Locus of Line Segment Mid Point Intercept Real/Imaginary Axis

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the locus of the midpoint of a line segment that intercepts the real and imaginary axes, defined by the equation $a\bar{z}+\bar{a}z+b=0$, where $b$ is a real parameter and $a$ is a fixed complex number with non-zero real and imaginary parts. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and exploration of complex numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an attempt to derive the locus by substituting $z=x+iy$ and $a=x_{0}+iy_{0}$ into the equation, leading to a system of equations involving real and imaginary parts.
  • Another participant points out an error in the signs of the imaginary part of the equation, suggesting that the imaginary part should equal zero due to the properties of complex conjugates.
  • A third participant reiterates the initial approach and expands on the calculations, arriving at a similar conclusion regarding the real part of the equation.
  • A fourth participant provides a more detailed expansion of the equation and identifies the intercepts on the axes, calculating the midpoint as $\left(-\dfrac{b}{4x_o},\,-\dfrac{b}{4y_o}\right)$.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the sign in the imaginary part of the equation, indicating a lack of consensus on that aspect. However, there is a shared understanding of the overall approach to finding the midpoint and its calculation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants' calculations involve assumptions about the properties of complex numbers and the behavior of the equation under certain conditions, which may not be fully resolved in the discussion.

juantheron
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Find locus of mid point of line segment intercept between real and imaginary axis by the line

$a\bar{z}+\bar{a}z+b=0,$ where $b$ is areal parameter and $a$ is a fixed complex

number such that $\Re(a),\Im(a)\neq 0$

My Attempt:: Let $z=x+iy$ and $a=x_{0}+iy_{0}$, Then put into $a\bar{z}+\bar{a}z+b=0,$

We get $(x_{0}+iy_{0})(x-iy)+(x_{0}-iy_{0})(x+iy)+b=0$

So $(2xx_{0}+2yy_{0}+b)+i(2xy_{0}+2x_{0}y) = 0+i\cdot 0$

So $2xx_{0}+2yy_{0}+b=0$ and $2xy_{0}+2x_{0}y=0$

Now How can i solve it after that, Help me, Thanks
 
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Re: Locus of line sagment

jacks said:
We get $(x_{0}+iy_{0})(x-iy)+(x_{0}-iy_{0})(x+iy)+b=0$

So $(2xx_{0}+2yy_{0}+b)+i(2xy_{0}+2x_{0}y) = 0+i\cdot 0$
You have an error in signs. The imaginary part should be 0 because $a\bar{z}+\bar{a}z=a\bar{z}+\overline{a\bar{z}}=2\text{Re}(a\bar{z})$.
 
Re: Locus of line sagment

jacks said:
Find locus of mid point of line segment intercept between real and imaginary axis by the line

$a\bar{z}+\bar{a}z+b=0,$ where $b$ is areal parameter and $a$ is a fixed complex

number such that $\Re(a),\Im(a)\neq 0$

My Attempt:: Let $z=x+iy$ and $a=x_{0}+iy_{0}$, Then put into $a\bar{z}+\bar{a}z+b=0,$

We get $(x_{0}+iy_{0})(x-iy)+(x_{0}-iy_{0})(x+iy)+b=0$i
$(x_0x0- ix_0y+ ixy_0+ y_0y)+ x_0x+ ix_0y- iy_0x+ y_0y)+ b= 0$
$(2x_0x+ 2y_0y)+ i(-x_0y+ xy_0+ x_0y- y_0x)= 2x_0x+ 2y_0y= 0$

So $(2xx_{0}+2yy_{0}+b)+i(2xy_{0}+2x_{0}y) = 0+i\cdot 0$

So $2xx_{0}+2yy_{0}+b=0$ and $2xy_{0}+2x_{0}y=0$

Now How can i solve it after that, Help me, Thanks
 
jacks said:
Find locus of midpoint of line segment intercept between real and imaginary axis by the line $a\bar{z}+\bar{a}z+b=0,$
where $b$ is a real parameter and $a$ is a fixed complex number such that $\Re(a),\Im(a)\neq 0$
Let $z=x+iy$ and $a=x_o+iy_o$.

Substitute into $a\bar{z}+\bar{a}z+b=0:$
. . $(x_o+iy_o)(x-iy)+(x_o-iy_o)(x+iy)+b\:=\:0$

Expand:
. . . $x_ox - ix_oy + ixy_o + y_oy + x_ox + ix_oy - ixy_o + y_oy + b \:=\:0$

We have: $2x_ox + 2y_oy + b \:=\:0 $

The intercepts are $\left(-\dfrac{b}{2x_o}, 0\right),\;\left(0, -\dfrac{b}{2y_o}\right)$

Their midpoint is: $\left(-\dfrac{b}{4x_o},\,-\dfrac{b}{4y_o}\right)$
 

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