Find the least possible value of ##|z-w|## -Complex numbers

  • Thread starter Thread starter chwala
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Numbers Value
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the least possible value of the distance between two complex numbers, ##|z-w|##, given their constraints defined by circles in the complex plane. The centers of the circles are located at ##(3,2)## and ##(7,5)## with respective radii of ##2## and ##1##.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the geometric interpretation of the problem using circles and distances. There is an exploration of both the least and greatest possible values of ##|z-w|## based on the given constraints. Some participants question the necessity of visual aids, such as diagrams, to better understand the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various perspectives on the problem setup, with some participants providing calculations for the least distance while others express the need for visual representation. There is no explicit consensus on the best approach or interpretation of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference a similar thread from 2010, indicating a potential precedent for the problem, but there is no resolution or conclusion drawn from that reference. The original poster's working is noted, but the completeness of the information is questioned.

chwala
Gold Member
Messages
2,828
Reaction score
425
Homework Statement
Two complex numbers ##z## and ##w## satisfy the inequalities ##|z-3-2i|≤2## and ##|w-7-5i|≤1##. By drawing an argand diagram, find the least possible value of ##|z-w|##

There is a similar post to this posted in 2010 on physicsforums and the OP did not seem to have posted his working to solution.(I wanted to make some comments on that but the post is not open to further replies)
Relevant Equations
Complex numbers.
OK, here once a sketch is done, we have two circles ##c_1## and ##c_2## with centre's ##c_1 (3,2)## and ##c_2 (7,5)## having radius ##2## and ##1## respectively. It follows that the distance between the the two centre's is given by ##L=\sqrt {(7-3)^2+(5-2)^2}##=##5##
Now, the least possible value ##|z-w|=5-(2+1)=2##

Supposing, just to explore this further, they want us to find the greatest distance, then we may say that the greatest ditance of ##|z-w|=5+1+2=8##

I would appreciate your thoughts on this...cheers guys
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
No thoughts, except: 'where's the picture?' :oldlaugh:
Well, perhaps one small second thought: what 2010 thread ?

##\ ##
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: chwala
BvU said:
No thoughts, except: 'where's the picture?' :oldlaugh:
Well, perhaps one small second thought: what 2010 thread ?

##\ ##
Bvu:smile:...you can tell from my working that i know how the pic looks like:cool:...This is the 2010 post;

1641086806904.png
 
chwala said:
Homework Statement:: Two complex numbers ##z## and ##w## satisfy the inequalities ##|z-3-2i|≤2## and ##|w-7-5i|≤1##. By drawing an argand diagram, find the least possible value of ##|z-w|##

There is a similar post to this posted in 2010 on physicsforums and the OP did not seem to have posted his working to solution.(I wanted to make some comments on that but the post is not open to further replies)
This appears to be the link for that closed PF thread:

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/complex-numbers-finding-the-least-value-of-z-w.446274/
 
I think it's pretty standard to not care if a thread was made twelve years ago, and just make a new one instead.
 
chwala said:
This is the 2010 post;
Haha, as if I care for a screen shot. My angle was: if you refer to something, don't let others search for it but provide a link. @SammyS understood.

chwala said:
you can tell from my working that i know how the pic looks like
Same difference: yes I can, but maybe others can not.

Office_Shredder said:
I think it's pretty standard to not care if a thread was made twelve years ago, and just make a new one instead.
Especially the bad and messy ones :smile:

##\ ##
 
  • Haha
Likes   Reactions: chwala
chwala said:
Supposing, just to explore this further, they want us to find the greatest distance, then we may say that the greatest distance of ##|z-w|=5+1+2=8##
Yes, of course.
 
Thanks haruspex...cheers mate...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K