# The complex numbers $z_1, z_2,z_3$ are satisfying $\frac{z_1-z_3}{z_2-z_3}=\frac{1-i\sqrt{3}}{2}$.....

Problem : The complex numbers $z_1, z_2,z_3$ are satisfying $\frac{z_1-z_3}{z_2-z_3}=\frac{1-i\sqrt{3}}{2}$ $z_1,z_2,z_3$ are vertices of a triangle , which type of triangle is it :

My approach :

$|\frac{z_1-z_3}{z_2-z_3}|=|\frac{1-i\sqrt{3}}{2}| = 1$

argument $\frac{z_1-z_3}{z_2-z_3} = \cos\frac{\pi}{3}-\sin\frac{\pi}{3}$ =$\frac{\pi}{3}$

So, I am unable to work out, whether it a isosceles or equilateral triangle. Please suggest will be of great help, thanks.

• Pick up arbitrary $z_2, z_3$ and solve for $z_1$ Dec 18, 2016 at 11:45

$$\left|\frac{z_1-z_3}{z_2-z_3}\right|= 1 \Rightarrow |z_1-z_3|=|z_2-z_3|$$

using proportion rule:

$$\frac{z_1-z_3}{z_2-z_3}=\frac{1-i\sqrt{3}}{2} \Rightarrow \frac{z_1-z_3-(z_2-z_3)}{z_2-z_3}=\frac{1-i\sqrt{3}-2}{2} \Rightarrow \left|\frac{z_1-z_2}{z_2-z_3}\right|=1 \Rightarrow |z_1-z_2|=|z_2-z_3|$$

So,

$$|z_1-z_3|=|z_2-z_3|=|z_1-z_2|$$

So it is equilateral.

• How does $\text{arg}(\frac{z_2-z_3}{z_1-z_3})$ imply an interior angle is $\frac{\pi}{3}$? Isn't the arg with respect to the $x$-axis? Jun 24, 2021 at 12:40
• @user71207 Indeed, arg is measured with respect to $x$-axis. However, in my solution I don't use angles. Jun 24, 2021 at 13:29
• Sorry, the comment should be for use371838s answer.But seeing as they don't seem to be active anymore, could you explain for me? Jun 24, 2021 at 13:34

Given $$\frac{z_1-z_3}{z_2-z_3} = \frac{1-i\sqrt{3}}{2} =\frac{1}{2}-i\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} = \cos(-\frac{\pi}{3}) +i\sin (-\frac{\pi}{3})$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{z_2-z_3}{z_1-z_3} =\cos(\frac{\pi}{3}) + i\sin(\frac{\pi}{3})$$ $$\Rightarrow |\frac{z_2-z_3}{z_1-z_3}| = 1 \text{and arg}(\frac{z_2-z_3}{z_1-z_3}) =\frac{\pi}{3}$$ If $z_1, z_2, z_3$ represent the vertices $A, B, C$ of a triangle ABC, then, $$|\frac{z_2-z_3}{z_1-z_3}| =1 \Rightarrow |z_2-z_3| = |z_1-z_3|$$ This gives us $BC=AC$. Also, $\text{arg}(\frac{z_2-z_3}{z_1-z_3}) =\frac{\pi}{3}$ gives $\angle BCA =\frac{\pi}{3}$. So, ABC is equilateral.

Hint:

$\implies z_1=(\cdots)z_2-(\cdots)z_3$

$$\dfrac{z_1-z_2}{z_2-z_3}=?$$

• This answer needs deciphering Dec 18, 2016 at 12:36
• @polfosol, Have you calculated $$\dfrac{z_1-z_2}{z_2-z_3}=?$$ We already have $$|z_1-z_3|=|z_2-z_3|$$ Dec 18, 2016 at 12:42