Stereographic Projection of z and 1/z Reflections in Reimann Sphere

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the stereographic projection of complex numbers z and 1/overline{z} on the Riemann sphere, specifically examining whether these projections are reflections of each other in the equatorial plane.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the mathematical expressions for the stereographic projections of z and 1/overline{z}, questioning the relationship between their coordinates. There is a focus on verifying the magnitudes and the correctness of the derived formulas.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the calculations, while others express uncertainty about the correctness of the magnitudes and projections. There is an ongoing examination of potential sign errors and the implications for the reflection property.

Contextual Notes

Participants are addressing possible errors in their calculations and assumptions regarding the properties of complex numbers and their projections. There is a recognition of the need for careful verification of mathematical steps.

stunner5000pt
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Show that the stereographic projections of the points z and [itex]1/\overline{z}[/itex] are reflections of each other in the equatorial plane of the Reimann sphere

ok so let z = x + iy
then [tex]\frac{1}{\overline{z}} = \frac{x - iy}{x^2 + y^2}[/tex]
so the magnitude of [tex]\frac{1}{\overline{z}}[/tex] is [tex]\frac{1}{x^2 + y^2}[/tex]

the stereogrpahic projection of z is
[tex]x_{1} = \frac{2x}{x^2 + y^2 +1}[/tex]
[tex]y_{1} = \frac{2y}{x^2 + y^2 +1}[/tex]
[tex]z_{1} = \frac{x^2 + y^2 -1}{x^2 + y^2 +1}[/tex]

for 1/ z bar is
[tex]x_{2} = \frac{2x(x^2 + y^2)^2}{1 + (x^2 + y^2)^2}[/tex]
[tex]y_{2} = \frac{2y(x^2 + y^2)^2}{1 + (x^2 + y^2)^2}[/tex]
[tex]z_{2} = \frac{1-(x^2 + y^2)^2}{1 + (x^2 + y^2)^2}[/tex]
i fail to see how these are reflections of each other, then shouldn't the x1 = - x2?? and so on??

please help!
 
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stunner5000pt said:
so the magnitude of [tex]\frac{1}{\overline{z}}[/tex] is [tex]\frac{1}{x^2 + y^2}[/tex]
You sure about that?
 
assyrian_77 said:
You sure about that?
perhaps I am missing something here??
 
stunner5000pt said:
perhaps I am missing something here??
Well, the magnitude of a complex number [itex]z=x\pm iy[/itex] is [itex]|z|=\sqrt{x^2+y^2}[/itex], but you probably know this already. You have the complex number

[tex]\frac{1}{\overline{z}}=\frac{x-iy}{x^2+y^2}=\frac{x}{x^2+y^2}-i\frac{y}{x^2+y^2}[/tex]

I get a different magnitude than yours.
 
ys i got what u got ( i made a sign error)

so the magnitude would be...
[tex]\sqrt{\left(\frac{x}{x^2 + y^2}\right)^2 +\left(\frac{y}{x^2 + y^2}\right)^2} = \sqrt{\frac{1}{x^2 + y^2}}[/tex]

the projection is then

[tex]x_{2} = \frac{2x(x^2 + y^2)}{1 + (x^2 + y^2)}[/tex]

right?
i know sily math errors everywhere!
 
is what i did in the above post correct now??
 

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