The Dance of Complex Numbers
Unveiling the Geometry
Welcome, future engineers! Today, we are going to peel back the layers of a beautiful complex number problem.
Often, students see complex numbers and immediately reach for z=x+iy. While that is a valid tool, the true mastery of JEE Advanced lies in recognizing when to use the geometric and algebraic properties of complex numbers to bypass the grunt work. Let us embark on this journey.
Phase 1
The Algebraic Trap
We are given the condition Re(z+2iz−2i)=0. The moment you see a real part of a fraction being zero, your mind should immediately jump to the definition of a purely imaginary number.
If a complex number w has a real part of zero, it means w is purely imaginary. The defining characteristic of a purely imaginary number is that w+wˉ=0. This is our golden key.
Let w=z+2iz−2i. Our condition becomes:
When we take the conjugate of the fraction, we apply it to both the numerator and the denominator:
By taking the least common multiple and cross-multiplying, the denominators effectively vanish because they multiply with zero on the right-hand side. We are left with:
(z−2i)(zˉ−2i)+(zˉ+2i)(z+2i)=0
Phase 2
The Geometric Revelation
Now, let us expand this carefully. The first term gives us zzˉ−2iz−2izˉ−4, and the second term gives us zzˉ+2iz+2izˉ−4.
When we add them, the terms involving i—specifically −2iz−2izˉ and +2iz+2izˉ—cancel out perfectly! We are left with:
Since zzˉ=∣z∣2, we have ∣z∣2=4, or simply ∣z∣=2.
This is the moment of revelation. The equation ∣z∣=2 is not just an algebraic result; it is a geometric command. It tells us that z lies on a circle centered at the origin (0,0) with a radius r=2.
Phase 3
The Distance Challenge
Now, the problem asks for the maximum value of ∣z−(6+8i)∣. In the Argand plane, ∣z−z0∣ is the distance between the point z and the fixed point z0.
Here, our fixed point is P(6,8). We are looking for the maximum distance from any point on our circle ∣z∣=2 to the point P(6,8).
To find this, we connect the center of the circle, which is the origin O(0,0), to the point P. The distance OP is calculated using the distance formula:
Phase 4
The Final Leap
Imagine standing at the origin and looking at point P, which is 10 units away. The circle is right there, centered at your feet with a radius of 2.
To get to the farthest point on the circle from P, you would walk from P through the center O to the other side of the circle. The distance to the center is 10, and you must travel an additional radius of 2 to reach the far edge.
Thus, the maximum distance is:
And there you have it! By combining the algebraic property of conjugates with the geometric interpretation of the modulus, we have turned a potentially daunting problem into a clear, logical path. Keep practicing this synthesis of algebra and geometry—it is the hallmark of a true JEE champion!