COMPLEX

NUMBERS
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COM PL EX N U M B ERS
In this chapter we will discuss complex numbers and the calculus of associated functions. We will
begin the story in this section with a discussion of what complex numbers are and how we work with
them.
Although complex numbers originate with attempts to solve certain algebraic equations, such as
x2 + 1 = 0
we will give a geometric definition which identifies complex numbers with points in the plane.
This definition not only gives complex numbers a concrete geometrical meaning, but also provides us
with a powerful algebraic tool for working with points in the plane.

Definition :
A complex number, represented by an expression of the form x + iy (x, y are real), is taken to be
an ordered pair (x, y) of two real numbers, combined to form a complex number and algebra is defined
on the set of such numbers.

Iota (i)
Iota stands for the square root of ă 1.

i.e. i 1

This symbol is also the imaginary unit. In complex number x + iy, the coefficient of (i) describes
the imaginary value (i.e. y here).

Powers of iota (i)

i0 = 1

i1 = 1

i2 = ă 1
i3 = ă i
i4 = 1
to find values for i n, where n > 4, we first divide n by 4, i.e. let n be a number of the form
n = 4m + r.
Then in = i4m+r = i4m.i r = i r
so i5 = i4.i = i

1 i3 3
for iă1, iă1 = i  3  i
i .i

 iă1 = i3

We represent any number of the form  a as ai

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Illustration
Evaluate the following :
4n  3
(a) i 27 (b) i 999 (c) i ă999 
(d)   1 
Solution :
(a) i 27 = i 24.i 3 = i4(6) .i3 = i3 = ă i
(b) i 999 = i 996.i3 = i 4(249).i 3 = i3 = ă i

1 1
(c) i–999 = 999 = = i
i i3

4n 3
   
4n3
(d) i = (  1) 1 = (– 1) (i)4n+3 = i 2 ï i3 = i5 = i

Some properties of imaginary numbers

Ć If a & b are positive real numbers, then  a   b   ab

Ć a b ab is not valid if both a & b are negative. This is valid only when atleast one
of a or b is positive or zero.
Ć The sum of four consecutive powers of i is zero.
i.e. in + in+1 + in+2 + in+3 = 0, (n  I)

Co m p l e x N u m b e r s
If two numbers a, b are real, then a number a + ib will be a complex number.
here, a is the real part represented by Re (z) & b is the imaginary part Im(z)
where z = a + ib
for ex. z = 5 ă 3i, then Re (z) = 5
Im (z) = ă 3
if for z = a + ib
Ć Im (z) is zero, then the no. is purely real, & if Re (z) is zero, then the no. is purely imaginary.
Ć Like we represent real numbers by the set R, complex numbers are denoted by the set C.
Note : Real numbers are subset of complex numbers.
i.e. every real number is a complex number.

Alzebra of Complex numbers

For two complex numbers z 1 = a1 + ib1 & z2 = a2 + ib 2
1. Addition :
for z = z1 + z2
= Re (z1 + z2) + Im (z 1 + z2)

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 z = (a1 + a2) + i (b 1 + b2)

2. Subtraction
z = z1 ă z2
= Re (z1 ă z2) + Im (z1 ă z2)
= (a 1 ă a 2) + i (b1 ă b 2)

3. Multiplication
z = z1 z2
= (a 1 + b1i ) (a2 + ib 2)
= (a 1a2 ă b 1b2) + i (a 1b2 + a 2b1 )
 z = [R e(z 1) Re(z2 ) ă Im(z1) Im(z 2)] + i [Re (z1) Im (z2 ) + Re (z2) Im (z1)]

4. Division

z1
z =
z2

a 1  ib1 a1  ib1 a 2  ib2 

= a ib  a ib a ib
2 2  2  2 2  2

 a1  ib1  a 2  ib2   a1  ib1  a2  ib2 

=
a22   ib
2
a22  b22

 a1a2  b1b2  i a2b1  a1b2 

=
a 22  b22

a a  b b 
 1 2 1 2  i a2b1  a1b2 
 a22  b22  a22  b22

 
=  Real part   
  Imaginary part
 

Eq u a l i t y
i.e. z1 = z2
this is true, only when Re (z1) = Re (z2) &
Im (z1) = Im (z2)
Note : There is no order relation between complex numbers i.e., (a1 + ib1) > (a 2 + ib2) is not a
valid inequality.

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Illustration 1

2
 1 
25
19
Evaluate :  i  i 
   

Solution :

2 2
 19  125   18 1 
25

Given expression = i   i   =  i . i   i 
       

= [(i 2) 9 . i + (ă) 25]2 = [(ă 1)9 . i ă i25]2 = [ă i ă i24 . i]2

= [ă i ă (i 2) 12 . i] 2) = [ăi ă (ă 1)12 i ]2
= [(ă i ă i )2 = (ă 2i) 2 = 4i2 = ă 4

Illustration 2
Simplify : in + 100
+ in + 50
+ in + 48
+ in + 46

Solution :
Given expression = in + 100
+ in + 50
+ in + 48
+ in + 46

= i n ([i100 + i 50 + i48 + i 46)

= i n [(i2) 50 + (i 2 )25 + (i 2 )24 + (i2) 23]
= i n [(ă 1)50 + (ă 1) 25 + (ă 1) 24 + (ă 1) 23 ]
= i n [1 ă 1 + 1 ă 1] = in.0 = 0

Illustration 3

 1 3   3  4i 
Express  1  2 i  1  i   2  4 i  in the form A + i B. [IIT 79]
  
Solution :

 1 3   3  4i   1  i  3 1  2i    3  4i 
      
 1  2i 1  i   2  4i   1  2i  1  i    2  4i 

 4  5i  3  4i 12 i  20i 2 32  i 32  i

=   
1  i  2i 2   2  4i  3  i   2  4i  6  14 i  4 i2 2  14i

 32  i   2  14i  64  450i  14i2 50  450i 1 9

=       i
 2  14i   2  14i  22  142 200 4 4

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Illustration 4

200
 1 i 
Simplify  
1  i 
Solution :

200 200 200

1 i  (1  i) (1  i)   (1  i) 2 
  = (1  ) (1  )   2 
1  i   i i   1  i 

200
 1  i2  2 i   1  1  2i 
200
=   =    ( i) 200
 2   2 

= (i 2 )100 = (ă 1) 100 = 1 = 1 + 0.i

Illustration 5
Find x and y if (3x ă 2iy) (2 + i) 2 = 10 (1 + i)
Solution :
Given, (3x ă 2iy) (2 + i)2 = 10 (1 + i)
 (3x ă 2iy) (4 + 4i + i 2) = 10 + 10i
 (3x ă 2iy) (3 + 4i) = 10 + 10i
 (9x ă 6yi) + 12xi ă 8i2y) = 10 + 10i
 9x + 8y + i (12x ă 6y) = 10 + i. 10
Equating real and imaginary parts, we get
9x + 8y = 10 ....(i) and 12x ă 6y = 10 ...(ii)

14 1
Solving (i) and (ii), we get x  , y
15 5

Illustration 6

1
Express in the form A + i B. [I.I.T. 78]
1  cos   2 i sin 

Solution :

1
1  cos   2i sin 

1 (1  cos 2i sin  )
= .
(1  cos   2 i sin  ) (1  cos   2 i sin )

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1  cos   2i sin 
= (1 cos ) 2 4sin 2
   

    
2sin2 2 i.2sin cos 2sin 2  1  2i cot 
2 2 2 2 2

=  2 
2
  
2
2   2  
2sin 2sin  8cos2 
 2sin 2   4  2sin 2 cos 2  2 2 2
   

 
1  2 i cot 1  2 i cot
2  2
=  2 2  2  2  3  1  cos  
2  sin  cos   6cos
 2 2 2

 
1  2i cot 2cot
2 1 2
=   i
5  3 cos  5  3 cos  5  3cos 

CON J U GA T E of a c o m p le x n u m b e r
For complex number z = a + ib, its conjugate is denoted by z = a ă ib
Tip : We can obtain the conjugate by replacing i by ă i in z.

Properties of conjugate

1. z   z
2. z + z = 2 Re (z)
3. z ă z = 2 Im(z)

4. z1  z2 = z1  z2

5. z1  z2 = z1  z2

6. z1 z2 = z1 z2

 z1  z
7.   = 1
 z2  z2
8. I f z = z  z is purely real
9. If z  z  0  z is purely imaginary.

z z  R e (z )  I m (z )
2 2
10.

M ODU L U S o f a c o m p l e x n u m b e r
For a complex number z = a + ib, its modulus is given by

z  a2  b2   R e( z) 2   I m( z) 2

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Properties of Modulus
Ć |z|  0  |z| = 0 iff z = 0 and |z| > 0 iff z  0
Ć ă |z|  Re (z)  |z| and ă |z|  | z|.

Ć |z| = z  z = |ă z| =  z

Ć zz  z 2

In general |z 1z2 z3 ...... z n| = |z 1 | |z2| |z3 | ..... |zn|

z1 z
Ć  1 (z2  0)
z2 z2

Ć z1  z2  z1  z2
In particular, if |z1 + z 2| = |z 1| + |z 2|, then origin, z1 and z 2 are collinear with origin at
one of the ends.

Ć z1  z2  z1  z2

In particular, if |z1 ă z 2| = || z 1|ă|z2 ||, then origin, z 1 and z2 are collinear with origin at one
of the ends.
Ć | zn | = |z|n
Ć ||z1| ă |z 2|| | |z 1| + |z2 |
Thus |z1| + |z2 | is the greatest possible value of |z1 + z2| and ||z1| ă |z2||is the least
possible value of |z1 + z 2|

Ć z1  z2
2

  z1  z2  z1  z2  z1  2
 z2
2

 z1 z2  z1 z2  or

2
z1  z2
2

 2R e z1 z2 
Ć z1 z2  z1 z2  2 z1 z2 cos  1  2  where 1 = arg (z1) and 2 = arg (z2).

2 2 2 z1
z1  z2  z1  z2 
z2 is purely imaginary.
Ć

Ć z1  z2
2
 z1  z2
2
 2 z2  2
 z2
2

Ć az1  bz2
2
 bz1  az2
2
 ( a 2  b 2) z1  2
 z2
2
 where a, b  R.

Ć Unimodular : i.e., unit modulus.

If z is unimodular then |z| = 1. A unimodular complex number can always be expressed as
cos + i sin,   R.

z
Note : z is always a unimodular complex number if z  0.

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Illustration 7
Find multiplicative inverse of 3 + 2i.
Solution :
Let z be the multiplicative inverse of 3 + 2i, then (3 + 2i).z = 1

1 1 3  2i 3  2i 3 2
 z      i
3  2i 3  2i 3  2i 9  4 13 13

Illustration 8

z z 
If z 1 and z 2 are 1 ă i , ă 2 + 4i respectively, find Im  1 2 
 z1 
Solution :

z1z2 1  i   2  4i   2  2i 4i 4

= 
z1 1i 1i

2  6i 1  i 2  6 i 2 i 6 8  4 i
= 2
   4  2i
1 i 2 2

z z 
 I m 1 2 2
 z1 

Illustration 9

1 1
If |z1| = |z 2| = 1 then prove that z1  z 2  
z1 z2

Solution :

1
|z1| = 1  |z1 |2 = 1   z1 z1  1   z  z1
1

1
Similarly, |z2| = 1  |z 2| 2 = 1  z2 z2  1  z  z2
2

1 1
Now  = z1  z 2  z1  z 2  z1  z 2  z1  z 2
z1 z2

= z1  z2  z  z 

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Illustration 1 0
For any two complex numbers z 1 and z2, prove that
(i) |z 1 + z 2 |2 + |z1 ă z 2|2 = 2 [|z1 |2 + |z 2| 2]

(ii) |z 1 + z2 |2 = |z 1| 2 + |z2 |2 + 2Re  z1 z 2  = |z1 | 2 + |z2 |2 + 2Re z1 z2

Solution :
LHS = |z1 + z2 |2 + |z1 ă z2|2

=  z1  z2   z1  z2    z1  z2   z1  z2    z 2  zz 
 

=  z1  z2  z1  z2   z1  z 2  z1  z2 

  
= z1 z1  z2 z1  z1 z2  z2 z2  z1 z1  z2 z1  z1 z2  z2 z2 
= 2 ( z1 z1  z2 z2 )  2 z1  z2  2 2

(i) |z1 + z2 |2 = (z 1 + z2)  z1  z2  = (z1 + z2)  z1  z2 
= z1 z1  z2 z2  z1 z2  z2 z1

2 2  z z  z z  z z 
= z1  z2  z 1 z 2  z1 z 2  1 2 1 2 1 2


= z1
2
 z2
2

 2Re z 1z 2 
 z z
 
2 2
= z1  z2  2 Re z 1z 2 Re z  
 2 

Re c i p r o c a l /M u l t ip l i c a t iv e I n v e r s e
for complex z = a + ib

1 1

z a  ib

a  ib
& we know this is equal to
a2  b2

here a ă ib = z & a2 + b2 = |z| 2

1 z

 z 2
z

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SQUA RE ROOT S o f a c o m p l e x n u m b e r
Let z = a + ib be the complex number of which we want to find out the root, then

a  ib  x  iy
squaring
a + ib = (x + iy)2 = (x2 ă y2 ) + 2ixy
equating real & imaginary coefficients on both sides
a = x2 ă y 2 ...(i)
b = 2xy ...(ii)

x 
2 2
now x2  y2 =  y2  4x2 y2

= a 2  b2 ...(iii)

from (i), (ii) & (iii)

x2 =
1
2 
a a 2  b2  & y2 =
1
2 a 2
 b2  a 
 x
1
2
=    a  a  b
2
2
 y = 
1
2 a 2
b2  a 
 
 1  1 
 a  ib    a2  b2  a  i   a2  b2  a 
 2  2 
if b > 0, because if b > 0 then xy > 0
 x & y are both +ve or ă ve.

  1 2 2  1 2 2

=    2 a  b  a  i  2 a  b  a 
     
if b < 0, xy < 0  x > 0, y < 0
or x < 0, y > 0
we can also write

 1  1 
a  ib    z  a  i   z  a  
 2  2 

Illustration 1 1
Find the square root of ă 7 ă 24i. [Roorkee 79]
Solution :

Let  7  24i  x  iy

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then ă 7 ă 24i = x2 + i 2y2 + 2ixy = x2 ă y2 + 2ixy

Equating real and imaginary parts, we get
x2 ă y 2 = ă 7 ...(i)
and 2xy = ă 24 ...(ii)
Now (x + y ) = (x ă y ) + 4x y = (ă 7) + (ă 24) 2 = 625
2 2 2 2 22 2 2 2

 x2 + y2 =  25
But x2 + y2 cannot be negative
 x2 + y2 = 25 ...(iii)
2
(i) + (iii)  2x = 18  x =  3
From (i), we get y2 = x2 + 7 = 9 + 7 = 16  y =  4
But from (ii), xy is negative, therefore x and y must be of opposite signs.
when x = 3, y = ă 4 and when x = ă 3, y = 4

Now  7  24i = x + iy = 3 ă 4i , ă 3 + 4i = ă (3 ă 4i)

Thus  7  24i =  (3 ă 4i)

Second Method : Rough :

24
ă 7 ă 24i  12  3  4 or 2 ï 6 or 1 ï 12
2
= 32 + (4i)2 ă 2.3.4i 3, 4  3, 4i  32 + 16i2 = 7
= (3 ă 4i)2 2, 6  2, 6i

  7  24i =  (3 ă 4i) 1, 12  1, 12i

real part = ă 7 (ă ve)

 take i with greater factor.

Illustration 1 2

x2 y2 1 x y  31
Find the square root of 2
 2
   
y x 2i  y x  16

Solution :

x2 y2 1  x y  31
2
 2
   
y x 2 i  y x  16

x2 y2 1 31 i  x y 
= 2
 2
     
y x 2i 16 2  y x 

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2 2 2
x y  i   x y  i x y i 
=        2   .     
 y x 4   y x 4  y x 4 

 x y i
 Required square root =     
 y x 4

Illustration 1 3

a  ib a 2  b2
If x + iy = then prove that (x2 + y2)2 = 2 [I.I.T. 79]
c  id c  d2

Solution :

a  ib 2 a  ib
Given, x + iy =   x  iy  
c  id c  id

a  ib | a  ib|  n n z1 | z1 |
|(x  iy )2 | | x  iy|2  | z || z| and  
c  id | c  id |  z2 |z2 |

  a2  b2
2
 x2  y2 
c2  d2

a 2  b2
 x2  y2 
c2  d2

a2  b2
 x 2

 y2 
c2  d 2

Illustration 1 4

3
It = a + ib, prove that a 2 + b 2 = 4a ă 3 [I.I.T. 78]
2  cos   i sin 

2  cos  i sin  1 a  ib
Solution : Given,  
3 a  ib a2  b2
Equating real & imaginary parts, we get

2  cos  a sin  b
 2 ...(1)  ...(2)
3 a  b2 3 a  b2
2

3a 3b
from (1) cos   2 ...(3) sin   ...(4)
2 2
a b a  b2
2

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squaring (3) & (4) and adding

9a 2 12a 9b2
1 = 4  
( a 2  b 2) a 2  b2 ( a 2  b 2) 2

9 12 a 9 12 a
= 2 2
(a2  b2 )  4  2 2 2
 2 2
4
(a  b ) (a  b ) a b a 2  b2

or a2  b2  9  4 ( a2  b2 )  12 a or 3( a2  b2 )  12 a  9

or a2  b2  4 a  3

Illustration 1 5
Find the complex number z such that z 2 + |z| = 0
Solution :
Let z = x + iy
Now given equation is z2 + |z| = 0 or (x + iy)2 + |x + iy| = 0

or x2 ă y2 + 2ixy + x2  y2 = 0

or, x2 ă y2 + x 2  y 2 + 2xyi = 0 = 0 + i. 0
Equating real and imaginary parts, we get

x2 ă y2 + x2  y2 = 0 ...(i)

and 2xy= 0 ...(ii)

From (ii), either x = 0 or y = 0
2  y = 0
when x = 0, from (i) ă y

[ y2 = |y|  when y > 0, y2  y and when y < 0, y2   y ]

or y (ă y  1) = 0  y = 0; 1, ă 1
 z = x + iy = 0 + i 0, 0 + i, 0 ă i Thus z = 0,  i ...(iii)

when y = 0; from (i), x2  x2  0 or x2  x = 0

or x (x  1) = 0  x = 0,  1

But when x =  1, x2  x2  2  0
 when y = 0, x = 0; Hence z = 0 + i 0 = 0 ...(iv)
Thus from (iii) and (iv), z = 0,  i
Second Method : z2 = ă |z| = a real number
 z is a real number or a purely imaginary number.
Case I : when z is real let z = x, then
z2 = ă |z|  x2 = ă |x|  |x| 2 = ă |x|  |x| (|x| + 1) = 0
 |x| = 0  x = 0  z = x = 0 [ |x|  ă 1]

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Case II : when z is purely imaginary.

Let z = yi, then z2 = ă |z|  ă y2 = ă |y|
 y2 = |y|  |y| 2 = |y|  |y| (|y| ă 1) = 0
 |y| = 0 or |y| = 1  y = 0 or y =  1
Now z = iy = 0,  i
Thus z = 0,  i

EU L ER’S FORM U L A
A useful expression is EulerÊs formula which expresses an exponential with imaginary argument
in terms of a sum of real and imaginary parts :
ei = cos + i sin 
Exponential form : Using EulerÊs formula, it is possible to compactly write a complex number
in terms of an exponential function :
z = x + iy  r (cos  + i sin ) = rei
On an Argand diagram, complex numbers with the same modulus r = |z| but different arguments
 make up points on a circle centred on the origin with radius r = |z|. For modulus special points of
interest (for r = 1) are :
= 0  z = e i0 = 1 real
 =  /2  z = ei/2 = cos/2 + i sin/ 2 =i Imaginary
i
=  z=e = cos + i sin = ă 1 real
3 i3/2 3 3
 = /2  z = e = cos / 2 + i sin / 2 = – i Imaginary
i2
 = 2  z= e = cos 2 + i sin 2 = 1 real

i/2
Z=e
or
Z = eă3 i/2 unit circle
r =1

Z = e i Z = e0
Or Or
Z = eă i Z = e 2 i

Z = eă3i/2
or
Z = eăi/2

GEOM ET R I CA L REPRES EN T A T I ON o f C o m p l e x N u m b e r s
Geometrically, we can represent complex numbers on a plane (known as Argand Plane).
This plane consists of two perpendicular lines known as real axis & imaginary axis. Real axis is
drawn horizontally and imaginary axis is vertical to it. Any complex number can be represented as a
point on this plane.

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Let z = a + bi be the point to be represented on this plane. This point is represented through the
order pair (a, b) on the plane. Real part (a) is plotted along the real axis and imaginary part (b) is
plotted along the imaginary axis.
a = R e (z) = horizontal component
b = Im (z) = vertical component

The Argand diagram

In two dimensional Cartesian coordinates (x, y), we are used to plotting the function y(x) with y
on the vertical axis and x on the horizontal axis.
In an Argand diagram, the complex number z = x + iy is plotted as a single point with coordinates
(x, y). The horizontal axis is called the real axis (x-axis) and the vertical axis is called the imaginary
axis (y-axis). y
imaginary axis

3 (2,3)
or 2+3i
2

x
2 3 1
real axis
As in usual Cartesian coordinates, the distance from the origin to a point (x, y) is equal to
x  y 2 . This is equal to the modulus |z| of the complex number z = x + iy.
2

The Argand diagram may also be called the complex plane. It stresses that complex numbers are
a generalisation of real numbers, that lie on the horizontal axis only.
The expression z = x + iy is known as the Cartesian form or the rectangular form of the complex
number z. Using the Argand diagram, we can see that the addition of complex numbers behaves like
the addition of vectors.
If we express z = x + iy as an ordered pair (x, y), then the addition of two complex numbers may
be defined by (x, y) + (a, b) = (x + a, y + b) in the same way as the addition of two vectors.
y

5
Z + W = 4 + 5i
imaginary axis

3 W = 1 + 3i

1 Z = 3 + 2i
x
1 2 3 4
real axis
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POL A R REPRESEN T A T I ON o f c o m p l e x n u m b e r s
A position vector of a point in two dimensions may be expressed in terms of Cartesian coordinates
(x, y) and plotted with y on the vertical axis and x on the horizontal axis.
It is also possible to express the two dimensional position vector in terms of polar coordinates (r,
) where r is the magnitude of the vector (distance from origin to the point) and  is the angle between
the position vector and the positive x-axis.
The Cartesian and polar coordinates are related by :
x = r cos , y = r sin 

y
r  x 2  y 2 , tan  
x
imaginary axis

r
y


0
x
real axis

In the same way, the complex number z = x + iy may be expressed in polar coordinates (r, ) in
its polar form :
z = x + iy  r (cos  + i sin )

2 2 y
where r x  y , tan  
x

Illustration 1 6

z  1  3i  x = 1, y  3
y= 3
r  x 2  y2  4  2
imaginary axis

tan   3   = / 3 (60Ĉ)
r=2

 = /3
0 real axis x =1

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T HE A RGU M ENT o f a c o m p l e x n um b er
In polar coordinates (r, ) the angle  is known as the argument of the complex number z, denoted
 = arg(z).

x y
cos   , sin  
2 2
x y x  y2
2

There is a complication because a single point on the Argand diagram does not correspond to a
single complex number. The reason is that we can add 2 to the value of the argument  in order to
produce a different complex number, but when plotted on the Argand diagram, the two numbers are
plotted in the same place.
y

0 x
 + 2

Principal Value : If we want to uniquely define the value of the argument  we can impose the
condition ă  <    so that  is known as the principal value of the argument.
For the complex number z = x + iy, the argument  is given by the solution of the equations :

x y
cos   , sin  
2 2
x y x  y2
2

y
or tan  
x
If the second expression  = y/x is used to determine , it is wise to plot z = x + iy on an Argand
diagram to check that the answer is correct.

To find the Argument/Amplitude of a complex number

For complex number z = a + ib

1 b
Step 1 : Find the value of tan
a

b
let  = tan 1
a

Step 2 : Now find the argument according to the quadrant in which (a, b) lies.

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i.e. y
2nd quadrant 1st quadrant
 =  ă =

 
x
 

 =  ă  = ă
3rd quadrant 4th quadrant

where  is the argument required.

Properties of Arguments
Ć Arg (z1 z2) = Arg (z1) + Arg (z2) + 2k (k = 0 or 1 or ă 1)
In general Arg (z1z2 z3..... zn) = Arg (z 1) + Arg (z2 ) + Arg (z3) + ... + Arg (z n) + 2k
(where k  I)

z 
Ć Arg  1   Arg z1  Arg z2  2k (k = 0 or 1 or ă 1)
z 2 

 z
Ć Arg    2 Arg z  2 k (k = 0 or 1 or ă 1)
 z
Ć Arg (zn) = n Arg z + 2k (k = 0 or 1 or ă 1)

 z2   z1 
Ć If Arg  z   , then Arg  z   2k    where k  I
 1  2

Ć Arg z = ă Arg z
Ć If arg (z) = 0  z is real
Note : Proper value of k must be chosen so, that R.H.S. of (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) lies in (ă , ].
All the above formulae are written on the basic of principal argument.

Illustration 1 6

Find the conjugate, modulus and argument of 2 2i

Solution :
Let z 2 2 i Here x  2, y   2

z 2 2i  2 2 i [By definition of z ]

 2   2 
2 2
and z  2 2i   2 22

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y  2  
Argument of z : tan   x   1  tan 45    [between 0 and ]
2 4 2

 x 2  0 and y   2  0 . Hence z lies in the 4th quadrant

 7
 arg z = 2 ă  = 2 ă 
4 4
Note : Here principal value of arg z can also be written

7 
Principal value of arg z =  2  
4 4

Illustration 1 7

2 i
Find the conjugate and argument of
4i   1  i 
2

Solution :

2 i 2i 2 i
 
Let z = 4 i  1  i 2 2
  4i  1  i  2i 6i

 2  i    6i  6  12i 1 1
=  6 i    6 i   36  6  3 i
  

1 1
 z  i
6 3

1 1 1 1
Now z   i Here x  , y  
6 3 6 3

1

tan  
y
 3   2  2    tan 1 2, 0    
x 1 2
6

1 1
 x  0 and y    0 . Hence z lies in the 4th quadrant.
6 3
 arg z = 2 ă  = 2 ă tană1 2.
Note : Principal value of arg z = (2 ă tană1 2) ă 2 = ă tan ă1 2

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Illustration 1 8

1  7i
Put in the polar form. [Roorkee 81]
 2  i 2
Solution :

1  7i
Let z 
 2  i 2

1  7i 1  7i  1  7i  3  4i   25  25i
Now z      1  i
2
4  i  4i 3  4 i  3  4 i  3  4 i  32  42

 r z    i  2  12  2

Again z = ă 1+ i  x = ă 1, y = 1

y 1 
Also tan   x   1  1 ;  
4

 x = ă 1 < 0 and y = 1 > 0 hence z lies in the 2nd quadrant.

 3
Hence arg z =  ă  =  ă 
4 4

 3 3 
 Polar form of z  2  cos  i sin
 4 4 

DE-M OI V R E’S T H EOR EM

It says if z = r (cos  + i sin ), then zn = r n (cosn  + i sin n
) for all n  Z (set of integers)

Roots of a Complex Number

Let z = a + ib be written in polar form like z = r (cosn  + i sin ) = rei
Then the nth roots of z are given by

1/ 1/  2 k    2 k    
z n  r n
 cos  i sin 
 n n 

where k can take value from 0, 1, 2, ... (n ă 1). (i.e. one less than the denominator)
for k  n, the roots will repeat
put k = 0 in the above equation

1/ 1/      
 z n r n
 cos    i sin   ...(i)
 n  n 

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now put k = n

1/ 1/  2 n    2 n   
 z n r n
 cos    i sin  
  n   n 

1/   2 n    2 n 
 cos  n  n   i sin  n    
r n
=
    

  
 / 
1/ 
 cos  n   i sin
r n
= n
  

which is same as (i)

Illustration 1 9

     
If x n  cos n   i sin  n  prove that x1.x 2.x3 ... to infinity = ă 1.
2  2 
Solution :
x1.x2.x3... to infinity

         
=  cos  i sin   cos 2  i sin 2  cos 3  i sin 3 ...
 2 2  2 2  2 2 

       
= cos  2  2  3  ...   i sin  2  2  3  ... 
 2 2   2 2 

  /2    /2   2 a 
= cos     i sin    a  ar  ar  ...  
1 1 / 2  1  1 / 2   1 r

= cos  + i sin  = ă 1

Illustration 20

 n 
Prove that (1 + i)n + (1 ă i ) n = 2 (n /2)+1 cos  
 4 
Solution :
Let 1 + i = r (cos  + i sin ). Then

1 
r  12  12 = 2 and tan  = 1    4

  
 1+ i = 2 cos  i sin 
 4 4

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n
 
 2 
n
 (1 + i) n =  cos 4  i sin 4 
 

n/
2  cos n  n 
 (1 + i) n = 2   i sin
 4 4 

Let the polar form of 1 ă i be r (cos  + i sin ). Then

  1 
r  12    1  2 and tan    1     
2
  4

  
 1ăi = 2  cos  i sin 
 4 4

n
  
 2
n
 cos 4  i sin 4 
n
 (1 ă i) =
 

n/  n n 
 (1 ă i)n = 2
2
 cos  i sin  ...(ii)
 4 4 

Adding (i) and (ii), we obtain

n/  n n n n 
cos 4  i sin 4  cos 4  i sin 4 
2
(1 + i)n + (1 ă i) n = 2
 

n n
 2   cos
n/ n/ 2 1
2
= 2 . 2cos
4 4

Illustration 21

n
   
n n
If n is a positive integer; prove that 3i  3 i  2 n 1 cos
6
Solution :

Let r (cos  + i sin ) be the polar form of 3 i.

1 
Then r  32   1 2  2 and tan    
3 6

  
 3  i = 2 cos 6  i sin 6 
 

n
n   
 
n
 3 i = 2  cos  i sin 
 6 6 

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n  n n 
 
n
 3 i = 2  cos 6  i sin 6 
 

The polar form of  

3  i is

         
2  cos    i sin     2  cos  i sin 
  6   6   6 6

 
n
= 2 n  cos   i sin  
n
 3 i
 6 6

   
n
 3 i = 2 n  cos n  i sin n  ...(ii)
 6 6 

Adding (i) and (ii), we obtain

     n n  n n n 
n n
3 i + 3 i = 2 n cos  i sin  + 2  cos 6  i sin 6 
 6 6   

 n  n 1 n
= 2 n  2 cos 2 cos
 6  6

Illustration 22
Let (r, ) denote the point r (cos  + i sin ) in the Argand plane. If a  (1, ), b  (1,  ),
c  (1, ) and a + b + c = 0, show that a ă1 + bă1 + c ă1 = 0.
Solution :
Since (r, )  r (cos  + i sin ), therefore a  (1, ) = 1 (cos  + i sin ), b  (1, ) = 1 .
(cos  + i sin ) and c  (1, ) = 1 . (cos  + i sin )
We have, a + b + c = 0  (cos  + i sin ) + (cos  + i sin ) + (cos  + i sin ) = 0
 (cos  + cos  + cos ) + i (sin  + sin  + sin ) = 0 + i 0
 cos  + cos  + cos  = 0 and sin  + sin  + sin  = 0 ...(i)
ă1 ă1 ă1 ă1 ă1 ă1
Now, a + b + c = (cos  + i sin ) + (cos  + i sin ) + (cos  + i sin )
= [cos (ă 1)  + i sin (ă 1) ] + [cos (ă 1)  + i sin (ă 1)  ] + [cos (ă 1)  + i sin (ă 1) ]
= (cos  ă i sin ) + (cos  ă i sin ) + (cos  ă i sin )
= (cos  + cos  + cos ) ă i (sin  + sin  + sin )
= 0 ă i 0 = 0 [Using (i)]

Illustration 23
If cos  + cos  + cos  = sin  + sin  + sin  = 0, prove that
(i) cos 3  + cos 3
 + cos 3 = 3 cos (
 +  + )
(ii)  + sin 3
sin 3  + sin 3  = 3 sin ( +  + )

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(iii)  + cos 2  + cos 2 = 0

cos 2
(iv)  + sin 2
sin 2  + sin 2  = 0
Solution :
Let a = cos  + i sin , b = cos  + i sin  and c = cos  + i sin . Then
a + b + c = (cos  + cos  + cos ) + i (sin  + sin  + sin ) = 0 + i0 = 0
(i) Since a + b + c = 0, therefore, a3 + b3 + c 3 = 3abc
 (cos + i sin )3 + (cos  + i sin )3 + (cos  + i sin ) 3 = 3 (cos + i sin )
(cos  + i sin ) (cos  + i sin )
 (cos 3  + i sin 3 ) + (cos 3  + i sin 3 ) + (cos 3  + i sin 3 ) = 3 [cos ( +  + )]
cos 3  + cos 3  + cos 3  = 3 cos ( +  + )
sin 3  + sin 3  + sin 3  = 3 sin ( +  + )
(iii) We have,

1 1 1
  = (cos  ă i sin ) + (cos  ă i sin ) + (cos  ă i sin )
  

= (cos  + cos  + cos ) ă i (sin  + sin  + sin )

= 0 ă i0 = 0
 ab + bc + ca = 0
 (a + b + c)2 = a 2 + b 2 + c 2 + 2 (ab + bc + ca)
 0 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 0
 (cos + i sin )2 + (cos  + i sin )2 + (cos + i sin )2 = 0
 (cos 2  + i sin 2 ) + (cos 2  + i sin 2 ) + (cos 2  + i sin 2 ) = 0
 (cos 2  + cos 2  + cos 2 ) + i (sin 2  + sin 2  + sin 2 ) = 0 + i0
 cos 2  + cos 2  + cos 2  = 0 and
sin 2  + sin 2  + sin 2  = 0

Illustration 24
Find 3 i
Solution :
   
Let z= i. We have |z|= 1 and arg (z) = . So, z in polar form is  cos 2  i sin 2 
2  
1/ 1/
3 3
1/         
Now, z 3   cos  i sin    cos  2m     i sin  2 m  
 2 2    2   2 

 
= cos 4 m  1   i sin 4 m 1  , m  0, 1, 2
6 6

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  1
 
1/
From m = 0, z 3  cos  i sin  3i
6 6 2
For m = 1,
1/ 5 5    
z 3  cos  i sin  cos    6   i sin   6 
6 6    

   1
=   cos 6  i sin 6    2
 
 3 i 
1/ 9 9 3 3
For m = 2, z 3  cos  i sin  cos  i sin  i
6 6 2 2

Thus, the values of 3

1
i are 2  3  i ,  1
2
 
3  i and ă i.

Illustration 25

Find 3 1

Solution :
Let z = – 1. Then |z|= 1 and arg (z) . So, the polar of z is (cos  + i sin ).
Now, z1/3 = (cos  + i sin )1/3
= [cos (2 m + ) + i sin (2 m + ] 1/3

 
= cos (2m + 1) + i sin (2m + 1) , m = 0, 1, 2
3 3

 
For m = 0, z1/3 = cos
3
+ i sin
3
=
1
2
 1  i 3
For m = 1, z1/3 = cos  + i sin  = ă 1

5 5
For m = 2, z1/3 = cos  i sin
3 3

   
= cos  2  3   i sin  2  3 
   

 
= cos
3
ă i sin
3
=
1
2
1  i 3 

Hence, the values of z1/3 are

1
2

1 i 3 , 1 

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Illustration 26
If (1 + x)n = C 0 + C1 x + C2 x2 + C 3x 3 + ... + C n xn , prove that
(i) C0 ă C 2 + C4 ă C6 + ... = 2 n /2 cos n
 /4
(ii) C1 ă C 3 + C5 ă C7 + ... = 2n /2 sin n
/4
(iii) C0 + C4 + C8 + ... = 2n ă2 + 2 (n /2)ă 1
cos n /4
(n /2)ă 1
(iv) C1 + C5 + C9 + ... = (2 n ă2
+ 2 sin n /4)
Solution :
We have :
(1 + x) n = C 0 + C1 x + C 2x2 + C3x3 + ... + C nxn
or (1 + x)n = (C0 + C2x2 + C 4x 4 + ...) + x (C1 + C3x2 + C 5x4 + ...) ...(i)
Replacing x by i on both sides, we get
(1 + i) n = (C 0 ă C 2 + C4 ă C 6 + ...) + i (C 1 ă C3 + C5...)
 [ 2 (cos /4 + i sin /4)] n = [(C 0 ă C 2 + C4 ă C 6 + ...) + i (C 1 ă C3 + C 5...)]
 2n/2 (cos n /4 + i sin n /4) = (C 0 ă C2 + C4 ă C 6 + ...) + i (C1 ă C 3 + C5...)
On equating real and imaginary parts on both sides, we get
C0 ă C2 + C 4 ă C 6 + ... = 2n/2 cos n /4 ...(ii)
n/2
and C1 ă C3 + C 5 + ... = 2 sin n /4 ...(iii)
Now, putting x = 1 and x = ă 1 respectively in (i), we get
(C0 + C 2 + C4 + ...) + (C1 + C3 + C 5 + ...) = 2n
and (C0 + C 2 + C4 + ...) ă (C1 + C 3 + C5 + ...) = 0
By adding and sutracting these two, we get
C0 + C2 + C4 + ... = 2 nă1 ...(iv)
nă1
C1 + C3 + C5 + ... = 2 ...(v)
Adding (ii) and (iv), we get
2 (C0 + C4 + C6 + ...) = 2n/2 cos n /4 + 2 nă1
 C0 + C4 + C6 + ... = 2nă2 + 2(n/2)ă 1
cos n/4
Adding (iii) and (v), we get
2 (C1 + C5 + C9 + ...) = 2n/2 sin n/4 + 2nă1

n
 C1 + C5 + C9 + ... = 2nă2 + 2 (n/2)ă1 sin
4

ROOT S OF U N I T Y
For z = (1)1/n i.e. nth roots of unity
z = (cos 0 + isin 0)1/n

  2k  0   2 k  0  
or z =  cos   isin   k  0, 1; ...  n  1
 n  n 

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  2 k   2 k  
=  cos  n   i sin  n  
    

2 k 
i 
= e n 

2  
i  k
= e n 

 2 
i 
now let  = e n 
 z = k, where k = 0, 1, 2 ... (n ă 1)
= 1, , 2 ... nă1

Properties of nth roots of unity

1. nth roots of unity form a G.P with common ratio .
2. Sum of nth roots of unit is zero.

  1, if n is even
3. Product of roots  
 1, if n is odd 
Note : Try & prove the last two properties yourself.
4. nth roots of unity lie on a unit circle and divide the circumference into n equal parts.

Cu b e r o o t s o f u n i t y
The roots of equation x3 ă 1 = 0 are called cube roots of unity.
Solving x3 ă 1 = 0
(x ă 1) (x2 + x + 1) = 0

1  i 3  1  i 3
 x = 1, ,
2 2
or as discussed in previous section.
nth roots of unity = k
 2 
i 
here  = e  3

 Cube roots are 1, , 2

or we call them 1, w, w2
2 
i  1  i 3
w= e3  =
2
4 
i  1 i 3
w =2
e 3
 =
2

COMPLEX NUMBERS
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geometrically,
ă1 , 3  B
2 2
1A

C
ă1 , ă 3 2
2 2

as you can see from the values of w

w  w 2 , w2  w

Properties of cube roots of unity

1. w3 = 1
2. 1 + w + w2 = 0

0, if n is not a multiple of 3 

3. 1 + wn + w 2n =  
3, if n is a multiple of 3 
4. cube roots of ă 1 are ă 1, ă w, ă w2
5. z3 ă1 = (z ă 1) (z ă w) (z ă w2)
6. z3 +1 = (z + 1) (z + w) (z + w)
7. a3 + b3 = (a + b) (a + bw) (a + bw 2)
8. a3 ă b3 = (a ă b) (a ă bw) (a ă bw 2)
9. a2 + b2 + c2 ă ab ă bc ă ca = (a + bw + cw2) (a + bw 2 + cw2 )
10. a3 + b3 + c3 ă 3abc = (a + b + c) (a + bw + cw2 ) (a + bw2 + cw)
Tip : Ć |w| = |w2| = 1

1  i 
Ć square root of i =   
 2 
Ć square root of w =  w2
Ć square root of w2 =  w
Ć You can also remember that w, w2 are also the roots of equation x 2 + x + 1 {as this
equation is encountered very often}

Illustration 27
If , 2 be the imaginary cube roots of unity, then prove than
(i) (3 + 3 2) 6 ă (2 + 6
 + 5 2 )3 = 0
 + 2
(ii) (2 ă ) (2 ă 2) (2 ă 10 ) (2 ă 11) = 49
Solution :
(i) (3 + 3 + 52)6 ă (2 + 6 + 22 )3
= (3 + 3 + 32 + 22 ) 6 ă (2 + 2 + 22 + 4)3

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= {3( 1 +  + 2 ) + 22} 6 ă {2(1 +  + 2 ) + 4}3

= (22 ) 6 ă (4) 3 [since 1 +  + 2 = 0]
= 6412 ă 643 = 64 ă 64 = 0
(ii) (2 ă ) (2 ă 2 ) (2 ă 10) (2 ă 11)
= (2 ă ) (2 ă 2) (2 ă ) (2 ă 2)
= (2 ă 2)2 (2 ă 2)2 = [(2 ă ) (2 ă 2)]2
= (4 ă 2 ă 22 + 3 )2 = [5 ă 2 ( + 2)]2
= (5 + 2)2 = 49

Illustration 28
If  is an imaginary cube root of unity, then show that
(i) (1 ă ) ( 1 ă 2 ) (1 ă 4) (1 ă 5) = 9 [I.I.T. 65]
(ii) (1 ă  + 2) 5 + (1 +  ă  2)5 (1 ă 5 ) = 32
Solution :
(i) 4 = 3 .  =  and 5 = 3 2 = 2
(1 ă ) (1 ă 2) (1 ă 4) (1 ă 5)
= (1 ă ) (1 ă 2) (1 ă ) (1 ă 2)
= (1 ă 2)2 (1 ă 2)2 = [(1 ă ) (1 ă 2 )]2
= [1 ă( + 2 ) + 3] 2
= [1 ă (ă 1) + 1]2 [ 1 +  + 2 = 0   + 2 = ă 1]
= (3)2 = 9
(ii) (1 ă  + 2 )5 + (1 +  ă 2)5
= (1 + 2 ă )5 + (1 +  ă 2) 5
= (ă  ă )5 + (ă 2 ă 2) 5 [ 1 +  = ă 2 and 1 + 2 = ă ]
= (ă 2)5 + (ă 22)5 = ă 325 ă 3210 = ă 322 ă 32 (3)3 .
= ă 322 ă 32 = ă 32 (2 + ) = (ă 32) ï (ă 1) = 32

Illustration 29

n n
 1  3  1  3 
If n is a positive integer, prove that       2 or  1 according as n is
 2   2 
a multiple of 3 or not a multiple of 3].
Solution :

 1  3 1 3
We know  , then  2
2 2

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n n
 1   3   1   3  n n
Now given expression =          2
 2   2 

Case I : When n = 3m
Given expression = n + 2n = 3m + 6m
= ( 3) m + (6) m = 1 + 1 = 2
Case II : When n = 3m + 1
2n
n
 +  = 3m + 1
+ 6m + 2

=  3m. + 6m.2
= 1. + 1. 2 =  +  2 = ă 1 [ 1 +  + 2 = 0]
Case III : When n = 3m + 2
2n
n
 +  = 3m + 2
+ 6m + 4

= 3m. 2 + 6m.4
= 2 + 4 = 2 +  3 .
= 2 +  = ă 1 [ 1 +  + 2 = 0]

Illustration 30
If 1, 1,  2, ... n ă1 be the n , n th roots of unity, show that (1 ă  1 ) (1 ă  2 )... (1 ă n ă 1
) = n.
Solution :
Let x be a nth roots of unity, then
xn = 1 or xn ă 1
= 0 ...(i)
According to question 1, 1, 2 ... ană1 are all the nth roots of unity
ă 1
 xn = (x ă 1) (x ă 1 ) (x ă 2 )...(x ă nă1)

xn  1
 (x ă 1 ) (x ă 2)...(x ă  nă1) =
x 1

 (x ă 1 ) (x ă 2 )...(x ă nă1 ) = 1 + x + x2 + ... + x nă1 ...(ii)

putting x = 1 in (ii), we get ...(ii)
(1 ă 1) (1 ă 2 )... (1 ă n ) = n
ă 1

Illustration 31
Show that x3p + x3q + 1
+ x 3r +2, where p , q , are positive integers is divisible by x2 + x + 1.
Solution :

1 3
x2 + x + 1 = 0  x    or 2
2
where x = , x3p + x3q+1 + x3r+2
= 3p +  3q+ 1 +3r + 2
= 1 +  + 2 = 0

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When x = 2, x3p + x 3q+ 1 + x3r + 2

= 6p + 6q+2 + 6r + 4

= 1 + 2 + 4 = 1 +  2 +  = 0
Since all the roots of equation x2 + x + 1 = 0 satisfy the equation r3p + x3q + 1 + x3r+2 = 0
 x3p + x3q+1 + x3r+2 is divisible by x 2 + x + 1

Illustration 32
If z 1 + z2 + z 3 = , z1 + z 2  + z3 2 =  and z 1 + z 2 2 + z 3  =  , express z1 , z2, z3 in terms of
|2 + |
,  ,  . Hence prove that : |  | 2 + | |2 = 3 (|z1| 2 + |z 2 |2 + |z 3 |2).
Solution :
Given, z1 + z2 + z3 =  ...(i)
z1 + z2  + z 3 2 =  (ii)
2
and z1 + z2  + z3 =  ...(iii)


  +  +  = 3z1   z1 = ...(iv)
3

    2 
 +  + 2 = 3z3  z 3 = ...(v)
3

  2   y
and  + 2 +  = 3z 2  z 2 = ...(vi)
3

Second part :


2
    z1  z2  z3  z1  z2  z3  
 
= z1 z1  z2 z2  z3 z3  z1 z2  z3  z2 z1  z3  z3 z1  z2    
= z1
2
 z2
2
 z3
2
  
 z1 z2  z3  z2 z1  z3  z3 z1  z2   
2

    z1  z2  z3 2  z 1  z2  z3  2 

= z1  z2  z3
2
 z 1  z 2 2  z3     2 & 2  
 

= z1
2
 z2
2
 z3
2
  
 z1 z2 2  z3   z2 z1   z3 2  z3 z1 2  z    

2

   z1  z22  z3 z z  1 2
2
 z3  
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 2

= z1  z 2  z3 z1  z 2   z3 
2
    2 & 2  
 

= z1
2
 z2
2
 z3
2
  
 z1 z2   z3 2  z2 z1 2  z3   z3 z1   z2 2   
 ||2 + ||2 + |r|2

= 3 z1 2
 z2
2
 z3
2
   2

+ z1 z2 1      z3 1    
2
 
  2
 2
+ z2 z1 1      z3 1      
+ z3 z 1       z  1     
1
2
2
2

= 3 z1 2
 z2
2
 z3
2


COMPLEX NUMBERS