Let the complex numbers α and αˉ1 lie on the circles ∣z−z0∣2=4 and ∣z−z0∣2=16 respectively, where z0=1+i. Then, the value of 100∣α∣2 is __________.
Answer: 0
Solution
Key Concepts and Formulas
Modulus of a Complex Number: For a complex number z=a+bi, the modulus is ∣z∣=a2+b2, and ∣z∣2=zzˉ.
Equation of a Circle: The equation ∣z−z0∣=r represents a circle in the complex plane centered at z0 with radius r. Thus, ∣z−z0∣2=r2.
Properties of Conjugates:z1+z2=z1ˉ+z2ˉ, z1z2=z1ˉz2ˉ, (z2z1)=z2ˉz1ˉ, and zˉ=z.
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Express the first condition using the modulus definition.
The complex number α lies on the circle ∣z−z0∣2=4. Substituting z=α and z0=1+i, we have
∣α−(1+i)∣2=4.
Using the property ∣w∣2=wwˉ with w=α−(1+i), we can write this as
(α−(1+i))(α−(1+i))=4.
Applying the conjugate properties, we get
(α−(1+i))(αˉ−(1+i))=4.
Since 1+i=1−i,
(α−(1+i))(αˉ−(1−i))=4.
Expanding the product gives
ααˉ−α(1−i)−(1+i)αˉ+(1+i)(1−i)=4.
We know that ααˉ=∣α∣2 and (1+i)(1−i)=12−i2=1−(−1)=2. Thus,
∣α∣2−α(1−i)−αˉ(1+i)+2=4.
Rearranging the terms, we have
∣α∣2−[α(1−i)+αˉ(1+i)]=2.(1)Reasoning: We are rewriting the given geometric condition using the modulus definition and conjugate properties to obtain an algebraic equation involving ∣α∣2, α, and αˉ. This transformation helps us proceed towards solving for ∣α∣2.
Step 2: Express the second condition using the modulus definition.
The complex number αˉ1 lies on the circle ∣z−z0∣2=16. Substituting z=αˉ1 and z0=1+i, we have
αˉ1−(1+i)2=16.
Using the property ∣w∣2=wwˉ with w=αˉ1−(1+i), we can write this as
(αˉ1−(1+i))(αˉ1−(1+i))=16.
Applying the conjugate properties, we get
(αˉ1−(1+i))(α1−(1−i))=16.
Multiplying both sides by ααˉ=∣α∣2 yields
(αˉ1−(1+i)αˉ)(α1−(1−i)α)=16.ααˉ(1−(1+i)αˉ)(1−(1−i)α)=16.(1−(1+i)αˉ)(1−(1−i)α)=16∣α∣2.
Expanding the product gives
1−(1−i)α−(1+i)αˉ+(1+i)(1−i)ααˉ=16∣α∣2.
We know (1+i)(1−i)=2 and ααˉ=∣α∣2. Therefore,
1−(1−i)α−(1+i)αˉ+2∣α∣2=16∣α∣2.1−[α(1−i)+αˉ(1+i)]=14∣α∣2.(2)Reasoning: Similar to Step 1, we rewrite the second geometric condition into an algebraic equation. The main difference is the presence of αˉ1, which requires careful application of conjugate properties.
Step 3: Solve the system of equations.
We have two equations:
∣α∣2−[α(1−i)+αˉ(1+i)]=2(1)1−[α(1−i)+αˉ(1+i)]=14∣α∣2(2)
From equation (1), we can write
[α(1−i)+αˉ(1+i)]=∣α∣2−2.
Substituting this into equation (2), we get
1−(∣α∣2−2)=14∣α∣2.1−∣α∣2+2=14∣α∣2.3=15∣α∣2.∣α∣2=153=51.Reasoning: By isolating the common term [α(1−i)+αˉ(1+i)], we can substitute and eliminate it, thereby reducing the system to a single equation with one unknown, ∣α∣2.
Step 4: Calculate 100∣α∣2.
We are asked to find the value of 100∣α∣2. Since ∣α∣2=51, we have
100∣α∣2=100×51=20.
Common Mistakes & Tips
Conjugate Properties: Be extremely careful when applying conjugate properties, especially with fractions and sums/differences.
Algebraic Expansion: Double-check your algebraic expansions to avoid sign errors or missed terms.
Modulus Calculation: Ensure you correctly calculate ∣z0∣2 and ∣α∣2 using the appropriate formulas.
Summary
We transformed the given geometric conditions into algebraic equations by using the properties of modulus and conjugates of complex numbers. By solving the resulting system of equations, we determined the value of ∣α∣2 and subsequently calculated 100∣α∣2.