Relation between a circle and line in complex plane

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    Complex algebra Geometry
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between a circle and a line in the complex plane, specifically addressing potential errors in a textbook regarding the calculation of distances between the center of a circle and a line. Participants explore the implications of these errors and seek clarification on definitions and concepts related to complex numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the distance between the center of the circle and the line should be calculated as mod(z star - z1), suggesting that z0 is merely a point on the line.
  • Several participants express confusion over the definitions used in the book, particularly regarding the term ##\bar z## and its implications for the correctness of the examples provided.
  • There is a suggestion that the errors in the book may stem from typographical mistakes or misapplication of previously derived equations.
  • Participants discuss the geometric interpretation of the problem, noting that the shortest distance from the center of the circle to the line should be considered, which involves perpendicular distance.
  • Some participants share recommendations for books on complex numbers, indicating a variety of resources available for different levels of study.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the textbook's conclusions, with some agreeing that there are errors while others suggest they may be minor or typographical. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific nature of the errors and their implications.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential limitations in the book's definitions and the need for careful proofreading, highlighting the complexity of ensuring accuracy in mathematical texts.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying complex numbers and their geometric interpretations, as well as those involved in proofreading or reviewing mathematical literature.

Darshit Sharma
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TL;DR
Distance of line from center
I was reading a book on complex numbers where I stumbled upon this article.

I was following it when I found some error.

1000066627.jpg


The distance between the center of circle and line should be mod(z star - z1) right?
Z0 is just any random pt on line.

They have continued this fallacy in example 3.10 also.


Am I correct?


I have added zoomed in images too
1000066628.jpg
1000067072.jpg
1000067067.jpg
 
Last edited:
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The attachments are too small to read.
 
PeroK said:
The attachments are too small to read.
I've added more zoomed in versions sir
 
Darshit Sharma said:
I've added more zoomed in versions sir
How does the author define ##\bar z##?
 
PS if ##\bar z## is the complex conjugate, then the whole thing looks wrong.
 
PeroK said:
PS if ##\bar z## is the complex conjugate, then the whole thing looks wrong.
Yes and eta is the complex slope
 
Darshit Sharma said:
Yes and eta is the complex slope
The equation ##z = \bar z + 3i## reduces to ##y = \frac 3 2##, where ##z = x + yi##.

And, the equation ##|z + 4 - 2i| = 3## is the circle radius ##3##, centred on ##-4 + 2i##.

Clearly, that line intersects the circle at two points, as it passes the centre at a distance of ##\frac 1 2##.

PS using this geometric approach, you can see that the point on the line closest to the centre of the circle is ##-4 + \frac 3 2 i##.

The book's conclusion is truly bizarre!
 
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Yes sir....they have used their previously derived eqns using z0 as the center of the circle lol.......Thanks sir I just wanted to verify. And sir can you suggest some books on complex numbers please
 
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Darshit Sharma said:
Yes sir....they have used their previously derived eqns using z0 as the center of the circle lol.......Thanks sir I just wanted to verify. And sir can you suggest some books on complex numbers please
I don't have a book on complex numbers.
 
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  • #11
It's probably just a typo. For instance, its conclusion would have worked for the line ##z=\bar{z} -3i##. Or the center of the circle could be shifted.
Proof reading a book is an endless, thankless job. You might inform the author of the mistake.
 
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  • #12
Darshit Sharma said:
can you suggest some books on complex numbers please
I have never seen a book like that on complex numbers. There are a multitude of books on complex analysis but without nearly that much detail on the geometry of complex numbers.
 
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  • #13
FactChecker said:
It's probably just a typo. For instance, its conclusion would have worked for the line ##z=\bar{z} -3i##. Or the center of the circle could be shifted.
Proof reading a book is an endless, thankless job. You might inform the author of the mistake.
The authors used ##z_1## for the centre of the circle, but when it came to calculate the distance to the centre of the circle, they used ##z_0##.

That's an easy mistake to make. But, if they had checked the answer to example 3.10, they would have spotted the error in that and the formulas in the next section.
 
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  • #14
Darshit Sharma said:
TL;DR Summary: Distance of line from center

I was reading a book on complex numbers where I stumbled upon this article.

I was following it when I found some error.

View attachment 355154

The distance between the center of circle and line should be mod(z star - z1) right?
Z0 is just any random pt on line.

They have continued this fallacy in example 3.10 also.


Am I correct?


I have added zoomed in images tooView attachment 355155View attachment 355157View attachment 355158
I assume this refers to the _shortest_ distance between the two. So you consider a line from the center of the circle that is perpendicular to the line, then find the distance between the center of the circle and point of intersection with the line given. Have you tried this?
 
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  • #15
WWGD said:
I assume this refers to the _shortest_ distance between the two. So you consider a line from the center of the circle that is perpendicular to the line, then find the distance between the center of the circle and point of intersection with the line given. Have you tried this?
Yup the perpendicular dist of line from center.....which they have done wrong in the book.
 
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  • #16
FactChecker said:
It's probably just a typo. For instance, its conclusion would have worked for the line ##z=\bar{z} -3i##. Or the center of the circle could be shifted.
Proof reading a book is an endless, thankless job. You might inform the author of the mistake.
Sure sir
 
  • #17
Darshit Sharma said:
Yes sir....they have used their previously derived eqns using z0 as the center of the circle lol.......Thanks sir I just wanted to verify. And sir can you suggest some books on complex numbers please
One of the easiest books to learn from, is Churchill and Brown.

A similar book is the one by Zill. I own a copy of Zill, never read it, but someone I mentored was taking Complex Analysis [undergrad], and I let them borrow 5 books.

They chose Zill.

For a more advance treatment. There is the book by Lang.

Are you doing pure math or more for physics/engineering. What level of mathematics are you at.
 

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