Triangle with Complex Number Vertices SATISFIES Equilateral Relation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that a triangle with vertices represented by complex numbers \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) is equilateral if the condition \(\dfrac{a-b}{c-b}+\dfrac{c-a}{b-a}=2\left(\dfrac{b-c}{a-c}\right)\) holds. The proof provided by Opalg demonstrates the necessary geometric properties of complex numbers in relation to triangle equality. This result is significant in the field of complex geometry, showcasing the interplay between algebraic conditions and geometric shapes.

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Here is this week's POTW:

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If the vertices of a triangle are represented by the complex numbers $a,\,b,\,c$ and these numbers satisfy $\dfrac{a-b}{c-b}+\dfrac{c-a}{b-a}=2\left(\dfrac{b-c}{a-c}\right)$, prove that the triangle is equilateral.

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Congratulations to Opalg for his correct solution(Cool), which you can find below:
Let the sides of the triangle be $x = b-c$, $y = c-a$ and $z = a-b$. Then $x+y+z = 0$, and the given equation becomes $\dfrac zx + \dfrac yz = 2\dfrac xy$. Multiply by $xyz$ to get $$z^2y + y^2x = 2x^2z.$$ Now substitute $z = -(x+y)$: $$ (x+y)^2y + y^2x + 2x^2(x+y) = 0, $$ $$ y^3 + 3y^2x + 3yx^2 + 2x^3 = 0.$$ Divide by $x^3$ and let $\lambda = \dfrac yx$: $$\lambda^3 + 3\lambda^2 + 3\lambda + 2 = 0,$$ $$(\lambda+1)^3 = -1.$$ Let $\omega = e^{2\pi i/3}$. The complex cube roots of $1$ are $\omega^k \ (k = 0,1,2)$. Take the cube roots of the previous equation to see that the three values of $\lambda + 1$ are $-1$, $-\omega$ and $-\omega^2$. Therefore $\lambda = -2$, $\lambda = -1 - \omega = \omega^2$ or $\lambda = -1-\omega^2 = \omega$. If $\lambda=-2$ then $y=-2x$ and $z=x$ (because $x+y+z=0$). So $x$, $y$ and $z$ lie on a straight line and cannot be the sides of a triangle. If $\lambda=\omega$ then $y=\omega x$ and $z=\omega^2x$ (because $1 + \omega + \omega^2=0$). Similarly, if $\lambda=\omega^2$ then $y=\omega^2 x$ and $z=\omega x$. In both cases, $x$, $y$ and $z$ all have the same absolute value, and their arguments differ by $120^\circ$. So they form the sides of an equilateral triangle (with vertices at $a$, $b$ and $c$).
 

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