Show that function maps unit cirle onto a line

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zezima1
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Homework Statement


Show that the function f(z) = z/(1-z) maps the unit circle to an infinite line.


Homework Equations


Polar form z = rexp(iθ)


The Attempt at a Solution


I've tried to see what happens, when we let f(z) = f(e) and then get:

f(e) = e/(1-e)

But I need some help on making this expression more illuminating. I want something for which I can take the real and imaginary part - what tricks can I use?
 
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zezima1 said:

Homework Statement


Show that the function f(z) = z/(1-z) maps the unit circle to an infinite line.

Homework Equations


Polar form z = rexp(iθ)


The Attempt at a Solution


I've tried to see what happens, when we let f(z) = f(e) and then get:

f(e) = e/(1-e)

But I need some help on making this expression more illuminating. I want something for which I can take the real and imaginary part - what tricks can I use?
Multiply the numerator & denominator of [itex]\displaystyle \frac{e^{i\theta}}{1-e^{i\theta}}[/itex] by the complex conjugate of [itex]\displaystyle 1-e^{i\theta}[/itex] which is [itex]\displaystyle 1-e^{-i\theta}\ .[/itex]
 
Thanks, I'm still unsure how to do it though. Multiplying by the conjugate you get:

f(e) = (e-1)/(2-2cos(θ))

How do I show that this is the equation for a straight line?
 
zezima1 said:
Thanks, I'm still unsure how to do it though. Multiplying by the conjugate you get:

f(e) = (e-1)/(2-2cos(θ))

How do I show that this is the equation for a straight line?
Write (e-1) in terms of sin(θ) & cos(θ) .