Complex number inequality question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of complex number inequalities, specifically the modulus of a complex number and its geometric representation on the Argand diagram. Participants explore the implications of the inequality |z| < 2 and its relation to distance from the origin, as well as the distinction between circles and disks in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the inequality |z| < 2 suggests a distance from the origin, questioning the interpretation of the modulus as always being positive.
  • Others clarify that the modulus of a complex number is defined as |z| = √(x² + y²), representing the distance from the origin to the point (x, y) in the complex plane.
  • A participant corrects a typographical error regarding the term "modulus," emphasizing its correct spelling.
  • Some participants argue that the inequality |z| < c describes a disk rather than a circle, noting that a circle is defined by |z| = c, where c is a constant.
  • Further elaboration indicates that the boundary of a disk is indeed a circle, but the inequality itself represents all points within that disk.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the definition of the modulus and its geometric interpretation, but there is contention regarding the distinction between a circle and a disk in the context of the inequality |z| < 2.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of circles and disks may not be fully articulated, and the discussion does not resolve the nuances of these geometric interpretations.

bonbon22
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TL;DR
[z]<2 is a circle but im still not too sure why.
Z can be any point on the argand diagram so if z molous is less than 2 , is that somehow giving us the distance from origin? But how i assumed mod sign only makes things positive therefore its not sqrt( (x+yi)^2 ) = distance ??
 
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bonbon22 said:
Summary: [z]<2 is a circle but I am still not too sure why.

Z can be any point on the argand diagram so if z molous is less than 2 , is that somehow giving us the distance from origin? But how i assumed mod sign only makes things positive therefore its not sqrt( (x+yi)^2 ) = distance ??

The modulus of a complex number ##z## is defined as ##|z| = \sqrt{zz^*} = \sqrt{x^2 +y^2}##
 
bonbon22 said:
molous
You're missing a 'd'. The word is modulus.
For a complex number z, |z| is the distance from the origin to the point (x, y) in the complex plane.
 
It's not a circle. Notice a circle is described by |z|=c , c a constant. You have an < instead.
 
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To elaborate on @WWGD's correction, the inequality ##|z| < c##, with c a nonnegative real constant, is a disk. The boundary of a disk is a circle.
 
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