Help with Ptolemy metric space

In summary, the problem at hand is to show Ptolemy's inequality for points x,y,z,t in a Euclidean space R^n. This can be done by considering four points x,y,z,w and applying a suitable Mobius transformation to assume that z is the midpoint of y and w. With this configuration, the formula for calculating the side lengths of a base triangle can be used to show Ptolemy's inequality. However, if point D is on the perimeter of the quadrangle, the triangle becomes degenerate and the sides LM and NM complement each other to the third side LN. This leads to the inequality of Ptolemy.
  • #1
ypatia
6
0
Ptolemy metric space. Help!

The problem is :
"Let x,y,z,t belongs to R^n where d(x,y)=||x-y||.
Show that(Ptolemy's inequality):
d(x,y)d(z,t)<=d(x,z)d(y,t)+d(x,t)d(y,z)"



I have found this related to the topic paper but I cannot show that the Euclidean space R^n is Ptolemy.
The paper in the second page "2.Preliminaries" says that "To show that the Euclidean space R^n is Ptolemy, consider again four points x,y,z,w. Applying a suitable Mobius transformation we can assume that z is a midpoint of y and w, i.e. |yz|=|zw|=1/2 |yw|. For this configuration...."
But how can we extract from the above paragraph that the Euclidean space R^n is Ptolemy and which is the "suitable Mobius transformation"??


Thanks anyone in advance.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
In a tendon quadrangle
\ square ABCD
look at the triangle
 \ triangle ABC
with the separate point D on its circumference with radius r and the associated base triangle
\ triangle LMN
, The formula for calculating the side lengths of a base triangle then returns for
\ triangle LMN
:

{\ begin {aligned} & | MN | & = {\ frac {| AD | \ cdot | BC |} {2r}} \\ & | LN | & = {\ frac {| BD | \ cdot | AC |} {2r}} \\ & | LM | & = {\ frac {| CD | \ cdot | AB |} {2r}} \\\ end {aligned}}

220px-Ptolemy_inequality_proof.svg.png


But now that D is on the perimeter of
\ triangle ABC
is, is
\ triangle LMN
degenerate and its sides lie on the corresponding Simson line , so that the two sides LM and NM complement each other to the third side LN . It therefore applies:

| LM | + | NM | = | LN |

With the above equations, this provides:

| AB | \ cdot | CD | + | BC | \ cdot | AD | = | AC | \ cdot | BD |

If D is not on the circumference, then due to the triangle inequality for
\ triangle LMN
:

|> | | LM | + | NM LN |

The above equations then provide the inequality of Ptolemy:

| AB | \ cdot | CD | + | BC | \ cdot | AD |> | AC | \ cdot | BD |
Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satz_von_Ptolemäus
Translation: Google chrome
 

What is a Ptolemy metric space?

A Ptolemy metric space is a geometric structure that is used to measure distances between points in a non-Euclidean geometry. It is named after the Greek mathematician, Ptolemy, who developed this concept.

What are the properties of a Ptolemy metric space?

In a Ptolemy metric space, the distance between two points is defined as the shortest path between them. The space also follows the triangle inequality, meaning that the sum of two sides of a triangle is always greater than the third side. Additionally, all lines in a Ptolemy metric space are geodesics, or straight lines, and every point has a unique antipode, or opposite point, on the space.

What is the difference between a Ptolemy metric space and a Euclidean space?

The main difference between a Ptolemy metric space and a Euclidean space is the way distance is measured. In a Euclidean space, the distance between two points is a straight line, while in a Ptolemy metric space, the distance is defined as the shortest path between the points. This means that the geometry of a Ptolemy metric space is curved, whereas a Euclidean space is flat.

How is a Ptolemy metric space used in science?

Ptolemy metric spaces are used in various fields of science, such as physics, astronomy, and computer science. In physics, Ptolemy metric spaces are used to model the curved space-time of the universe. In astronomy, they are used to measure distances between celestial objects in a non-Euclidean space. In computer science, Ptolemy metric spaces are used in algorithms for pathfinding and optimization problems.

What are some real-world applications of Ptolemy metric spaces?

Some real-world applications of Ptolemy metric spaces include GPS navigation systems, which use the principles of non-Euclidean geometry to calculate the shortest path between two points on Earth's curved surface. They are also used in the design of bridges and roads to ensure the most efficient and safe routes. In addition, Ptolemy metric spaces are used in the analysis of networks, such as social networks and transportation networks, to find the most efficient connections between nodes.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
944
  • Math POTW for University Students
Replies
3
Views
670
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
1K
  • Differential Geometry
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
998
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Back
Top