Chapter 2: Problem 51
Describe geometrically the set of points in the complex plane satisfying the following equations. 51\. \(|z|=2\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The equation \(|z| = 2\) represents a circle centered at the origin with radius 2 in the complex plane.
Step by step solution
01
- Understand the modulus of a complex number
In the complex plane, any complex number can be written as \(z = x + yi\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real numbers, and \(i\) is the imaginary unit with \(i^2 = -1\). The modulus of a complex number \(z\) is given by \[|z| = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2}\].
02
- Interpret the given equation
Given the equation \(|z| = 2\), this translates to the condition that the distance of the complex number \(z = x + yi\) from the origin \((0, 0)\) in the complex plane is 2.
03
- Represent geometrically
Geometrically, the set of points that are at a constant distance from a fixed point forms a circle. Since the modulus of \(z\) is 2, all points \(z\) that are 2 units away from the origin lie on a circle centered at the origin with radius 2.
04
- Draw the conclusion
Thus, the equation \(|z| = 2\)\ represents a circle in the complex plane. The center of this circle is the origin \((0, 0)\), and the radius is 2.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Modulus of a Complex Number
When dealing with complex numbers, the modulus is a fundamental concept. The modulus of a complex number is essentially a measure of its 'size' or 'distance' from the origin on the complex plane. If you have a complex number written as \(z = x + yi\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real numbers, the modulus, represented as \(|z|\), is calculated using the formula: \[|z| = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2}\]\.
This formula originates from the Pythagorean Theorem, as it treats the complex number as a point \( (x, y) \) in a two-dimensional coordinate system. Here, \( x \) is the real part and \( y \) is the imaginary part.
This formula originates from the Pythagorean Theorem, as it treats the complex number as a point \( (x, y) \) in a two-dimensional coordinate system. Here, \( x \) is the real part and \( y \) is the imaginary part.
- Example: For a complex number \( z = 3 + 4i \), the modulus would be \[|z| = \sqrt{3^2 + 4^2} = \sqrt{9 + 16} = 5\]
Distance in the Complex Plane
Distance in the complex plane can be visualized just like distances in the regular Cartesian plane. If you have two points, \(z_1 = x_1 + y_1i \) and \(z_2 = x_2 + y_2i\), the distance between them is given by the difference of their corresponding points.
The formula for the distance is derived from the modulus: \[d = |z_1 - z_2| = \sqrt{(x_1 - x_2)^2 + (y_1 - y_2)^2}\]\.
The formula for the distance is derived from the modulus: \[d = |z_1 - z_2| = \sqrt{(x_1 - x_2)^2 + (y_1 - y_2)^2}\]\.
- Example: If \(z_1 = 1 + i \) and \(z_2 = 4 + 5i\), their distance would be \[|z_1 - z_2| = |(1 - 4) + (1 - 5)i| = |(-3) + (-4)i| = \sqrt{(-3)^2 + (-4)^2} = \sqrt{9 + 16} = 5\]
Geometric Representation of Complex Numbers
In the complex plane, each complex number corresponds to a specific point. These points can be plotted on a two-dimensional plane where:
For instance, consider the equation \(|z|=2\). Here, \(|z|\) represents the modulus of a complex number \(z = x + yi\). Given that \(|z| \)// = 2, this means all points \(z\) are 2 units away from the origin.
Geometrically, these points will form a circle centered at the origin with a radius of 2. Any point on this circle represents a complex number whose modulus is 2.
- The x-axis represents the real part of the complex number.
- The y-axis represents the imaginary part.
For instance, consider the equation \(|z|=2\). Here, \(|z|\) represents the modulus of a complex number \(z = x + yi\). Given that \(|z| \)// = 2, this means all points \(z\) are 2 units away from the origin.
Geometrically, these points will form a circle centered at the origin with a radius of 2. Any point on this circle represents a complex number whose modulus is 2.
- Understanding that a fixed modulus results in a circle helps in interpreting complex numbers geometrically. This visual aid makes it easier to grasp more abstract concepts in complex analysis.