Math Problem Statement

Given three complex numbers z1, z2, and z3, where |z1| = |z2| = |z3| = |1/z1 + 1/z2 + 1/z3| = 1, find the value of |z1 + z2 + z3| using vectors.

Solution

The problem you've provided involves three complex numbers z1z_1, z2z_2, and z3z_3, and we are given the following conditions:

z1=z2=z3=1z1+1z2+1z3=1|z_1| = |z_2| = |z_3| = \left| \frac{1}{z_1} + \frac{1}{z_2} + \frac{1}{z_3} \right| = 1 We are asked to determine the value of z1+z2+z3|z_1 + z_2 + z_3| using vectors.

Step-by-step approach:

  1. Magnitude Condition: Each of the complex numbers has a modulus (magnitude) equal to 1, which means: z1=z2=z3=1|z_1| = |z_2| = |z_3| = 1 This tells us that each of these complex numbers lies on the unit circle in the complex plane.

  2. Sum of Reciprocals: The equation also includes the condition: 1z1+1z2+1z3=1\left| \frac{1}{z_1} + \frac{1}{z_2} + \frac{1}{z_3} \right| = 1 Using the property of complex numbers, z1=1z|z^{-1}| = \frac{1}{|z|}, and since z1=z2=z3=1|z_1| = |z_2| = |z_3| = 1, the magnitudes of the reciprocals are also 1. So: z11+z21+z31=1\left| z_1^{-1} + z_2^{-1} + z_3^{-1} \right| = 1

    By vector interpretation, the sum of the reciprocals behaves like a sum of vectors on the unit circle.

  3. Geometric Interpretation: Since all complex numbers z1,z2,z3z_1, z_2, z_3 lie on the unit circle, they can be represented as points on the circle. The sum of their reciprocals suggests that these vectors are symmetric in some way, which leads us to conclude that z1,z2,z3z_1, z_2, z_3 might form an equilateral triangle on the unit circle.

  4. Conclusion: For three complex numbers forming an equilateral triangle, the sum of the vectors z1+z2+z3z_1 + z_2 + z_3 will be zero. Therefore, the magnitude of this sum is: z1+z2+z3=0|z_1 + z_2 + z_3| = 0

Thus, the value of z1+z2+z3|z_1 + z_2 + z_3| is 0.


Do you need more details on any part of this solution? Here are five related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. Why do the complex numbers lie on the unit circle based on the condition z1=z2=z3=1|z_1| = |z_2| = |z_3| = 1?
  2. How does the property z1=1z|z^{-1}| = \frac{1}{|z|} affect the equation involving the reciprocals of z1z_1, z2z_2, and z3z_3?
  3. What is the geometric interpretation of complex numbers forming an equilateral triangle on the unit circle?
  4. How do symmetry and vectors help in solving this type of complex number problem?
  5. Can you generalize this result for any other configuration of complex numbers on the unit circle?

Tip: Whenever working with complex numbers on the unit circle, think about the geometric properties of their arrangement (e.g., symmetry, angles) to simplify the calculations.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Complex Numbers
Vector Geometry

Formulas

|z1| = |z2| = |z3| = 1
|1/z1 + 1/z2 + 1/z3| = 1
|z1 + z2 + z3|

Theorems

Magnitude of Complex Numbers
Properties of Unit Circle

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Level