Interactive · 1 question

How do we know if two segments, ABAB and CDCD, are perpendicular if they are not touching?

Assign complex numbers a=A,b=B,c=C,d=Da=A, b=B, c=C, d=D.

Since moving two segments around doesn't change the angle between them, we translate ABAB so that A is at the origin and CDCD so C is at the origin.

After this transformation, b′=b−a,d′=d−cb'=b-a, d'=d-c.

Ok, now the two segments are touching and at the origin. What happens when you multiply a number by i?

Choose one answer

Type a concept, like “slope” or “photosynthesis”.

↑ ↓ to choose · Enter to openSearch explanations and problems