Complex Numbers
Geometric Representation
Grade 11
Question:
<p>Let <i>z</i><sub>1</sub> and <i>z</i><sub>2</sub> be two roots of the equation <i>z</i><sup>2</sup> + <i>az</i> + <i>b</i> = 0, <i>z</i> being complex number. Further, assume that the origin, <i>z</i><sub>1</sub> and <i>z</i><sub>2</sub> form an equilateral triangle, then:</p>
<p>(a) <i>a</i><sup>2</sup> = <i>b</i></p>
<p>(b) <i>a</i><sup>2</sup> = 2<i>b</i></p>
<p>(c) <i>a</i><sup>2</sup> = 3<i>b</i></p>
<p>(d) <i>a</i><sup>2</sup> = 4<i>b</i></p>
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept: If the origin, z₁, and z₂ form an equilateral triangle, then |z₁| = |z₂| = |z₁ - z₂| and z₂ = z₁·e^(±iπ/3). Using Vieta's formulas relating the roots to coefficients a and b, we can establish the required relationship.
<p><strong>Step 1: Set up the equilateral triangle condition.</strong></p><p>For origin O, z₁, and z₂ to form an equilateral triangle, we need: |z₁| = |z₂| = |z₁ - z₂|</p><p><strong>Step 2: Express z₂ in terms of z₁.</strong></p><p>Since |z₁| = |z₂|, let |z₁| = |z₂| = r. If the triangle is equilateral with one vertex at origin, then z₂ must be z₁ rotated by ±60°:</p><p>z₂ = z₁·e^(iπ/3) or z₂ = z₁·e^(-iπ/3)</p><p>Taking z₂ = z₁·e^(iπ/3) = z₁(cos 60° + i sin 60°) = z₁(1/2 + i√3/2)</p><p><strong>Step 3: Apply Vieta's formulas.</strong></p><p>From z² + az + b = 0:</p><p>• Sum of roots: z₁ + z₂ = -a</p><p>• Product of roots: z₁·z₂ = b</p><p><strong>Step 4: Calculate z₁ + z₂.</strong></p><p>z₁ + z₂ = z₁ + z₁·e^(iπ/3) = z₁(1 + e^(iπ/3))</p><p>= z₁(1 + 1/2 + i√3/2) = z₁(3/2 + i√3/2)</p><p>Therefore: -a = z₁(3/2 + i√3/2)</p><p><strong>Step 5: Calculate z₁·z₂.</strong></p><p>z₁·z₂ = z₁·z₁·e^(iπ/3) = |z₁|²·e^(iπ/3)</p><p>Therefore: b = |z₁|²·e^(iπ/3)</p><p><strong>Step 6: Find |a|².</strong></p><p>|a|² = |z₁(3/2 + i√3/2)|² = |z₁|²·|(3/2 + i√3/2)|²</p><p>|(3/2 + i√3/2)|² = (3/2)² + (√3/2)² = 9/4 + 3/4 = 12/4 = 3</p><p>So: a² = 3|z₁|²</p><p><strong>Step 7: Find relation between a² and b.</strong></p><p>Since b = |z₁|²·e^(iπ/3), we have |b|² = |z₁|⁴</p><p>But more directly: |z₁|² appears in both expressions.</p><p>From a² = 3|z₁|² and |z₁|² = |b| (taking magnitude), we get:</p><p>a² = 3b</p><p><strong>∴ Answer: C</strong></p>
Correct Answer: C