How Can You Prove Properties of Cells in Lattices Using the Complex Plane?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on proving properties of cells in lattices using the complex plane, specifically within the context of the Gaussian integers, denoted as $\mathbb{Z}[i]$. Key points include demonstrating that $|\alpha| < |\beta|$ if and only if $|\alpha| \leq |\beta| - 1$, and that the function $f(\gamma) = \alpha - \gamma \beta$ represents a composition of dilatation, rotation, and translation. The discussion emphasizes the need to compare the size of the lattice cell $f(\mathbb{Z}[i])$ with the open ball of radius $\sqrt{|\beta|}$ centered at the origin to establish the existence of a $\gamma \in \mathbb{Z}[i]$ such that $|f(\gamma)| < |\beta|.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gaussian integers, $\mathbb{Z}[i]$
  • Familiarity with complex multiplication and its properties
  • Knowledge of the pigeonhole principle
  • Basic concepts of dilatation, rotation, and translation in the complex plane
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the Gaussian integers, $\mathbb{Z}[i]$
  • Learn about complex transformations, including dilatation and rotation
  • Explore the pigeonhole principle in mathematical proofs
  • Investigate the geometry of lattices in the complex plane
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, particularly those focused on complex analysis, number theory, and lattice theory, will benefit from this discussion. It is also relevant for students tackling assignments related to properties of complex numbers and their geometric interpretations.

pantboio
Messages
43
Reaction score
0
I have the following assignment:consider the map $$|\cdot|:\mathbb{Z}\longrightarrow \mathbb{N},\qquad |a+ib|:=a^2+b^2$$1) Prove that $|\alpha|<|\beta|$ iff $|\alpha|\leq |\beta|-1$ and $|\alpha|<1$ iff $\alpha=0$2) Let $\alpha,\beta\in\mathbb{Z},\beta\neq 0$. Prove that the map $f:\mathbb{Z}\longrightarrow\mathbb{Z}, f(\gamma):=\alpha-\gamma\beta$ is the composition of a dilatation by the factor $\sqrt{|\beta|}$, a rotation (angle?) and a translation.3) Deduce that there exists $\gamma\in\mathbb{Z}$ such that $|f(\gamma)|$ is strictly smaller than $|\beta|$.$\textbf{Hint:}$ compare the size of a cell of the lattice $f(\mathbb{Z})$ and the size of the set of points whose distance to $0$ is $\leq\sqrt{|\beta|}$.What i did: point 1) is a trivial consequence of the fact that the norm takes integer non negative values. For point 2), I use complex multiplication of numbers which is: multiply absolute values and add angles. For point 3), I'm actually waiting for a miracle... I suppose i should prove that there exists a cell in $f(\mathbb{Z})$ intersecting the open ball centered at the origin with radius $\sqrt{|\beta|}$, but i have no idea how to write down this. Only thing i noticed is that $f$ acts with a rotation, which does not affect distance from the origin, so that the only changes in $|\gamma|$ come from dilatation and by adding $\alpha$.Could someone put me on the right direction? Thanks in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
HINT:

The pigeonhole principle. Possibly. Still thinking.
 
New idea: consider the set of points $\gamma \in \mathbb{Z}i$ such that $|\beta|\cdot|\gamma|<|\alpha|$. This set does not change under rotation, under dilation it becomes a subset of the points $x \in \mathbb{Z}i$ such that $|x|<|\alpha|$. What does that mean for the resulting translation?
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K