Solve Complex Number IV Problem: Find Radius & Centre

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the locus of a complex number represented in an Argand diagram, specifically when the real part of the complex number \( w=\frac{z+1}{z-2i} \) is zero. Participants are tasked with demonstrating that this locus is a circle and determining its radius and center, involving manipulations of complex numbers and algebraic expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in manipulating the complex number \( w \) to extract its real part.
  • Another participant suggests substituting \( z=x+yi \) and multiplying by the conjugate to simplify the expression.
  • A participant later provides a formula for the real part of \( w \) as \( \frac{x^2+x+y^2+2y}{x^2+y^2-2y+4}=0 \) but is uncertain how to proceed from there.
  • Further, a participant corrects an earlier calculation, stating that the correct expression for the real part is \( Re(w)=\frac{x^2+x+y^2-2y}{x^2+y^2-4y+4} \) and indicates that setting this to zero leads to a quadratic equation in \( x \) and \( y \).
  • There is a suggestion to transform the resulting equation into the standard form of a circle, \( (x-a)^2+(y-b)^2=r^2 \), to identify the center and radius.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the manipulation of the expressions or the extraction of the real part, with ongoing corrections and refinements to earlier claims. The discussion remains unresolved as participants continue to explore the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made in the manipulations, and the discussion includes unresolved steps in the algebraic process. The exact forms of the center and radius of the circle have not yet been established.

Punch
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A complex number is represented by the point P in an Argand diagram. If the real part of the complex number w=\frac{z+1}{z-2i} (z not 2i) is zero, show that the locus of P is a circle and find the radius and centre of the circle.

I have a problem manipulating w to find the real part of w
 
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Punch said:
A complex number is represented by the point P in an Argand diagram. If the real part of the complex number w=\frac{z+1}{z-2i} (z not 2i) is zero, show that the locus of P is a circle and find the radius and centre of the circle.

I have a problem manipulating w to find the real part of w

Hi Punch,

Let \(z=x+yi\) where \(x,y\in\Re\).

\[w=\frac{z+1}{z-2i}=\frac{(x+1)+yi}{x+(y-2)i}\]

Now multiply both the numerator and the denominator by \(x-(y-2)i\). Hope you can continue. :)
 
Sudharaka said:
Hi Punch,

Let \(z=x+yi\) where \(x,y\in\Re\).

\[w=\frac{z+1}{z-2i}=\frac{(x+1)+yi}{x+(y-2)i}\]

Now multiply both the numerator and the denominator by \(x-(y-2)i\). Hope you can continue. :)

I followed as you said but couldn't find how to extract the real part out...
 
Punch said:
I followed as you said but couldn't find how to extract the real part out...

What did you get after multiplying by \(x-(y-2)i\) ?
 
Sudharaka said:
What did you get after multiplying by \(x-(y-2)i\) ?

With regards to the real part, \frac{x^2+x+y^2+2y}{x^2+y^2-2y+4}=0

But I do not see how i can use this
 
Punch said:
With regards to the real part, \[\frac{x^2+x+y^2+2y}{x^2+y^2-2y+4}=0\]

But I do not see how i can use this

\[Re(w)=\frac{x^2+x+y^2-2y}{x^2+y^2-4y+4}\]

As you may see, you have calculated the real part incorrectly. Check your calculation again.

Since, \(Re(w)=0\Rightarrow x^2+x+y^2-2y=0\)

Now can you try to transform this equation into the form \((x-a)^2+(y-b)^2=r^2\). The complex number \(z\) is on this circle. All you got to do is find \(a, b\) and \(c\).
 

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