Let \(z_1=-3\), \(z_2=4i\), \(z_3=1+i\), and \(z_4=-\sqrt{3}+i\).
1. For each number, describe the dilation and rotation that map the unit vector \(1\) to the corresponding vector in the complex plane.
2. Describe the dilation and counterclockwise rotation that map the vector \(z_1\) to the vector \(z_2\).
Hints
- Think of each complex number as an arrow starting at the origin.
- Compare the arrow's length and direction with those of the unit vector \(1\).
- To map one nonzero vector to another, compare their lengths and the angle between their directions.
Solution
1. For \(z_1=-3\), the modulus is \(3\) and the argument is \(180^\circ\), so the transformation is a dilation by \(3\) and a \(180^\circ\) rotation.
2. For \(z_2=4i\), the modulus is \(4\) and the argument is \(90^\circ\), so the transformation is a dilation by \(4\) and a \(90^\circ\) counterclockwise rotation.
3. For \(z_3=1+i\), the modulus is \(\sqrt{2}\) and the argument is \(45^\circ\), so the transformation is a dilation by \(\sqrt{2}\) and a \(45^\circ\) counterclockwise rotation.
4. For \(z_4=-\sqrt{3}+i\), the modulus is \(2\). Its argument is \(150^\circ\). Thus, the transformation is a dilation by \(2\) and a \(150^\circ\) counterclockwise rotation.
5. To map \(z_1\) to \(z_2\), the scale factor is \(\frac{4}{3}\). The counterclockwise rotation is \(90^\circ-180^\circ+360^\circ=270^\circ\).
Answer
1. \(z_1\): dilation \(3\), rotation \(180^\circ\); \(z_2\): dilation \(4\), rotation \(90^\circ\); \(z_3\): dilation \(\sqrt{2}\), rotation \(45^\circ\); \(z_4\): dilation \(2\), rotation \(150^\circ\).
2. Dilation by \(\frac{4}{3}\) and rotation by \(270^\circ\) counterclockwise.