirms that the correct answer is 5π/6 after further calculations. Suggestions to graph the line segment and find the midpoint help clarify the solution. Ultimately, the user acknowledges needing a calculator to finalize their answer.
Ricky_15
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Homework Statement


In the argand plane z lies on the line segment joining # z_1 = -3 + 5i # and # z_2 = -5 - 3i # . Find the most suitable answer from the following options .

A) -3∏/4

B) ∏/4

C) 5∏/6

D) ∏/6

2. MY ATTEMPT AT THE SOLUTION

We get two points ( -3 , 5 ) & ( -5 , -3 ) => The line segment must intersect x - axis and lie in the 2nd and 3rd quadrant .
=> #z# lies on x-axis or 2nd or 3rd qudrant .

But , since there is no option ∏ , so z must be lying in 2nd or 3rd quadrant.

=> -3∏/4 or 5∏/6 should be the solution .

I can't proceed further from here so as to differentiate between the above two choices.

The answer in the book is : 5∏/6 .
 
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The set of choices is only defined as far as directions from the origin. So I would think the approach is to find the arguments of z1 and z2.
 
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How is your line situated with respect to the line ##y = x##, which is where a ##z## with argument ##-\frac{3\pi}{4}## would be? Draw a graph.
 
You could also compute the argument : z=end-start and arg z or atan dy/dx
 
Hello Rick, :welcome:

If you pick random points on the line between those two points on your drawing, the average postion of those points should end up where, do you think ? You calculated the intersection with the negative x-axis, but you should have calculated the midpoint of the line segment. The angle that is closest to the argument of that point is your best answer.

Oh, and: you did draw a graph, I hope ?

:smile:
 
Ricky_15 said:

Homework Statement


In the argand plane z lies on the line segment joining # z_1 = -3 + 5i # and # z_2 = -5 - 3i # . Find the most suitable answer from the following options .

A) -3π/4

B) π/4

C) 5π/6

D) π/6
...
Is that a complete statement of the problem - word for word?

If not, please give a complete statement of the problem - word for word. Also, if a portion of your question is in the thread title, please include it in the body of the thread as well.
 
Anyone want to give odds on the OP ever returning to this thread?
 
##\displaystyle \ \left(\frac{1}{e}\right)^\pi \ ##
 
SammyS said:
##\displaystyle \ \left(\frac{1}{e}\right)^\pi \ ##
That's completely irrational. Probably.
 
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  • #10
SammyS said:
Is that a complete statement of the problem - word for word?

If not, please give a complete statement of the problem - word for word. Also, if a portion of your question is in the thread title, please include it in the body of the thread as well.

I am extremely sorry . I was in a hurry . Thats not the complete question . The question asked for " find the suitable solution for arg(z) " .
 
  • #11
Ricky_15 said:
I am extremely sorry . I was in a hurry . Thats not the complete question . The question asked for " find the suitable solution for arg(z) " .
Have you tried my suggestion in post #2?
 
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  • #12
haruspex said:
Have you tried my suggestion in post #2?
Yup that solved it , but for that I needed a calculator to find tan inverse 3/5 & 5/3 .
 

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