Sketching Locus of arg(z+w^*)=arg(-iw) for Complex Loci Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves sketching the locus defined by the equation arg(z+w^*)=arg(-iw) for a complex number w, with the condition that π/2 < arg(z) < π. The discussion centers around understanding the geometric implications of this equation in the context of complex numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of the argument conditions and the geometric representation of the locus. There are attempts to visualize the locus in relation to the quadrants and the angles involved. Questions arise regarding the nature of the locus, whether it represents a line segment or an area.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their interpretations and reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the quadrant restrictions and the relationship between the angles of z and -iw. Multiple interpretations of the locus are being explored, particularly concerning whether it is a line segment or an area.

Contextual Notes

There are constraints related to the argument of z and the definition of w, which complicate the visualization of the locus. Participants are questioning the assumptions about the nature of the locus based on the given conditions.

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Homework Statement



Given that a complex number, [tex]w[/tex], is such that [tex]\pi / 2< arg(z) < \pi[/tex],

Sketch the locus described by [tex]arg(z+w^*)=arg(-iw)[/tex]



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Okay, so I attempted this question and got completely confused. I am thinking that the answer is to shade the first and fourth quadrant completely, that's an intuition (although there can be an explanation for this intuition, but I have no idea how to sketch it out online, sorry). But generally, how should I go about attempting this question? Over here, [tex]w[/tex] is defined by a range instead of any distinct line, thus I am getting the problem of carrying this definition over to my solution of the problem.
 
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By the constraints of the problem, the locus exists in the second quadrant such that the angle it makes at any point with the x-axis is equal to the angle the complex number -iw makes with the x axis. If w is inclined at an angle [tex]\theta[/tex], then -iw is inclined to the x-axis at an angle [tex]-(\theta +\frac{\pi}{2})[/tex].
 
Yes, so what I was thinking is that is the answer "shade the entire first and fourth quadrant?"
 
Not the fourth quadrant, because the argument is restricted from pi/2 to pi. Whoa... I wrote a whole post that's missing...basically, it came out to be a straight line segment with the slope tan(3pi/2+theta). y=tan(3pi/2+theta)x is what finally came out. This has to be restricted to the second quadrant, hence its a line segment and not a whole line. Use the Euler form of i to get the angle, and since its -(theta+pi/2), the final angle is tan(pi-(-(theta+pi/2))).
 
Why is it only a line segment instead of an area? Theta takes values between pi and pi/2 isn't it?
 
Its a line segment because the equation describes a certain family of lines with a given slope. The position of the line may vary, but that doesn't make it an area.
 
Doesn't the varying of the line make it an area? As in, how do you describe the locus by drawing?
 
chaoseverlasting said:
By the constraints of the problem, the locus exists in the second quadrant such that the angle it makes at any point with the x-axis is equal to the angle the complex number -iw makes with the x axis. If w is inclined at an angle [tex]\theta[/tex], then -iw is inclined to the x-axis at an angle [tex]-(\theta +\frac{\pi}{2})[/tex].

are you sure its [tex]-(\theta +\frac{\pi}{2})[/tex] and not [tex]\theta -\frac{\pi}{2}[/tex]?
 
Yeah. I am sure. There's a minus sign to consider.
 

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