Complex numbers on unit circle

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the equation involving four complex numbers on the unit circle, specifically where |z1|=|z2|=|z3|=|z4|=1 and z1+z2+z3+z4=1+i. The goal is to find the value of 1/z1 + 1/z2 + 1/z3 + 1/z4. Key insights include the use of the conjugate relationship 1/z = barZ/|z|^2 and the application of DeMoivre's Theorem. The participants suggest visualizing the complex numbers on an Argand diagram to better understand their relationships.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex numbers and their properties
  • Familiarity with the unit circle in the complex plane
  • Knowledge of complex conjugates and their applications
  • Basic understanding of DeMoivre's Theorem
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of complex conjugates in depth
  • Learn how to apply DeMoivre's Theorem to complex number problems
  • Explore the Argand diagram for visualizing complex number operations
  • Investigate the implications of unit modulus in complex number equations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying complex analysis, mathematicians solving problems involving complex numbers, and educators teaching advanced algebra concepts.

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Homework Statement


Let z1; z2; z3; z4 be four complex numbers on the unit circle (i.e., |z1|=|z2|=|z3|=|z4|=1).
It is known that z1+z2+z3+z4=1+i . Find the value of
1/z1
+
1/z2
+
1/z3
+
1/z4

Homework Equations



1/z = barZ/|z|^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I've been trying for about a day now and i just have no clue absolutely, I understand that
[b -a]/ [ab] = [1/a] - [1/b]

but i think there's something to do with conjugates or something this question is quite fustrating.

i also tried letting z1 + z2 + z3 + z4 = w
and then w*(barW) but i just got 0(1+i)(1-i) and then i can't take the inverse
 
Last edited:
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So you know

z_1+z_2+z_3+z_4=1+i

What if you take the conjugate of both sides?
 
Have you had DeMoivre's Theorem? You know that all of the z's have unit modulus. What would 1/z equal for each z ?
Draw the z's and (1/z)'s on an Argand diagram. How does the sum of the (1/z)'s relate to the sum of the z's ?
 

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