In a single Argand diagram, sketch the following loci, labelling each locus clearly.
- (i)
.
- (ii)
.
- (iii)
The two complex numbers that satisfy the above equations are represented by and , where . Find and exactly.
- (iv)
State the exact value of
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Worked solution
3(i)
1. Identify the geometric meaning of the equation.
The modulus represents the distance of the complex number from the origin . Thus, the equation represents all points on the Argand plane that are exactly units away from the origin.
2. State the features of the locus to be sketched.
The locus is a circle with its centre at the origin and a radius of . Sketch this circle on the Argand diagram ensuring it intersects the real axis at and , and the imaginary axis at and , and label it .
A circle sketched on the Argand diagram, centred at the origin with radius , passing through , , , and .
3(ii)
1. Substitute the Cartesian form $z = x + iy$ into the locus equation.
Let .
2. Use the definition of modulus to find the Cartesian equation of the locus.
3. Describe the required sketch on the Argand diagram.
The equation represents a straight line passing through the origin with a gradient of .
Draw this line on the Argand diagram and label it as . (Note: Geometrically, this line is the perpendicular bisector of the line segment joining and )..
A straight line passing through the origin with a gradient of (i.e., the line ), labelled as .
3(iii)
1. Find the Cartesian equation of locus (ii)
Let . Then
Expanding:
Locus (ii) is the line (the perpendicular bisector of and ).
2. Solve the loci simultaneously
Locus (i) is . Substituting :
Hence the intersection points are
3. Assign $p$ and $q$ using $\arg(p/q)>0$
The point lies in the 2nd quadrant with , while lies in the 4th quadrant with .
Since we need :
and .
3(iv)
1. Identify the geometrical relationship forming a right angle
From parts (i) and (ii), the complex numbers and lie on the line and the circle . This makes and diametrically opposite points on the circle.
The point also lies on the circumference of the circle .
By the 'angle in a semicircle' property, the line segments connecting to and are perpendicular. Hence, the angle between the vectors and is .
2. Determine the exact directed angle
We require the directed angle .
From part (iii), is in the second quadrant and is in the fourth quadrant.
The vector (from to ) goes down and right, so it lies in the fourth quadrant, giving it a negative argument.
The vector (from to ) goes up and right, so it lies in the first quadrant, giving it a positive argument.
Since and , the difference must be negative.
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