Complex Numbers
Locus on the Unit Circle
Complex Numbers_PYQ
Grade 11

Question:

If $|z|=1$ and $z\neq\pm1$, then all the values of $\dfrac{z}{1-z^2}$ lie on
a line not passing through the origin
$|z|=\sqrt{2}$
the $X$-axis
the $Y$-axis

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept: Writing $z=e^{i\theta}$ and using $e^{i\theta}-e^{-i\theta}=2i\sin\theta$ collapses the expression to $i/(2\sin\theta)$, immediately showing it is purely imaginary.
**Step 1: Parametrise z on the unit circle** Let $z=e^{i\theta}$, $\theta\neq0,\pi$. **Step 2: Simplify the expression** $\dfrac{z}{1-z^2}=\dfrac{e^{i\theta}}{1-e^{2i\theta}}$. Multiply numerator and denominator by $e^{-i\theta}$: $\dfrac{1}{e^{-i\theta}-e^{i\theta}}=\dfrac{1}{-2i\sin\theta}=\dfrac{i}{2\sin\theta}$. **Step 3: Identify the locus** $\dfrac{i}{2\sin\theta}$ is purely imaginary for all $\theta\neq0,\pi$. So all values lie on the $Y$-axis.
Correct Answer: 4

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