Do Complex Plane Medians Intersect at Triangle Centroid?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the proof that the medians of a triangle formed by noncollinear points \( z_1, z_2, z_3 \) in the complex plane intersect at the centroid, represented mathematically as \( \frac{1}{3}(z_1 + z_2 + z_3) \). This geometric property is fundamental in complex geometry and highlights the relationship between triangle medians and centroids. The problem was presented by Chris L T521, but no responses were provided, indicating a lack of engagement or understanding among participants.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex numbers and their representation in the plane
  • Familiarity with triangle properties, specifically medians and centroids
  • Basic knowledge of geometric proofs and theorems
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving complex numbers
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of triangle centroids in Euclidean geometry
  • Explore the concept of medians in triangles and their geometric significance
  • Learn about complex number operations and their applications in geometry
  • Investigate other geometric properties related to noncollinear points in the complex plane
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, geometry enthusiasts, and students studying complex analysis or geometric properties of triangles will benefit from this discussion.

Euge
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Here is this week's POTW, from Chris L T521:

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Prove that if $z_1,z_2,z_3$ are noncollinear points in the complex plane, then the medians of the triangle with vertices $z_1,z_2,z_3$ intersect at the point $\frac{1}{3}(z_1+z_2+z_3)$.
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No one answered this week's problem. You can read Chris L T521's solution below.
Suppose that $z_1,z_2,z_3$ are the vertices of the following triangle in the complex plane.

\begin{tikzpicture}
\draw[->] (-.5,0) -- (5.5,0) node
{$\mathrm{Re}\,z$};
\draw[->] (0,-.5) -- (0,5.5) node[above]{$\mathrm{Im}\,z$};
\draw (1,1) -- (5,2.5) -- (2,5) -- cycle;
\fill (1,1) circle (1.25pt) node[below]{$z_1$};
\fill (5,2.5) circle (1.25pt) node
{$z_2$};
\fill (2,5) circle (1.25pt) node[above]{$z_3$};
\draw (1,1) -- (3.5,3.75);
\draw (3,1.75) -- (2,5);
\draw (1.5,3) -- (5,2.5);
\fill (3,1.75) circle (1.25pt) node[below]{$m_1$};
\fill (3.5,3.75) circle (1.25pt) node
{$m_2$};
\fill (1.5,3) circle (1.25pt) node
{$m_3$};
\fill (8/3,17/6) circle (1.25pt) node[left=.1cm,below=.15cm]{$C$};
\end{tikzpicture}
Figure 1: A triangle with vertices $z_1,z_2,z_3$ in the complex plane. Note that $m_1,m_2,m_3$ are the midpoints of each side and $C$ is the centroid (intersection of the medians).

Using Figure 1, we find that $m_1=\frac{1}{2}(z_1+z_2)$, $m_2=\frac{1}{2}(z_2+z_3)$ and $m_3=\frac{1}{2}(z_1+z_3)$. The line segment passing through $z_1$ and $m_2$ is given by

\[\ell_1(t) = (1-t)z_1+tm_1=(1-t)z_1+t\frac{z_2+z_3}{2};\quad t\in[0,1].\]

Similarly, the line segment passing through $z_2$ and $m_3$ is given by

\[\ell_2(t) = (1-t)z_2+tm_3 = (1-t)z_2+t\frac{z_1+z_3}{2};\quad t\in[0,1],\]

and the line segment passing through $z_3$ and $m_1$ is given by

\[\ell_3(t) = (1-t)z_3+tm_1 = (1-t)z_3+t\frac{z_1+z_2}{2};\quad t\in[0,1].\]

Note that

\[\begin{aligned}\ell_1(t)=\ell_2(t) &\implies (1-t)z_1+t\frac{z_2+z_3}{2}=(1-t)z_2+t\frac{z_1+z_3}{2}\\ &\implies 2z_1-2tz_1+tz_2+tz_3=2z_2-2tz_2+tz_1+tz_3\\&\implies (2-3t)z_1 = (2-3t)z_2\\ &\implies (2-3t)(z_1-z_2)=0\\&\implies 2-3t=0\qquad(\text{since $z_1\neq z_2$})\\ &\implies t=\frac{2}{3}.\end{aligned}\]

Similar calculations show that $\ell_2(t)=\ell_3(t)$ and $\ell_1(t)=\ell_3(t)$ when $t=\frac{2}{3}$. Hence, all medians intersect at the same point $C$ when $t=\frac{2}{3}$; that is, $C=\ell_1(\frac{2}{3})=\ell_2(\frac{2}{3})=\ell_3(\frac{2}{3})=\frac{1}{3}(z_1+z_2+z_3)$.$\hspace{0.25in}\blacksquare$​
 

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