Solve Geometry Coordinate Homework: |Z-1|+|Z+1|=7

[nekteo]

Homework Statement

Given that Z is a complex number with condition |Z-1|+|Z+1|=7

Illustrate Z on Argand Diagram and write out the equation of Locuz Z


I attempted to figured out the equation of locus Z,
|Z-1|+|Z+1|=7
|x+yi-1|+|x+yi+1|=7
\sqrt{}[(x-1)^2+y^2] + \sqrt{}[(x+1)^2 + y^2] = 7
\sqr{}x^2 + 1 - 2x + y^2 + x^2 + 1 + 2x + y^2 = 49
\sqr{}2x^2 + 2y^2 = 47

it's not necessary the correct answer though...
however, I can't figure how to illustrate the diagram! help!

 

[genneth]

Assuming that your calculations are correct, that gives a circle of radius \sqrt{47/2}. However, I don't think it is... Check your algebra carefully -- squaring both sides doesn't mean get rid of square roots!

Another way to think about it is that the original equation says that the distance from a point on the locus to the points +1 and -1 add up to 7. This is the condition for an ellipse with its foci at -1 and 1! And an ellipse is only a circle if the foci coincide.