Complex Geometry: EQN of Circle, Parabola, Ellipse & Line

In summary, the given condition of ##\dfrac{γ}{δ}## being real and ##αδ - βγ ≠ 0## implies that the complex equation ##z = \dfrac{α + βt}{γ + δt}## represents an ellipse, as seen by considering the equation for a circle, ellipse, straight line, and parabola in terms of their distances and arguments. Interesting values or limits of t could provide further insight.
  • #1
erisedk
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Homework Statement


If ##α, β, γ, δ## are four complex numbers such that ##\dfrac{γ}{δ}## is real and ##αδ - βγ ≠ 0##, then ##z = \dfrac{α + βt}{γ + δt} , t \in ℝ## represents a
(A) circle
(B) parabola
(C) ellipse
(D) straight line

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Eqn of circle is ##|z - z_0| = k##, ellipse is ##|z - z_1| + |z - z_2| = k, |z_1 - z_2| < k##, straight line is ##\arg(z - z_0) = k## and not sure how I'd represent a parabola's complex equation, though it'd be something like distance from a straight line is equal to distance from a point, so maybe something like ## |z - z_0| =\dfrac{ |\bar{a}z + a\bar{z} + b|}{2|a|}##
Since ##\dfrac{γ}{δ}## is purely real ##\dfrac{γ}{δ} = \dfrac{\bar{γ}}{\bar{δ}}##
Beyond this, I'm hopelessly clueless. Please help.
 
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  • #2
You could make progress by considering interesting values (or limits) of t.
 

1. What is the equation of a circle?

The equation of a circle in standard form is (x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 = r^2, where (h, k) represents the coordinates of the center of the circle and r represents the radius.

2. How do you find the equation of a parabola?

The general equation of a parabola in standard form is y = ax^2 + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants. To find the equation of a parabola, you need to know the coordinates of at least three points on the parabola or the coordinates of the vertex and one other point.

3. What is the equation of an ellipse?

The standard equation of an ellipse is (x-h)^2/a^2 + (y-k)^2/b^2 = 1, where (h, k) represents the coordinates of the center of the ellipse, a represents the length of the semi-major axis, and b represents the length of the semi-minor axis.

4. How do you find the equation of a line?

The equation of a line can be found using the slope-intercept form, y = mx + b, where m represents the slope of the line and b represents the y-intercept. Alternatively, the equation of a line can also be found using the point-slope form, y - y1 = m(x - x1), where (x1, y1) represents a point on the line and m is the slope.

5. Can a circle, parabola, ellipse, and line intersect?

Yes, it is possible for these shapes to intersect. A circle and a line can intersect at two points, a circle and an ellipse can intersect at up to two points, and a circle and a parabola can intersect at up to four points.

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