If $z$ is a complex number such that $|z| \leqslant 1$, then the minimum value of $\left|z+\frac{1}{2}(3+4 i)\right|$ is :
Solution
<p>To find the minimum value of $\left|z+\frac{1}{2}(3+4i)\right|$, where $z$ is a complex number with $|z| \leqslant 1$, we can think of this geometrically as the distance from any point inside or on the boundary of the unit circle in the complex plane to the fixed point $\frac{1}{2}(3+4i)$.</p>
<p>To make this more clear, first write the expression as follows:
$$\left|z+\frac{1}{2}(3+4i)\right| = \left|z+\frac{3}{2}+\frac{4}{2}i\right| = \left|z+1.5+2i\right|$$</p>
<p>This means we are looking for the distance between any point on the complex plane represented by $z$ (where $z$ has a magnitude of up to 1) and the point $1.5+2i$.</p>
<p>The triangle inequality gives us the following relationship for any two complex numbers $z_1$ and $z_2$:
$$\left|z_1 + z_2\right| \geqslant \left| \left|z_1\right| - \left|z_2\right| \right|$$</p>
<p>Applying this to our specific case ($z_1 = z$ and $z_2 = -1.5 - 2i$):
$$\left|z + 1.5 + 2i\right| \geqslant \left| \left|z\right| - \left|-1.5 - 2i\right| \right|$$</p>
<p>Since $z$ is within the unit circle, $|z| \leqslant 1$ and $|-1.5 - 2i| = \sqrt{1.5^2 + 2^2} = \sqrt{2.25 + 4} = \sqrt{6.25} = 2.5$.</p>
<p>So now we have:
$\left|z + 1.5 + 2i\right| \geqslant \left| 1 - 2.5 \right|$</p>
<p>Which simplifies to:
$\left|z + 1.5 + 2i\right| \geqslant 1.5$</p>
<p>Therefore, the minimum value of $\left|z+\frac{1}{2}(3+4i)\right|$ given that $|z| \leqslant 1$ is $\frac{3}{2}$.</p>
<p>So the correct answer is:</p>
<p>Option C: $\frac{3}{2}$</p>
About this question
Subject: Mathematics · Chapter: Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations · Topic: Complex Numbers and Argand Plane
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