Unique point determined by 3 distances

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that any point z in the complex plane is uniquely determined by its distances from three distinct complex numbers u, v, and w, which are not collinear. The proposed method involves a proof by contradiction, where it is assumed that two points, z1 and z2, have the same distances from u, v, and w. By demonstrating that this assumption leads to a contradiction, the uniqueness of point z is established. The discussion emphasizes the geometric interpretation of the problem through overlapping circles defined by the distances from u, v, and w.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex numbers and their geometric representation
  • Familiarity with the concept of distance in the complex plane
  • Knowledge of proof techniques, specifically proof by contradiction
  • Basic principles of geometry related to circles and intersections
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of complex numbers and their geometric interpretations
  • Learn about proof by contradiction and its applications in mathematics
  • Explore the concept of circles in the complex plane and their intersections
  • Investigate the uniqueness theorems related to distances in Euclidean spaces
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, particularly those studying complex analysis, geometry, or proof techniques, will benefit from this discussion. It is also relevant for educators seeking to explain geometric interpretations of complex numbers.

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Homework Statement


Suppose u,v,w are three complex numbers not all on the same line. Prove that any point in z in the complex plane is uniquely determined by its distances from these 3 points.


The Attempt at a Solution


I can explain this by saying something like, if u,v,w are points and given different radii for each of them, their circles will overlap and then one point is created. It's very messy, but I don't really know how to explain it. I also would like to show some sort of computation to prove it as well but can't seem to get my head around it.
 
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I haven't done this, but here is an approach, using a proof by contradiction. Instead of proving that any point in z in the complex plane is uniquely determined by its distances from u, v, and w, suppose that there are two points, z1 and z2 that are the same distances from u, v, and w. IOW, |z1 - u| = |z2 - u|, and so on for the distances to v and w.

If you arrive at a contradiction, that will prove what you really want to prove.
 

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