Triangle with Complex Number Vertices SATISFIES Equilateral Relation

  • MHB
  • Thread starter anemone
  • Start date
In summary, a triangle with complex number vertices is a geometric shape with three points represented by complex numbers. The equilateral relation for such a triangle means that all three sides have equal length. It is possible for a triangle with complex number vertices to satisfy this relation, and this can be determined by using the distance formula to calculate the distances between each pair of vertices. This concept has real-world applications in fields such as engineering, physics, and computer graphics.
  • #1
anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
3,883
115
Here is this week's POTW:

-----

If the vertices of a triangle are represented by the complex numbers $a,\,b,\,c$ and these numbers satisfy $\dfrac{a-b}{c-b}+\dfrac{c-a}{b-a}=2\left(\dfrac{b-c}{a-c}\right)$, prove that the triangle is equilateral.

-----

 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Congratulations to Opalg for his correct solution(Cool), which you can find below:
Let the sides of the triangle be $x = b-c$, $y = c-a$ and $z = a-b$. Then $x+y+z = 0$, and the given equation becomes $\dfrac zx + \dfrac yz = 2\dfrac xy$. Multiply by $xyz$ to get $$z^2y + y^2x = 2x^2z.$$ Now substitute $z = -(x+y)$: $$ (x+y)^2y + y^2x + 2x^2(x+y) = 0, $$ $$ y^3 + 3y^2x + 3yx^2 + 2x^3 = 0.$$ Divide by $x^3$ and let $\lambda = \dfrac yx$: $$\lambda^3 + 3\lambda^2 + 3\lambda + 2 = 0,$$ $$(\lambda+1)^3 = -1.$$ Let $\omega = e^{2\pi i/3}$. The complex cube roots of $1$ are $\omega^k \ (k = 0,1,2)$. Take the cube roots of the previous equation to see that the three values of $\lambda + 1$ are $-1$, $-\omega$ and $-\omega^2$. Therefore $\lambda = -2$, $\lambda = -1 - \omega = \omega^2$ or $\lambda = -1-\omega^2 = \omega$. If $\lambda=-2$ then $y=-2x$ and $z=x$ (because $x+y+z=0$). So $x$, $y$ and $z$ lie on a straight line and cannot be the sides of a triangle. If $\lambda=\omega$ then $y=\omega x$ and $z=\omega^2x$ (because $1 + \omega + \omega^2=0$). Similarly, if $\lambda=\omega^2$ then $y=\omega^2 x$ and $z=\omega x$. In both cases, $x$, $y$ and $z$ all have the same absolute value, and their arguments differ by $120^\circ$. So they form the sides of an equilateral triangle (with vertices at $a$, $b$ and $c$).
 

FAQ: Triangle with Complex Number Vertices SATISFIES Equilateral Relation

What is a triangle with complex number vertices?

A triangle with complex number vertices is a triangle whose vertices are represented by complex numbers. Complex numbers consist of a real part and an imaginary part, and they are represented in the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers and i is the imaginary unit.

How is the equilateral relation satisfied in a triangle with complex number vertices?

The equilateral relation is satisfied in a triangle with complex number vertices when all three sides of the triangle are equal in length. This means that the distance between any two vertices is the same, which can be determined by using the distance formula in the complex plane.

What is the formula for calculating the length of a side in a triangle with complex number vertices?

The length of a side in a triangle with complex number vertices can be calculated using the distance formula in the complex plane: d = √[(x2 - x1)^2 + (y2 - y1)^2], where (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are the coordinates of the two vertices that form the side.

Are there any special properties of a triangle with complex number vertices?

Yes, there are a few special properties of a triangle with complex number vertices. For example, the centroid, circumcenter, and orthocenter of the triangle all lie on the same line, known as the Euler line. Additionally, the angles of the triangle can be determined using complex numbers, as well as the area and perimeter.

Can a triangle with complex number vertices be visualized in the Cartesian plane?

Yes, a triangle with complex number vertices can be visualized in the Cartesian plane. The real part of the complex number represents the x-coordinate, and the imaginary part represents the y-coordinate. Therefore, the vertices of the triangle can be plotted and the equilateral relation can be verified by measuring the lengths of the sides.

Back
Top