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

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
11 replies · 3K views
Ricky_15
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

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 .
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
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) " .
 
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 .