My way of finding lengths between 2 pts(complex numbers),what's wrong?

  • Thread starter Thread starter inv
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion addresses a problem involving the lengths between three points represented as complex numbers: U(2i), A(-√3 -i), and B(√3-i). The user initially attempts to calculate the lengths |AB| and |UA| using the formula |AB|=√{(b-a)^2}, leading to incorrect results. The error is identified in the calculation of |UA|, where the square of a complex number was miscalculated. The correct approach involves using the modulus of complex numbers, confirming that the lengths should be equal for the triangle UAB to be equilateral. The issue was resolved by clarifying the correct mathematical operations needed for complex numbers.
inv
Messages
46
Reaction score
0
[Solved]Length formula to find lengths between 2 pts(complex numbers),what's wrong?

Homework Statement


I've 3 pts U(2i),A(-√3 -i) & B(√3-i),all complex numbers.A question asks me to prove UAB is equilateral.


Homework Equations


|AB|=√{(b-a)^2} for finding lengths.


The Attempt at a Solution


So I try to find two of it's lengths AB and UA.
|AB|=√(b-a)^2
=√{4(3)}
=√12
|UA|=√{a-u}^2
=√(-√3-3i)^2
=√(3-9)
=√-6
The two lengths not same,what's wrong here?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
In general we can find the modulus of a complex number thus;

|z| = \sqrt{z\bar{z}}

Also note that \left(-\sqrt{3}-3i\right)^2 \neq (3-9) as you have in your solution for |UA|
 
Problem solved and thanks indeed*
 
I tried to combine those 2 formulas but it didn't work. I tried using another case where there are 2 red balls and 2 blue balls only so when combining the formula I got ##\frac{(4-1)!}{2!2!}=\frac{3}{2}## which does not make sense. Is there any formula to calculate cyclic permutation of identical objects or I have to do it by listing all the possibilities? Thanks
Since ##px^9+q## is the factor, then ##x^9=\frac{-q}{p}## will be one of the roots. Let ##f(x)=27x^{18}+bx^9+70##, then: $$27\left(\frac{-q}{p}\right)^2+b\left(\frac{-q}{p}\right)+70=0$$ $$b=27 \frac{q}{p}+70 \frac{p}{q}$$ $$b=\frac{27q^2+70p^2}{pq}$$ From this expression, it looks like there is no greatest value of ##b## because increasing the value of ##p## and ##q## will also increase the value of ##b##. How to find the greatest value of ##b##? Thanks
Back
Top