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Complex Reflection (Posted on 2006-04-19) Difficulty: 2 of 5
Let A, B, and C be complex numbers which represent the vertices of a triangle in the complex plane. Using these complex numbers and their complex conjugates write an expression which represents the point B reflected about the line AC. Use X' to denote the complex conjugate of the complex number X.

  Submitted by Bractals    
Rating: 3.6667 (3 votes)
Solution: (Hide)

Let D be the reflection of B about line AC. Then the triangles ACB and ACD are congruent with reverse orientation. Therefore,
   D - A     (B - A)'    
  ------- = ----------
   C - A     (C - A)'  
Hence,
            C - A
  D = A + ---------- (B - A)'
           (C - A)'
Note: If triangles ABC and DEF are similar (with the same orientation), then
   B - A     E - D    
  ------- = -------   or  
   C - A     F - D   

   C - B     F - E 
  ------- = -------   or
   A - B     D - E 

   A - C     D - F
  ------- = -------
   B - C     E - F  
To see the first we must convert to polar form
   B - A = c ei(theta)    and

   C - A = b ei(phi)

   B - A     c                c
  ------- = --- ei(theta-phi) = --- ei(A)
   C - A     b                b
Likewise,
   E - D     f
  ------- = --- ei(D)
   C - A     e
For similar triangles we have A = D and c/b = f/e.

For similar triangles with reverse orientation, we must reflect one of the triangles about the real axis. This is accomplished using complex conjugates giving triangle D'E'F' with
   B - A     E' - D'     (E - D)'
  ------- = --------- = ---------- 
   C - A     F' - D'     (F - D)'

Comments: ( You must be logged in to post comments.)
  Subject Author Date
re: Solution CorrectionRichard2006-04-28 14:05:16
Solution CorrectionBractals2006-04-27 16:08:45
Answer & some justificationRichard2006-04-19 20:30:49
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