KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY

BACHELOR OF EDUCATION PRIMARY,

EXTERNAL (BEPE)

MT(P)1153: COMPLEX NUMBERS MODULE

BY: TENGI JACOB

February 22, 2022

1
1 Course description

This course is divided into the following three major topics:

(i) Operations on Complex numbers

(ii) Argand diagrams
(iii) De Moivre’s theorem

Course objectives

The course aims at enabling students to:

(i) Acquire knowledge of complex numbers

(ii) Know how to represent complex numbers on Argand diagrams
(iii) Know how to use De Moivre’s theorem in simplifying complex numbers

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course learners should be able to:

(i) Carry out operations on complex numbers

(ii) Draw Argand diagrams to represent complex numbers
(iii) Use De Moivre’s theorem in simplifying complex numbers

Course content/detailed description

• Imaginary numbers, Algebra of complex numbers, complex roots of quadratic

equations. (8 HRS)
• Cube roots of unity, Argand diagram; modulus and argument. (7 HRS)
• Properties of modulii and argument. (7 HRS)
• Loci De Moivre’s theorem power and nth roots of a complex number.(8 HRS)

Mode of delivery

Lectures, handouts, discussions, seminars

Assessment mode

Assignments, Tests: 30%

Examination: 70%
Total: 100%

1
2 Pascal’s triangle and binomial expansion

In this section, we shall review the Pascal’s triangle and binomial expansion, that will
be a useful prerequisite for this course unit.

To generate Pascal’s triangle, we start by writting a 1.

In the row below,row 2, we write two 1’s.

In the 3rd row, write 1 at each ends and add 1 + 1 to find the middle number 2.

In the nth row write 1 in each ends of the row. Each element in the triangle is the
sum of the two elements immediately above it as shown in Figure 1

Figure 1: Pascal’s triangle

When we expand (x + y)n by multiplying, the result is called a binomial expansion,

and it includes binomial coefficients.

If we wanted to expand (x + y)1 , we obtain that

(x + y)1 = (x + y).

If we wanted to expand (x + y)2 , we multiply (x + y) by its self as shown below:

(x + y)2 = (x + y)(x + y)
= x(x + y) + y(x + y)
= x2 + xy + xy + y 2
= x2 + 2xy + y 2
∴ (x + y)2 = x2 + 2xy + y 2 .

To see the connection between Pascal’s triangle and binomial coefficients, let us revisit
2
the expansion of the binomials in general form

Figure 2: Pascal’s triangle and binomial expansion

From Figure 2, we note that

(i) There are n + 1 terms in the expansion (x + y)n .

(ii) The powers of x begin with n and decreases to 0.
(iii) The powers of y begin with 0 and increases to n.
(iv) The coefficients of the expansion are those in the nth row of the Pascal’s triangle.

To determine the expansion on (x + y)2 using the Pascal’s triangle,we see that n =
2,thus there will be 2 + 1 = 3 terms.

In descending order for powers of x, the pattern is as follows

• Introduce x2 , and then for each successive term reduce the exponent on x by 1
until x0 = 1 is reached.
• Introduce y 0 = 1, and then increase the exponent on y by 1 until y 2 is reached.

Thus we shall obtain

x2 y 0 , x1 y 1 , x0 y 2
or
x2 , xy, y 2 .

The coefficients of each term, (1, 2, 1), are the numbers which appear in the row with
n = 2 of Pascal’s triangle in Figure 3

Figure 3: Pascal’s triangle

Hence the expansion is obtained as follows

(x + y)2 = x2 + 2xy + y 2
3
Problem 2.1. Use Pascal’s triangle to expand the following binomial expressions:

(a) (a + b)2 (d) (1 + x)2

(b) (a + b)3 (e) (2 + x)2

(c) (x + y)3 (f ) (1 + 3x)2

4
3 Complex Numbers

3.1 Origin of complex numbers

Solving algebraic equations has been historically one of the favorite topics of math-
ematicians. While linear equations are always solvable in real numbers, not all
quadratic equations have this property. The simplest such equation is x2 + 1 = 0.
Until the eighteenth century, mathematicians avoided quadratic equations that √ were
not solvable over R. Leonhard Euler broke the ice by introducing the “number”
√ −1
in his famous book Elements of Algebra. Euler denoted the number −1 by i and
called it the imaginary unit [1].

Using this symbol, one defines complex numbers as z = a + bi, where a and b are real
numbers.

The study of complex numbers continues to this day and has been greatly elaborated
over the last two and a half centuries; in fact, it is impossible to imagine modern
mathematics without complex numbers. All mathematical domains make use of them
in some way. This is true of other disciplines as well, including mechanics, theoretical
physics, hydrodynamics, and chemistry [1].

Given a quadratic equation

ax2 + bx + c = 0,
√
−b ± b2 − 4ac
x=
2a
√ √
whenever b2 > 4ac, b2 − 4ac is positive. However, when b2 < 4ac, b2 − 4ac gives
a square root of a negative number.

5
Example 3.1. Solve 2x2 − 6x + 8 = 0

Solution:
a = 2, b = −6, c = 8
√
−b ± b2 − 4ac
x=
2ap
− − 6 ± −62 − (4 × 2 × 8)
=
√ 2×2
6 ± 36 − 64
=
√4
6 ± −28 √
= , it was agreed that we let i = −1.
√4
6 ± 28 × −1
=
√4 √
6 ± 28 × −1
=
√ 4
6 ± 28i
= .
4
√
6 28i
So, x = 4
± 4
.

Hence a complex number has two parts, the real part x and the imaginary part y

i.e
Z = x + iy
Note. √
i= −1
2
√ √
i = −1 × −1 = −1
i3 = i2 × i = −1 × i = −i
i4 = i2 × i2 = −1 × −1 = +1
i5 = i4 × = 1 × i = i.
Example 3.2. Find

(i) i8

(ii) i9

Solution:

(i)
i8 = i4 × i4
=1×1
=1
6
 (ii)
i9 = i4 × i5
=1×i
=i

3.1.1 Addition of complex numbers

Given
Z = a + bi,
where a is the real part while bi imaginary part.

When adding complex numbers, we add the real part to the real part and imaginary
part to imaginary.
Example 3.3. Simplify (2 + 3i) + (7 − i) Solution:

(2 + 3i) + (7 − i) = (2 + 7) + (3i + −i)

= 9 + 2i.
Example 3.4. Given Z1 = −2 + 4i and Z2 = 5 − 2i. Find

(i) Z1 + Z2
(ii) 3Z2 + 12 Z1

Solution:

(i)
Z1 = −2 + 4i
Z2 = 5 − 2i
Z1 + Z2 = 3 + 2i.

(ii)
3Z2 = 3(5 − 2i)
= 15 − 6i
1 1
Z1 = (−2 + 4i)
2 2
−2 4i
= +
2 2
= −1 + 2i
3Z2 = 15 − 6i
1
Z1 = −1 + 2i
2
1
3Z2 + Z1 = 14 − 4i.
2
7
Activity for subsection 3.1.1

Problem 3.1. Perform the indicated operations with the complex numbers
√ √
(a) (3 − 3i) + (4 + 5i) (c) (1 − i 2) + (3 + 2i 2)
√ √
(b) (−3 + 2i) + (5 − 6i) (d) (5 + 3i 5) + (−4 − 5i 5)

3.1.2 Subtraction of complex numbers

For complex numbers we subtract the real part from real and imaginary part from
imaginary.

Example 3.5. Simplify (3 − 2i) − (−6 + 5i)

Solution:

(3 − 2i) − (−6 + 5i) = (3 − −6) + (−2i − 5i)

= 9 + −7i
(3 − 2i) − (−6 + 5i) = 9 − 7i.
Example 3.6. Given Z1 = −5 + 6i and Z2 = 8 − 12i. Find

(i) Z1 − Z2

(ii) Z2 − Z1

(iii) 2Z1 + 3Z2

(iv) 3Z1 − 41 Z2

(v) 2Z1 − 3Z2

Solution:

(i)
Z1 − Z2 = (−5 + 6i) − (8 − 12i)
= (−5 − 8) + (6i − −12i)
= −13 + 18i.

(ii)
Z1 − Z2 = (8 − 12i) − (−5 + 6i)
= (8 − −5) + (−12i − 6i)
= 13 − 18i.

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(iii)
2Z1 + 3Z2 = 2(−5 + 6i) + 3(8 − 12i)
= −10 + 12i + 24 − 36i
= −10 + 24 + 12i − 36i
= 14 − 24i.
(iv)
1 1
3Z1 − Z2 = 3(−5 + 6i) − (8 − 12i)
4 4
= (−15 + 18i) − (2 − 3i)
= (−15 − 2) + (18i + 3i)
= −17 + 21i.
2Z1 − 3Z2 = 2(−5 + 6i) − 3(8 − 12i)
= (−10 + 12i) − (24 − 36i)
= (−10 − 24) + (12i − −36i)
= −34 + 48i.

Activity for subsection 3.1.2

Problem 3.2. Perform the indicated operations with the complex numbers
(a) (1 − i) − (3 + 2i) (d) (6 − 2i) − (7 − 3i)
(b) (6 − 7i) − (3 − 4i)
(c) (5 + 13 i) − ( 12 − 12 i) (e) (5 − 6i) − (8 − 9i)

3.1.3 Multiplication

Example 3.7. Simplify

(i) (1 + i)(2 − 3i)

(ii) (5 − 4i)(−2 + i)
(iii) 3i(7 + 2i)
(iv) (2 − 3i)(4 − i)

Solution:

(i)
(1 + i)(2 − 3i) = 1(2 − 3i) + i(2 − 3i)
= 2 − 3i + 2i − 3i2
=2−i+3
=2+3−i
= 5 − i.
9
 (ii)
(5 − 4i)(−2 + i) = 5(−2 + i) − 4i(−2 + i)
= −10 + 5i + 8i − 4i2
= −10 + 13i + 4
= −10 + 4 + 13i
= −6 + 13i.

(iii)
3i(7 + 2i) = 3i × 7 + 3i × 2i
= 21i + 6i2
= 21i − 6
= −6 + 21i.

(iv)
(2 − 3i)(4 − i) = 2(4 − i) − 3i(4 − i)
= 8 − 2i − 12i + 3i2
= 8 − 14i − 3
= 8 − 3 − 14i
= 5 − 14i.
Example 3.8. Simplify:

(i) (2 + i)2

(ii) (1 + i)4

(iii) (3 + i)2 + (3 − i)2

Solution:

(i)

(2 + i)2 = (2 + i)(2 + i)
= 2(2 + i) + i(2 + i)
= 4 + 2i + 2i + i2
= 4 + 4i − 1
= 4 − 1 + 4i
= 3 + 4i.

(1 + i)4 = (1 + i)(1 + i)(1 + i)(1 + i),

considering

(1 + i)2 = 1(1 + i) + i(1 + i)

= 1 + i + i + i2
(1 + i)2 = 2i.
10
 Thus
(1 + i)4 = 2i × 2i
= 4i2
= −4.

(ii)

(3 + i)2 + (3 − i)2 = (3 + i)(3 + i) + (3 − i)(3 − i)

= 3(3 + i) + i(3 + i) + 3(3 − i) − i(3 − i)
= 9 + 3i + 3i + i2 + 9 − 3i − 3i + i2
= 9 + 6i − 1 + 9 − 6i − 1
= 9 − 1 + 6i + 9 − 1 − 6i
= 8 + 6i − 6i + 8
=8+8
= 16.

Activity for subsection 3.1.3

Problem 3.3. Perform the indicated operations with the complex numbers
√ √
(a) −6i(3 − 2i) (e) (4 − 5i)(6 + 2i) (i) ( 3 − i)( 3 + i)

(b) −3i(5 + 2i) (f ) (3 + 7i)(2 + 5i) (j) (3 + 4i)2

(c) (2 − 3i)(4 + 6i) (g) (5 − 2i)(5 + 2i) (k) (−6 − 2i)2

√ √ √ √
(d) (3 − i)(5 − 2i) (h) (4 + 3i)(4 − 3i) (l) ( 2 + i 3)( 2 − i 3)

3.1.4 Division

When dividing any number by a complex number we multiply both the numerator
and denominator by a complex conjugate of the denominator.

A complex conjugate is a complex number where the imaginary part changes the sign.
For example, conjugate of 3 + 4i is 3 − 4i.
Note. We shall denote the complex conjugate of the complex number Z by Z̄.
Example 3.9. Find the conjugate for each of the following

(i) Z = −2 − 3i
Solution:
Z̄ = −2 + 3i

(ii) Z = 4i − 4
Solution:
Z̄ = −4 − 4i
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(iii) Z = 7i
Solution:
Z̄ = −7i

(iv) Z = 6
Solution:
Z̄ = 6

Example 3.10. Simplify

2+3i
(i) 5−2i
Solution:

2 + 3i (2 + 3i)(5 + 2i)
=
5 − 2i (5 − 2i)(5 + 2i)
2(5 + 2i) + 3i(5 + 2i)
=
5(5 + 2i) − 2i(5 + 2i)
10 + 4i + 15i + 6i2
=
25 + 10i − 10i − 4i2
10 + 19i − 6
=
25 + 4
10 − 6 + 19i
=
29
4 + 19i
=
29
4 19
= + i.
29 29
3i
(ii) 2+i
Solution:

3i 3i(2 − i)
=
2+i (2 + i)(2 − i)
6i − 3i2
=
2(2 − i) + i(2 − i)
6i + 3
=
4 − 2i + 2i − i2
3 + 6i
=
4+1
3 + 6i
=
5
3 6
= + i.
5 5
3+i 7−2i
(iii) 4−2i
− 1+i

12
 Solution:

3+i 7 − 2i (1 + i)(3 + i) − (7 − 2i)(4 − 2i)

− =
4 − 2i 1+i (4 − 2i)(1 + i)
(3 + i + 3i + i2 ) − (28 − 14i − 8i + 4i2 )
=
(4 + 4i − 2i − 2i2 )
(3 + 4i − 1) − (28 − 22i + −4)
=
4 + 2i + 2
2 − 24 + 4i − −22i
=
6 + 2i
3+i 7 − 2i −22 + 26i
− = .
4 − 2i 1+i 6 + 2i
And
−22 + 26i (−22 + 26i)(6 − 2i)
=
6 + 2i (6 + 2i)(6 − 2i)
−132 + 44i + 156i − 52i2
=
36 − 12i + 12i − 4i2
−132 + 200i + 52
=
36 + 4
−80 + 200i
=
40
−80 200
+ i
40 40
= −2 + 5i.
Thus
3+i 7 − 2i
− = −2 + 5i.
4 − 2i 1+i
Example 3.11. Find the value of x and y if Z = x + iy in the following

1
(i) x + iy = 2−5i
Solution:

1(2 + 5i) 2 + 5i
x + iy = =
(2 − 5i)(2 + 5i) 4 + 10i − 10i + 25
2 + 5i
=
29
2 5
= + i.
29 29
2 5
Thus x = 29 and y = 29 .
√
(ii) x + iy = 5 + 3i
Solution:

13
 p p
( x + iy)( x + iy) = (5 + 3i)(5 + 3i)
x + iy = 5(5 + 3i) + 3i(5 + 3i)
= 25 + 15i + 15i + 9i2
= 25 + 30i − 9
= 25 − 9 + 30i
= 16 + 30i.
Thus x = 16 and y = 30.
Z
(iii) Z+1
= 1 + 2i
Solution:
Since Z = x + iy, then
x + iy 1 + 2i
=
x + iy + 1 1
x + iy = (1 + 2i)(x + iy + 1)
= 1(x + iy + 1) + 2i(x + iy + 1)
= x + iy + 1 + 2xi − 2y + 2i
= (x + 1 − 2y) + i(y + 2x + 2)

It therefore follows that

x = x + 1 − 2y
x − x − 1 = −2y
−1 = −2y, by dividing both sides by −2,we shall obtain
1
∴y= ,
2
and
y = y + 2x + 2
y − y − 2 = 2x
−2 = 2x, by dividing both sides by 2,we shall obtain
∴ x = −1.

(iv) (1 + i)x + 2(1 − 2i)y = 3

Solution:

(1 + i)x + 2(1 − 2i)y = 3

x + ix + 2y − 4yi = 3 + 0i
(x + 2y) + i(x − 4y) = 3 + 0i.
By equating the imaginary and real parts on both sides, we shall obtain that

x + 2y = 3

∴ x = 3 − 2y, (3.1)
and
x − 4y = 0
14
 ∴ x = 4y. (3.2)
Putting (3.2) into (3.1), we shall obtain that

4y = 3 − 2y
4y + 2y = 3
6y = 3 divide both sides by 3
1
∴y= .
2
Thus
1
x=4×
2
∴ x = 2.
1 2
(v) Z
+ Z̄
=1+i
Solution:
Since Z = x + iy, then
1 2
+ =1+i
x + iy x − iy
1(x − iy) + 2(x + iy)
=1+i
(x + iy)(x − iy)
x = iy + 2x + 2iy
=1+i
x − ixy + ixy − i2 y 2
2

3x + iy
=1+i
x2 + y 2
3x y
2 2
+ 2 i = 1 + i.
x +y x + y2
Thus, by equating the real part and real part on both sides, we shall obtain
3x
=1
x2 + y2

3x = x2 + y 2 , (3.3)
and
3x
i=i
x2 + y 2
y = x2 + y 2 , (3.4)
(3.3)-(3.4) gives 3x − y = 0. Thus y = 3x.
Putting the value of y = 3x into (3.4), we shall obtain that

3x = x2 + (3x)2
= x2 + 9x2 = 10x2
∴ 3x − 10x2 = 0
x(3 − 10x) = 0.

15
 Either x = 0,

3 − 10x = 0
3 − 10x + 10x = 10x
3 = 10x by dividing both sides by 10, we shall obtain that
3
x= .
10
When x = 0, y = 0.
3
When x = 10 ,
3 9
y = 3 × 10 = 10 .
3 9
Thus, either Z = 0 or Z = 10
+ 10
i.

Activity for subsection 3.1.4

Problem 3.4. Perform the indicated operations with the complex numbers
√ √
−1+i√ 3 3+i 2
(a) 1+i


1−i
(b) 1+i 3
(c) 1+i

Activity for subsection 3.1

Problem 3.5. Perform the indicated operations with the complex numbers

(a) (−2 + 3i) + (−4 − 9i) (c) 2i(3 + i) (e) (−3i)2

(b) (−1 − 5i) − (3 − 2i) (d) (3i)2 (f ) (5 − 2i)(5 + 2i)

Problem 3.6. Express each of the following in the form a + bi

8−i 3i 1−i
(a) 2+i
(f ) −2+i
(j) 3+2i
1
(b) 5−4i 3i 4+2i
(g) −2+i
(k) 2−3i
3−2i
(c) i
−3+3i 2−i
1 (h) (l) 3+5i
(d) 2−i
i

1 −2−4i 4+2i
(e) 5+2i
(i) −i
(m) 5−3i

Problem 3.7. If z = x + iy find the values of x and y such that

√
(i) z1 + z2 = 4 + i 1
(ii) z = 4+3i

Problem 3.8. Express each of the following in the form a + ib

√
2−i
(a) (2 + i)4 (b) 3i−1 (c)
(4+3i) (3+4i)
3+i

16
3.2 Argand Diagram

An Argand diagram is a sketch in the xy plane on which complex numbers are plotted.
The real part is plotted on the x-axis and its called the real axis while the imaginary
part is plotted on the y-axis and its called the imaginary axis.

x denotes the real part and iy denotes the imaginary part. Complex numbers can
be represented on an Argand Diagram. An Argand Diagram is similar to the
Cartesian Coordinate System except that the Real axis and Imaginary axis re-
place the X and Y axis respectively which you would usually expect see on the
Cartesian system. This is shown in Figure 1.

Im z

3i 2 + 3i

2i

1i

−3 −2 −1 θ 1 2 3 Re z

−1i

−2i

−3i

Figure 4: This shows the complex number 2+3i plotted on an Argand Diagram

17
Example 3.12. Plot the following on an argand diagram

(a) z1 = 3 + 4i
Solution:

Im z

4i z1 = 3 + 4i

3i

2i

1i

−1 1 2 3 4 Re z

−1i

Figure 5: Shows the complex number 3+4i plotted on an Argand Diagram

18
(b) z2 = 3 − 5i
Solution:

Im z

4i

3i

2i

1i

−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 Re z

−1i

−2i

−3i

−4i

−5i z2 = 3 − 5i

Figure 6: Shows the complex number 3-5i plotted on an Argand Diagram

19
(c) z3 = −5 + 2i
Solution:

Im z

3i

z3 = −5 + 2i 2i

1i

−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 Re z

−1i

−2i

−3i

−4i

−5i

Figure 7: Shows the complex number -5+2i plotted on an Argand Diagram

(d) z4 = 1 + i
Solution:

Im z

2i

1i z4 = 1 + i

−2 −1 1 2 Re z

−1i

−2i

Figure 8: Shows the complex number 1+i plotted on an Argand Diagram

20
Example 3.13. Given z1 = 3 − 5i, z2 = −5 + 2i and z3 = 1 + i, plot the following
on an argand diagram

(i) 2z1 + z2
Solution:

2z1 + z2 = 2(3 − 5i) + −5 + 2i

= 6 − 10i − 5 + 2i
= 6 − 5 + 2i − 10i
= 1 − 8i.

Im z

2i

1i

−8 −7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 Re z

−1i

−2i

−3i

−4i

−5i

−6i

−7i

−8i 2z1 + z2 = 1 − 8i

Figure 9: Shows the complex number 1-8i plotted on an Argand Diagram

21
(ii) z3 − z1
Solution:

z3 − z1 = (1 + i) − (3 − 5i)
= 1 + i − 3 + 5i
= 1 − 3 + i + 5i
= −2 + 6i.

Im z

z3 − z1 = −2 + 6i 6i

5i

4i

3i

2i

1i z3 = 1 + i

−6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5 6 Re z

−1i

−2i

−3i

−4i

−5i z1 = 3 − 5i

−6i

Figure 10: Shows the complex number -2+6 plotted on an Argand Diagram

22
 z1
(iii) z2
Solution:
z1 3 − 5i
=
z2 −5 + 2i
(3 − 5i)(−5 − 2i)
=
(−5 + 2i)(−5 − 2i)
3(−5 − 2i) − 5i(−5 − 2i)
=
−5(−5 − 2i) + 2i(−5 − 2i)
−15 − 6i + 25i + 10i2
=
25 + 10i − 10i − 4i2
−15 + 19i − 10
=
25 + 4
−15 − 10 + 19i
=
29
−25 + 19i
=
29
−25 19
= + i
29 29
= −0.862 + 0.655i.

Im z

2i

1i
z1
z2
= −0.862 + 0.655i
−2 −1 1 2 Re z

−1i

−2i

z1
Figure 11: Shows the complex number z2
= −0.862 + 0.655i plotted on an Argand
Diagram

23
(iv) z¯2
Solution:

z2 = −5 + 2i
z¯2 = −5 − 2i

Im z

3i

z2 = −5 + 2i 2i

1i

−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 Re z

−1i

z¯2 = −5 + 2i −2i

−3i

−4i

−5i

Figure 12: Shows the complex number -5+2i and its complex conjugate -5-2i plot-
ted on an Argand Diagram

(v) z¯1 z2
Solution:

z1 = 3 − 5i
z¯1 = 3 + 5i
z3 = 1 + i.
Then
z¯1 z2 = (3 + 5i)(1 + i)
= 3(1 + i) + 5i(1 + i)
= 3 + 3i + 5i + 5i2
= 3 + 8i − 5
= 3 − 5 + 8i
z¯1 z2 = −2 + 8i.

24
 Im z

z¯1 z3 = −2 + 8i 8i

7i

6i

5i

4i

3i

2i

1i

−3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Re z

−1i

−2i

−3i

Figure 13: Shows the complex number z¯1 z2 = −2 + 8i plotted on an Argand Diagram

25
3.2.1 Modulus of a complex number

The Modulus of the complex number gives the straight line distance from the origin
to the point.

Given the complex number z = x + yi, the modulus, |z| is given

p
|z| = x2 + y 2

Example 3.14. Given z = 3 + 4i, determine |z|

Solution:
√
|z| = 32 + 42
√
= 9 + 16
√
= 25
∴ |z| = 5units.

Note. The modulus is the length from the point to the (0, 0) co-ordinate.

3.2.2 The argument (θ)

The Argument gives the angle between the line representing the complex number and
the positive real axis.

Its sometimes written as arg (z).

The principal argument is the smallest angle between the line representing the com-
plex number and the positive real axis.

If its measured clockwise its negative but it has a positive value when measured
anticlockwise.

To determine the arg (z) of a complex number z, it is better to make a sketch so as

to identify the quadrant in which the complex number lies.

Example 3.15. Find modulus and argument of

(i) 5 + 3i
Solution:

z = 5 + 3i
√
r = |z| = 52 + 32
√
= 25 + 9
√
= 34
= 5.8 units

26
 Im z

3i z = 5 + 3i

θ Re z

Figure 14: z = 5 + 3i in the complex plane.

y
θ = arg (z) = tan−1 ( )
x
3
= tan−1 ( ) = tan−1 (0.6)
5
o
= 31

(ii) z = −5 − 5i
Solution:

Im z

Re z

−5 α
θ
r

z = −5 − 5i −5i

Figure 15: z = −5 − 5i in the complex plane.

p
|z| = x2 + y 2
√
= −52 + −52
√
= 25 + 25
√
= 50
= 7.071
∴ |z| = 7.1.

27
 y 5
tan α = = =1
x 5
α = tan−1 (1)
= 45o
Arg(z) = θ = −180o + 45o
= −135o .
√
(iii) z = 6 − 2 3i
Solution:

Im z

6 Re z

θ
r
√ √
−2 3i z = 6 − 2 3i
√
Figure 16: z = 6 − 2 3i in the complex plane.
p
|z| =x2 + y 2
q √
= 62 + (2 3)2
√
= 36 + 12
√
= 48
= 6.9282
∴ |z| = 6.93.
√ √
y 2 3 3
tan α = = =
x 6√ 3
3
α = tan−1 ( )
3
= 30o
Arg(z) = θ = −30o .
√
(iv) z = −1 + 3i
Solution:
p
|z| = x2 + y 2
q √
= −12 + ( 3)2
√
= 1+3
√
= 4
=2
∴ |z| = 2.
28
 Im z

√ √
z = −1 + 3i 3i
r

α θ Re z

−1

√
Figure 17: z = −1 + 3i in the complex plane.

√
y 3 √
tan α = = = 3
x 1√
α = tan−1 ( 3)
= 60o
Arg(z) = θ = 180o − α = 180o − 60o
= 120o .

(v) z = 4i
Solution:

Im z

4i
z = 4i
3i

2i

1i

−1 θ 1 2 3 4 Re z

−1i

Figure 18: Shows the complex number z = 4i plotted on an Argand Diagram

p
|z| = x2 + y 2
√
= 02 + 42
√
= 0+4
√
= 4
=2
∴ |z| = 2.

29
 y 4
tan θ = =
x 0
4
θ = tan−1 ( )
0
= 90o
∴ Arg(z) = θ = 90o .

(vi) z = 2
Solution:

Im z

2i

1i

−1 1 2 Re z

z = 4i
−1i

Figure 19: Shows the complex number z = 4i plotted on an Argand Diagram

p
|z| = x2 + y 2
√
= 22 + 02
√
= 4+0
√
= 4
=2
∴ |z| = 2.
y 0
Arg(z) = tan−1 ( ) = tan−1 ( )
x 2
θ = tan−1 (0)
= 0o
Arg(z) = 0o .
Example 3.16. Find the modulus and the principal argument for the following given
z1 = 5 + 3i and z2 = −5 − 5i;

(a) z1 + z2
Solution:

30
 z1 + z2 = (5 + 3i) + (−5 − 5i)
= 5 − 5 + 3i − 5i
= 0 + −2i
z1 + z2 = −2i
p
z1 + z2 = x2 + y 2
√
= 02 + −22
√
= 4
= 2 units.

Im z

2i

1i

−2 −1 1 2 Re z

−1i
z1 + z2 = −2i
−2i

Figure 20: Shows the complex number z1 + z2 = −2i plotted on an Argand Diagram

Arg(z1 + z2 ) = −90o

(b) 2z2 − z1
Solution:

2z2 − z1 = 2(−5 − 5i) − (5 + 3i)

= −10 − 10i − 5 − 3i
= −10 − 5 − 10i − 3i
= −15 − 13i.

y −13 13
tan (α) = = =
x −15 15
13
α = tan−1 ( )
15
= tan−1 0.866667
= 40.91
α = 40.9o .
∴ Arg(2z2 − z1 ) = θ = −180o + 40.90
= −139.1o

31
 Im z

−15 Re z
α θ

2z2 − z1 = −15 − 13i −13i

Figure 21: Shows a sketch for the complex number 2z2 − z1 = −15 − 13i plotted in
the complex plane.

z1
(c) z2
Solution:

32
 z1 5 + 3i
=
z2 −5 − 5i
(5 + 3i)(−5 + 5i)
=
(−5 − 5i)(−5 + 5i)
5(−5 + 5i) + 3i(−5 + 5i)
=
−5(−5 + 5i) − 5i(−5 + 5i)
−25 + 25i − 15i + 15i2
=
25 − 25i + 25i − 25i2
−25 + 10i − 15
=
25 + 25
−25 − 15 = 10i
=
50
40 10
=− + i
50 50
4 1
=− + i
5 5
z1
= −0.8 + 0.2i.
z2
z1 p
= x2 + y 2
z2
r
−4 1
= )+ )
5 5
r
16 1
= +
25 25
r
17
=
25
√
17
=
5
= 0.8246
z1
∴ = 0.825 units
z2

Im z

z1 1
z2
= 5
− 45 i 1
5
i
r

α θ Re z

− 45

z1 1
Figure 22: Shows the complex number z2
= 5
− 45 i in the complex plane.

33
 y 1 4
tan α = = ( )/( )
x 5 5
1 5
= ×
5 4
1
=
4
1
α = tan−1 ( )
4
= 14.036
∴ α = 14o .
z1
Arg( ) = θ = 180o − 14o
z2
= 166o
z1
∴ Arg( ) = 166o .
z2
(d) z1 z2
Solution:

z1 z2 = (5 + 3i)(−5 − 5i)
= 5(−5 − 5i) + 3i(−5 − 5i)
= −25 − 25i − 15i − 15i2
= −25 − 40i + 15
= −25 + 15 − 40i
∴ z1 z2 = −10 − 40i.
p
|z1 z2 | = x2 + y 2
√
= −102 + −402
√
= 100 + 1600
√
= 1700 = 41.231
∴ |z1 z2 | = 41.2 units.

Im z

−10 Re z
α θ

z1 z2 = −10 − 40i −40i

Figure 23: Shows a sketch for the complex number z1 z2 = −10 − 40i plotted in the
complex plane.

34
 y −40
tan α = = =4
x −10
α = tan−1 (4)
= 75.964
∴ α = 76o .
Arg(z1 z2 ) = θ = −180o + 76o = −104o
∴ Arg(z1 z2 ) = −104o .

(e) z1 z¯2
Solution:

z1 = 5 + 3i
z2 = −5 − 5i
z¯2 = −5 + 5i.
z1 z¯2 = (5 + 3i)(−5 + 5i)
= 5(−5 + 5i) + 3i(−5 + 5i)
= −25 + 25i − 15i + 15i2
= −25 + 10i − 15
= −25 − 15 + 10i
∴ z1 z¯2 = −40 + 10i.

Im z

z1 z¯2 = −40 + 10i 10i

r
α θ Re z

−40

Figure 24: Shows the complex number z1 z¯2 = −40 + 10i in the complex plane.

35
 p
|z1 z¯2 | = x2 + y 2
√
= −402 + 102
√
= 1600 + 100
√
= 1700
= 41.231 ∴ |z1 z¯2 | = 41.2.
y 10 1
tan α = =
x 40 4
−1 1
α = tan ( )
4
= 14.036
∴ α = 14o .
Arg(z1 z¯2 ) = θ = 180o − 14o
= 166o
∴ Arg(z1 z¯2 ) = 166o .
Example 3.17. Given that z1 = 1+2i and z2 = 2−i, find the modulus and principal
argument of the following

(i) z1 + z2

(ii) 2z2 − z1
z1
(iii) z2

(iv) z1 z2

(v) z1 z¯2

Solution:

(i)
z1 + z2 = (1 + 2i) + (2 − i)
= 1 + 2i + 2 − i
= 1 + 2 + 2i − i
= 3 + i.
p
|z1 + z2 | = x2 + y 2
√
= 32 + 12
√
= 9+1
√
= 10
1
Arg(z) = θ = tan−1 ( )
3
= 18.435
∴ Arg(z) = 18.4.

36
 Im z

i z1 + z2 = 3 + i
r
θ Re z

Figure 25: z1 + z2 = 3 + i in the complex plane.

(ii) Solution:

2z2 − z1 = 2(2 − i) − (1 + 2i)

= 4 − 2i − 1 − 2i
= 4 − 1 − 2i − 2i
= 3 − 4i.

Im z

3 Re z

θ
r

4i 2z2 − z1 = 3 − 4i

Figure 26: 2z2 − z1 = 3 − 4i in the complex plane.

p
|2z2 − z1 | = x2 + y 2
√
= 32 + −42
√
= 9 + 16
√
= 25
∴ |2z2 − z1 | = 5 units
Arg(z) = θ
y 4
= tan−1 ( ) = tan−1 ( )
x 3
= 53.130
∴ Arg(z) = 53.1o .

37
(iii)
z1 1 + 2i
=
z2 2−i
(1 + 2i)(2 + i)
=
(2 − i)(2 + i)
1(2 + i) + 2i(2 + i)
=
2(2 + i) − i(2 + i)
2 + i + 4i + 2i2
=
4 + 2i − 2i − i2
2 + 5i − 2
=
4+1
5i
=
5
z1
∴ =i
z2

Im z

i
1i
z1
z2
=i
−1 1 Re z

−1i

z1
Figure 27: Shows the complex number z2
= i plotted on an Argand Diagram

z1 p
| | = x2 + y 2
z2
√
= 02 + 12
√
= 1
z1
∴ | | = 1 unit
z2
y
Arg(z) = θ = tan−1 ( )
x
1
= tan−1 ( )
0
= tan−1 (∞)
= 90o
∴ Arg(z) = 90o .

38
(iv)
z1 z2 = (1 + 2i)(2 − i)
= 1(2 − i) + 2i(2 − i)
= 2 − i + 4i − 2i2
= 2 + 3i + 2
= 4 + 3i
∴ z1 z2 = 4 + 3i.

Im z

3i z1 z2 = 4 + 3i
r

θ Re z

Figure 28: Shows z1 z2 = 4 + 3i plotted in the complex plane.

p √
x2 + y 2 = 42 + 32
|z1 z2 | =
√
= 16 + 9
√
= 25
∴ |z1 z2 | = 5 units
y
Arg(z) = θ = tan−1 ( )
x
3
= tan−1 ( )
4
−1
= tan (0.75)
= 36.8699o
∴ Arg(z) = 36.9o .

(v) z1 = 1 + 2i, z2 = 2 − i, z¯2 = 2 + i

z1 z¯2 = (1 + 2i)(2 + i)
= 1(2 + i) + 2i(2 + i)
= 2 + i + 4i + 2i2
= 2 + 5i − 2
∴ z1 z¯2 = 5i

39
 Im z

5i
z1 z¯2 = 5i
4i

3i

2i

1i

−1 1 2 3 4 5 Re z

−1i

Figure 29: Shows the complex number z1 z¯2 = 5i plotted on an Argand Diagram

p
x2 + y 2
|z1 z¯2 | =
√
= 02 + 52
√
= 25
∴ |z1 z¯2 | = 5 units
y
Arg(z) = θ = tan−1 ( )
x
5
= tan−1 ( )
0
−1
= tan (∞)
= 90o
∴ Arg(z) = 90o .

40
3.2.3 Radians and Degrees

A circle has 360o = 2π i.e., π = 180o

Example 3.18. If θ = π6 . Convert it to degrees

Solution:
π 180o
Since π = 180o , then 6
= 6
= 30o .

Example 3.19. Convert 150o to radians

Solution:

180o = π rad
π
1o =
180o
π
150o = × 150o
180o
5
= π.
6

Activity for subsection 3.2

√ √
Problem 3.9. If z1 = 1 − 3i and z2 = 3 + 4i. Find the modulus and argument of
the following
z1
(a) z1 z2 (b) z2

Problem 3.10. Find the moduli and arguments of the quantities

√
(a) −1 (b) i (c) −1 − 3

and show it in the argand diagram the positions of the points representing the quan-
tities
(1+2i)
Problem 3.11. Find the modulus and argument of the complex quantity (4+5i)

3.3 Polar form of a complex number

Consider a complex number z = x + iy

From figure above, we have that x = r cos θ, y = r sin θ. Thus the complex number
z = x + iy can be represented by z = r cos θ + ir sin θ = r(cos θ + i sin θ).
p
This is called the polar form of the complex number where r = |z| = x2 + y 2 and
θ = arg(z).

Example 3.20. Express z = 2 + 3i in polar form

41
 y- axis

y
r
r sin θ
θ x- axis
x

Figure 30: Polar form of a complex number

Solution:
p
r = |z| = x2 + y 2
√
= 22 + 32
√
= 4+9
√
∴ r = 13

Im z

3i z = 2 + 3i
r

θ Re z

Figure 31: Complex number z = 2 + 3i plotted on an argand plane

y
arg(z) = θ = tan−1 ( )
x
−1 3
= tan ( )
2
= tan−1 (1.5)
= 56.310
∴ θ = 56.3o .
From z = r(cos θ + i sin θ), we shall therefore obtain that
√
 
o o
z = 13 cos 56.3 + i sin 56.3 .

Example 3.21. Express the following complex numbers in polar form

(a) z = 3 + 4
Solution:

42
 p
x2 + y 2
r = |z| =
√
= 32 + 42
√
= 9 + 16
√
= 25 = 5
√
∴r= 5

Im z

4i z = 3 + 4i
r

θ Re z

Figure 32: Complex number z = 3 + 4i plotted on an argand plane

y
arg(z) = θ = tan−1 ( )
x
4
= tan−1 ( )
3
−1
= tan (1.3333)
= 53.129
∴ θ = 53.1o .
From z = r(cos θ + i sin θ), we shall therefore obtain that
√
 
o o
z = 13 cos 53.1 + i sin 53.1 .

(b) z = −1 + 2i
Solution:

Im z

z = −1 + 2i 2i
r

α θ Re z

−1

Figure 33: Complex number z = −1 + 2i plotted on an argand plane

43
 p
x2 + y 2
r = |z| =
√
= −12 + 22
√
= 1+4
√
∴ r = 5.
y 2
tan α = = = 2
x 1
−1
α = tan (2)
= 63.4349
∴ α = 63.4o .
arg(z) = θ = 180o − 63.4o = 116.6o
∴ θ = 116.6o .
√
From z = r(cos θ + i sin θ), where θ = 116.6o and r = 5,
√
 
o o
z = 5 cos 116.6 + i sin 116.6 .

Remark 1. Take note of the following

• If a complex number is written in polar form z = r(cos θ + i sin θ), it can also be
written in polar coordinates as (r, θ) or (r∠θ).
For example z = 2(cos 30o + i sin 30o ) can be written as (2, 30o ) or (2∠30o ).

• Similarly, if a number is written in rectangular form as z = x + iy, we can write it

in rectangular coordinates as (x, y).
for example z = 2 + 3i is written as (2, 3) in rectangular coordinates.

3.3.1 Multiplication in polar form

Consider
z1 = r1 (cos θ1 + i sin θ1 ) and
z2 = r2 (cos θ2 + i sin θ2 )
It therefore follows that
z1 z2 = r1 (cos θ1 + i sin θ1 )r2 (cos θ2 + i sin θ2 )
 
= r1 r2 cos θ1 (cos θ2 + i sin θ2 ) + i sin θ1 (cos θ2 + i sin θ2 )
 
2
= r1 r2 cos θ1 cos θ2 + i cos θ1 sin θ2 + i sin θ1 cos θ2 + i sin θ1 sin θ2
 
= r1 r2 cos θ1 cos θ2 + i cos θ1 sin θ2 + i sin θ1 cos θ2 − sin θ1 sin θ2
 



= r1 r2 cos θ1 cos θ2 − sin θ1 sin θ2 + i cos θ1 sin θ2 + sin θ1 cos θ2
 
= r1 r2 cos (θ1 + θ2 ) + sin (θ1 + θ2 ) .
44
Thus  
z1 z2 = r1 r2 cos (θ1 + θ2 ) + sin (θ1 + θ2 ) . (3.5)

Example 3.22. Given that z1 = 2∠50o and z2 = 2∠30o , evaluate z1 z2

Solution:
Let r1 = 2, r2 = 3, θ1 = 50o and θ2 = 30o

r1 .r2 = 2 × 3 = 6
θ1 + θ2 = 50o + 30o = 80o .

From (3.5), given by

 
z1 z2 = r1 r2 cos (θ1 + θ2 ) + sin (θ1 + θ2 )

we shall obtain
z1 z2 = 6(cos 80o + i sin 80o ).

3.3.2 Division in polar form

Consider
z1 = r1 (cos θ1 + i sin θ1 ) and
z2 = r2 (cos θ2 + i sin θ2 )
It therefore follows that
z1 r1 (cos θ1 + i sin θ1 )
=
z2 r2 (cos θ2 + i sin θ2 )
 
r1 (cos θ1 + i sin θ1 )(cos θ2 − i sin θ2 )
=
r2 (cos θ2 + i sin θ2 )(cos θ2 − i sin θ2 )
 
r1 cos θ1 (cos θ2 − i sin θ2 ) + i sin θ1 (cos θ2 − i sin θ2 )
=
r2 cos θ2 (cos θ2 − i sin θ2 ) + i sin θ2 (cos θ2 − i sin θ2 )
r1 cos θ1 cos θ2 − i cos θ1 sin θ2 + i sin θ1 cos θ2 − i2 sin θ1 sin θ2
 
=
r2 cos θ2 cos θ2 − i cos θ2 sin θ2 + i sin θ2 cos θ2 − i2 sin θ2 sin θ2



cos θ1 cos θ2 + sin θ1 sin θ2 + i sin θ1 cos θ2 − cos θ1 sin θ2

r1
=
r2 cos2 θ2 + sin2 θ2
 
r1 cos (θ1 − θ2 ) + i sin (θ1 − θ2 )
=
r2 1
 
z1 r1
∴ = cos (θ1 − θ2 ) + i sin (θ1 − θ2 ) .
z2 r2
Example 3.23. If z1 = 4 cos 60o + 4i sin 60o and z1 = 3 cos 30o + 3i sin 30o . Find z1 z2
and zz21 in

(a) polar form

(b) rectangular form

45
Solution:

(a) Given z1 = 4 cos 60o + 4i sin 60o and z1 = 3 cos 30o + 3i sin 30o
Let r1 = 4, r2 = 3, θ1 = 60o and θ2 = 30o

r1 .r2 = 4 × 3 = 12
θ1 + θ2 = 60o + 30o = 90o .

From (3.5), given by

 
z1 z2 = r1 r2 cos (θ1 + θ2 ) + sin (θ1 + θ2 ) ,

we shall obtain
z1 z2 = 12(cos 90o + i sin 90o )
= 12(0 + i)
∴ z1 z2 = 12i.
And from  
z1 r1
= cos (θ1 − θ2 ) + i sin (θ1 − θ2 )
z2 r2
 
4 o o o o
= cos (60 − 30 ) + i sin (60 − 30 )
3
 
4 o o
= cos (30 ) + i sin (30 )
3
√ 
4 3 1
= + i
3 2 2
√
4 3 41
= × + i
3√ 2 32
z1 2 3 2
∴ = + i.
z2 3 3
(b)
z1 = 4 cos 60o + 4i sin 60o
√
1 3
= 4 × + 4i ×
2√ 2
∴ z1 = 2 + 2 3i.
And
z2 = 3 cos 30o + 3i sin 30o
√
3 1
=3× + 3i ×
√ 2 2
3 3 3
∴ z2 = + i
2 2

46
 √
√ 3 3 3
z1 z2 = (2 + 2 3i)( + i)
√ 2 2 √
3 3 3 √ 3 3 3
= 2( + i) + 2 3i( + i)
√2 2 √ √2 2 √
= 3 3 + 3i + 3 × 3 × 3i + 3 × 3i2
√ √
= 3 3 + 3i + 9i − 3 3
= 12i
∴ z1 z2 = 12i.
And √ √ √
z1 2 + 2 3i 2 + 2 3i 2(2 + 2 3i)
= √ = √ = √
z2 3 3
+ 3
i (3 3 + 3i)/2 (3 3 + 3i)
2
√2 √
(4 + 4 3i)(3 3 − 3i)
= √ √
(3 3 + 3i)(3 3 − 3i)
√ √
12 3 − 12i + 12 × 3i − 12 3i2
= √ √
9 × 3 − 9 3i + 9 3i − 9i2
√ √
12 3 + 12 3 − 12i + 36i
=
√ 27 + 9
24 3 + 24i
36
√
24 3 24i
= +
36
√ 36
2 3 2i
= +
3
√ 3
z1 2 3 2i
∴ = + .
z2 3 3

Activity for subsection 3.3

5 −π
Problem 3.12. If |z1 | = 10, arg(z1 ) = 12
π and |z2 | = 2, arg(z1 ) = 12
. Find

(a) z1 z2
z1
(b) z2

(c) z12

in polar form
Problem 3.13. Express in polar form; include a sketch in each case
√ √
(a) 2 − 2i (b) 3 + i (c) − 5i (d) −17 − 23i

3.4 De Moivre’s Theorem

De Moivre’s Theorem states that (cos θ + i sin θ)n = cos nθ + i sin nθ, where n is a
positive number [2, subsection 21.7].
47
The theorem can be proved by the method of induction.

Proof. Consider (cos θ + i sin θ)n = cos nθ + i sin nθ,

when n = 1, (cos θ + i sin θ)1 = cos θ + i sin θ

Thus, the theorem is true for n = 1.
when n = 2, (cos θ + i sin θ)2 = (cos θ + i sin θ)(cos θ + i sin θ)
= cos2 θ + i cos θ sin θ + i cos θ sin θ + i2 sin2 θ,
since i2 = −1, then (cos θ + i sin θ)2 = cos2 θ − sin2 θ + 2i cos θ sin θ
= cos 2θ + i sin 2θ.

Thus, the theorem is true for n = 2.

Generally

(cos θ + i sin θ)n = cos nθ + i sin nθ

when n = n + 1,
(cos θ + i sin θ)n+1 = (cos θ + i sin θ)n .(cos θ + i sin θ)1
= (cos nθ + i sin nθ)(cos θ + i sin θ)
= cos nθ cos θ + i cos nθ sin θ + i sin nθ cos θ + i2 sin nθ sin θ.
= cos nθ cos θ − sin nθ sin θ + i cos nθ sin θ + i sin nθ cos θ
= cos (nθ + θ) + i sin (nθ + θ)
n+1
(cos θ + i sin θ) = cos (n + 1)θ + i sin (n + 1)θ.

When n is negative

(cos θ + i sin θ)−n

Let m = −n
(cos θ + i sin θ)m = cos mθ + i sin mθ
= cos (−nθ) + i sin (−nθ)
−n
(cos θ + i sin θ) = cos (−nθ) + i sin (−nθ).
Lastly when n = pq ,
p p p
(cos θ + i sin θ) q = cos θ + i sin θ.
q q
Generally

(cos θ + i sin θ)n = cos nθ + i sin nθ.

Example 3.24. Use De Moivre’s theorem to show that

(cos 3θ+i sin 3θ)5 (cos θ−i sin θ)3

(a) (cos 5θ+i sin 5θ)7 (cos 2θ−i sin 2θ)5
= cos 13θ − i sin 13θ.
(cos θ+i sin θ)2
(b) (sin φ+i cos φ)5
= sin (2θ + 5φ) − i cos(2θ + 5φ).
48
(c) (i) cos 4θ = cos4 (θ) − 6 cos2 (θ) sin2 (θ) + sin4 (θ).
(ii) sin 4θ = 4 cos3 θ sin θ − 4 cos θ sin3 θ.

(d) cos 5x
cos x
= 1 − 12 sin2 x + 16 sin4 x

Solution:

(a)
(cos 3θ + i sin 3θ)5 (cos θ − i sin θ)3
= cos 13θ − i sin 13θ
(cos 5θ + i sin 5θ)7 (cos 2θ − i sin 2θ)5
(cos 15θ + i sin 15θ)(cos 3θ − i sin 3θ)
LHS =
(cos 35θ + i sin 35θ)(cos 10θ − i sin 10θ)
cos 15θ(cos 3θ − i sin (3θ)) + i sin 15θ(cos 3θ − i sin 3θ)
=
cos 35θ(cos 10θ − i sin (10θ)) + i sin 35θ(cos 10θ − i sin 10θ)
cos 15θ cos 3θ − i sin 3θ cos 15θ + i sin 15θ cos 3θ − i2 sin 3θ sin 15θ
=
cos 35θ cos 10θ − i sin 10θ cos 35θ + i sin 35θ cos 10θ − i2 sin 35θ sin 10θ
cos 15θ cos 3θ + sin 3θ sin 15θ + i sin 15θ cos 3θ − i cos 15θ sin 3θ
=
cos 35θ cos 10θ + sin 35θ sin 10θ + i(sin 35θ cos 10θ − cos 35θ sin 10θ)
cos (15θ − 3θ) + i sin (15θ − 3θ)
=
cos (35θ − 10θ) + i sin (35θ − 10θ)
cos 12θ + i sin 12θ
= by the De Moivre’s theorem, we shall obtain
cos 25θ + i sin 25θ
(cos θ + i sin θ)12
=
(cos θ + i sin θ)25
= (cos θ + i sin θ)12−25
= (cos θ + i sin θ)−13
= cos (−13θ) + i sin (−13θ)
= cos 13θ − i sin 13θ
= RHS.

(b)
(cos θ + i sin θ)2
= sin (2θ + 5φ) − i cos(2θ + 5φ)
(sin φ + i cos φ)5

49
 cos 2θ + i sin 2θ
LHS = multiplying by the complex conjugate of the denominator, we shall get
sin 5φ + i cos 5φ
(cos 2θ + i sin 2θ)(sin 5φ − i cos 5φ)
=
(sin 5φ + i cos 5φ)(sin 5φ − i cos 5φ)
cos 2θ(sin 5φ − i cos 5φ) + i sin 2θ(sin 5φ − i cos 5φ)
=
cos 5φ(sin 5φ − i cos 5φ) + i sin 5φ(sin 5φ − i cos 5φ)
cos 2θ sin 5φ − i cos 2θ cos 5φ + i sin 2θ sin 5φ − i2 sin 2θ cos 5φ
=
sin2 5φ − i sin 5φ cos 5φ + i cos 5φ sin 5φ − i2 cos2 5φ
cos 2θ sin 5φ + sin 2θ cos 5φ − i(cos 2θ cos 5φ − sin 2θ sin 5φ)
=
sin2 5φ + cos2 5φ
sin (2θ + 5φ) − i cos (2θ + 5φ)
= using the identity sin2 θ + cos2 θ = 1
1
= sin (2θ + 5φ) − i cos (2θ + 5φ)
= RHS

(c) (i)
cos 4θ = cos4 (θ) − 6 cos2 (θ) sin2 (θ) + sin4 (θ)
Lets consider the expansion of (cos θ + i sin θ)4

(cos θ + i sin θ)4 = cos4 θ + 4i cos3 sin θ + 6i2 cos2 θ sin2 θ + 4i3 cos θ sin3 θ + sin4 θ
= cos4 θ + 4i cos3 sin θ − 6 cos2 θ sin2 θ + −4i cos θ sin3 θ + sin4 θ
= (cos4 θ − 6 cos2 θ sin2 θ + sin4 θ) + 4i(cos3 sin θ − cos θ sin3 θ).

By the De Moivre’s theorem, we have that

(cos θ + i sin θ)4 = cos 4θ + i sin 4θ.

It therefore follows that

cos 4θ+i sin 4θ = (cos4 θ−6 cos2 θ sin2 θ+sin4 θ)+4i(cos3 sin θ−cos θ sin3 θ).
(3.6)
By equating the real parts on both sides of equation (3.6), we shall obtain

cos 4θ = cos4 θ − 6 cos2 θ sin2 θ + sin4 θ

Hence the desired result.

(ii) By equating the imaginary parts on both sides of equation (3.6), we shall
obtain
i sin 4θ = 4i(cos3 sin θ − cos θ sin3 θ)
sin 4θ = 4 cos3 sin θ − 4 cos θ sin3 θ.
Hence the desired result.

(d)
cos 5x
= 1 − 12 sin2 x + 16 sin4 x
cos x

50
 Lets consider the expansion of (cos x + i sin x)5

(cos x + i sin x)5 = cos5 x + 5i cos4 x sin x + 10i2 cos3 x sin2 x + 10i3 cos2 x sin3 x
+ 5i4 cos x sin4 x + i5 sin5 x
= cos5 x + 5i cos4 sin x − 10 cos3 x sin2 x − 10i cos2 x sin3 x
+ 5 cos x sin4 x + i sin5 x
= (cos5 x − 10 cos3 x sin2 x + 5 cos x sin4 x)
+ i(5 cos4 sin x − 10 cos2 x sin3 x + sin5 x)

By the De Moivre’s theorem, we have that

(cos x + i sin x)5 = cos 5x + i sin 5x.

It therefore follows that

cos 5x+i sin 5x = (cos5 x−10 cos3 x sin2 x+5 cos x sin4 x)+i(5 cos4 sin x−10 cos2 x sin3 x+sin5 x)
(3.7)
By equating the real parts on both sides of equation (3.7), we shall obtain

cos 5x = cos5 x − 10 cos3 x sin2 x + 5 cos x sin4 x. (3.8)

Dividing equation (3.8) by cos x, we shall obtain

cos 5x cos5 x − 10 cos3 x sin2 x + 5 cos x sin4 x

=
cos x cos x
cos x 10 cos x sin2 x 5 cos x sin4 x
5 3
= − +
cos x cos x cos x
4 2 2 4
= cos x − 10 cos x sin x + 5 sin x
= (1 − sin2 x)2 − 10(1 − sin2 x) sin2 x + 5 sin4 x
= (1 − sin2 x)(1 − sin2 x) − 10(1 − sin2 x) sin2 x + 5 sin4 x
= 1 − sin2 x − sin2 x + sin4 x − 10(1 − sin2 x) sin2 x + 5 sin4 x
= 1 − 2 sin2 x + sin4 x − 10 sin2 x + 10 sin4 x + 5 sin4 x
= 1 − 12 sin2 x + 16 sin4 x.

Hence
cos 5x
= 1 − 12 sin2 x + 16 sin4 x.
cos x
Note. De Moivre’s theorem works on complex numbers when expressed in polar form
only.
√
Example 3.25. Using De Moivre’s theorem, find (1 + i 3)5

Solution: √
Let z = (1 + i 3), then
p q √ √ √
|z| = r = x + y = 12 + ( 3)2 = 1 + 3 = 4 = 2,
2 2

and √
y
−1 −1 3
arg z = tan ( ) = tan ( ) = 60o .
x 1
51
In polar form, we have that

z = r(cos θ + i sin θ). (3.9)

Thus √
z = (1 + i 3) = 2(cos 60 + i sin 60).
From equation (3.9), we get

z n = rn (cos θ + i sin θ)n . (3.10)

Thus from equation (3.10),

√
z 5 = (1 + i 3)5 = 25 (cos 60 + i sin 60)5
= 32(cos 5 × 60 + i sin 5 × 60)
= 32(cos 300 + i sin 300)
= 32(0.5 + −0.866)
= 16 − 27.7i.

Hence √
(1 + i 3)5 == 16 − 27.7i.

Activity for subsection 3.4

Problem 3.14. Show that

sin 4θ = 4 cos3 θ sin θ − 4 cos θ sin3 θ.

3.5 Locus

This is the relationship existing between variables in given equations.

Example 3.26. Find the equation of the locus given |z − 1| = 2 where z is a complex
number,

Solution:

z = x + iy
|x + iy − 1| = 2
|x − 1 + iy| = 2
p
(x − 1)2 + y 2 = 2 squaring both sides, we get
(x − 1)2 + y 2 = 4
x2 − 2x + 1 + y 2 = 4
x2 + y 2 − 2x + 1 − 4 = 0
x2 + y 2 − 2x − 3 = 0 is the equation of the locus.

52
 π
Example 3.27. Find the equation of the locus given arg (z − 3i) = 5

Solution:
Let z = x + iy. Then

z − 3i = x + iy − 3i = x + i(y − 3)
y−3 π
arg (z − 3i) = tan−1 ( )=
x 5
y−3 π
= tan
x 5
180o
= tan
5
= tan 36o
y−3
∴ = 0.726, multiply both sides by x
x
y − 3 = 0.726x
y − 0.726x − 3 = 0 is the equation of the locus.
z−1
Example 3.28. z is a complex number and | z+2i | = 3, find the equation of the curve
in the argand diagram on which the point representing z lies.

Solution:

z−1
=3
z + 2i
x + iy − 1
=3
x + iy + 2i
x + iy − 1
=3
x + iy + 2i
(x − 1) + iy = 3 x + i(y + 2)
p p
(x − 1)2 + y 2= 3 x2 + (y + 2)2 , by squaring both sides, we shall obtain
(x − 1)2 + y 2= 32 (x2 + (y + 2)2 )
x2 − 2x + 1 + y 2= 9(x2 + y 2 + 4y + 4)
= 9x2 + 9y 2 + 36y + 36
0 = 9x2 − x2 + 9y 2 − y 2 + 36y + 2x + 36 − 1
0 = 8x2 + 8y 2 + 2x + 36y + 35.
Thus 8x2 + 8y 2 + 2x + 36y + 35 = 0 is the equation of the locus.

Example 3.29. For z = x + iy,

(i) find the locus of z − 1 + 2i = 5.

(ii) Hence sketch it on an Argand diagram

Solution:

53
(i)
x + iy − 1 + 2i = 5

(x − 1) + i(y + 2) = 5
p
(x − 1)2 + (y + 2)2 = 5 by squaring both sides, we shall obtain
(x − 1)2 + (y + 2)2 = 52 .
Which is the standard equation of a circle, whose radius is 5 units and centre
(1, −2).

(x − 1)2 + (y + 2)2 = 52
x2 − 2x + 1 + y 2 + 4y + 4 = 25
x2 + y 2 − 2x + 4y + 5 = 25
x2 + y 2 − 2x + 4y − 20 = 0 is the equation of the locus.

54
 (ii) Sketch

y axis

1
−7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5 6
x axis
−1

−2

−3 2
x + y 2 − 2x + 4y − 20 = 0
−4

−5

−6

−7

Figure 34: Shows the circle x2 + y 2 − 2x + 4y − 20 = 0 whose radius is 5 units and

centre (1, −2)

Activity for subsection 3.5

z−i
Problem 3.15. If z is a complex number and z+1
= 2, find the equation of the
curve in the Argand diagram on which the point representing z lies

55
3.6 Complex roots of unity

To find the nth complex roots of unity of a given complex number, we first find the
modulus r = |z| of the number and the principle argument θ. The n roots of unity
are obtained from the equation
 
1/n θ + 360k θ + 360k
zk = r cos ( ) + i sin ( ) , (3.11)
n n

where k = 0, 1, 2, . . . , n − 1.
√
Example 3.30. Find the 6 distinct roots of −1 + i 3 and plot them

Solution:
√
z = −1 + i 3

Im z

√ 2i
z = −1 + 3i

1i

−2 −1 α θ 1 2 Re z

−1i

−2i

√
Figure 35: Shows the complex number z = −1 + 3i plotted on an Argand Diagram
√
3
α = tan−1 ( )
√ 1
= tan−1 3
= 60o .
∴ θ = 180o − 60o
= 120o .
q √
|z| = r = 12 + ( 3)2
√
= 1+3
√
= 4
= 2.
√
Required is to determine (−1 + i 3)1/6 .

56
From (3.11),  
1/n θ + 360k θ + 360k
zk = r cos ( ) + i sin ( ) ,
n n
where r = 2, k = 0, 1, 2, . . . , 5, n = 6 and θ = 120o . Then
 
1/6 120 + 360k 120 + 360k
zk = 2 cos ( ) + i sin ( )
6 6
 
1/6 120 360k 120 360k
=2 cos ( + ) + i sin ( + )
6 6 6 6
 
1/6
=2 cos (20 + 60k) + i sin (20 + 60k) .

When k = 0,
 
1/6
z0 = 2 cos (20 + 60 × 0) + i sin (20 + 60 × 0)
 
1/6
=2 cos (20 + 0) + i sin (20 + 0)
 
1/6
=2 cos (20) + i sin (20)

= 21/6 (0.940 + 0.342i)

= 21/6 × 0.940 + 21/6 × 0.342i
= 1.055 + 0.384i
∴ z0 = 1.1 + 0.4i.

When k = 1,
 
1/6
z1 = 2 cos (20 + 60 × 1) + i sin (20 + 60 × 1)
 
1/6
=2 cos (20 + 60) + i sin (20 + 60)
 
1/6
=2 cos (80) + i sin (80)

= 21/6 (0.174 + 0.985i)

= 21/6 × 0.174 + 21/6 × 0.985i
= 0.195 + 0.1.106i
∴ z1 = 0.2 + 1.1i.

57
When k = 2,
 
1/6
z2 = 2 cos (20 + 60 × 2) + i sin (20 + 60 × 2)
 
1/6
=2 cos (20 + 120) + i sin (20 + 120)
 
1/6
=2 cos (140) + i sin (140)

= 21/6 (−0.766 + 0.643i)

= 21/6 × −0.766 + 21/6 × 0.643i
= −0.860 + 0.722i
∴ z2 = −0.9 + 0.7i.

When k = 3,
 
1/6
z3 = 2 cos (20 + 60 × 3) + i sin (20 + 60 × 3)
 
1/6
=2 cos (20 + 180) + i sin (20 + 180)
 
1/6
=2 cos (200) + i sin (200)

= 21/6 (−0.940 + −0.342i)

= 21/6 × −0.940 + 21/6 × −0.342i
= −1.055 − 0.384i
∴ z3 = −1.1 − 0.4i.

When k = 4,
 
1/6
z4 = 2 cos (20 + 60 × 4) + i sin (20 + 60 × 4)
 
1/6
=2 cos (20 + 240) + i sin (20 + 240)
 
1/6
=2 cos (260) + i sin (260)

= 21/6 (−0.174 − 0.985i)

= 21/6 × −0.174 + 21/6 × −0.985i
= −0.195 − 1.106i
∴ z4 = −0.2 − 1.1i.

58
When k = 5,
 
1/6
z5 = 2 cos (20 + 60 × 5) + i sin (20 + 60 × 5)
 
1/6
=2 cos (20 + 300) + i sin (20 + 300)
 
1/6
=2 cos (320) + i sin (320)

= 21/6 (0.766 − 0.643i)

= 21/6 × 0.766 + 21/6 × −0.643i
= 0.860 − 0.722i
∴ z5 = 0.9 − 0.7i.
Example 3.31. Solve

(i) x3 + 1 = 0
(ii) x3 − 1 = 0
(iii) x3 − i = 0

Solution:

(i)
x3 + 1 = 0
x3 = −1
x3 = −1 + 0i
Thus x = (−1 + 0i)1/3

Im z

1i

−1 θ 1 Re z

z = −1 + 0i
−1i

Figure 36: Shows the complex number z = −1 + 0i plotted on an Argand Diagram

Modulus p
|z| = r = x2 + y 2
√
= −12 + 02
√
= 1
= 1.
59
 y
θ = Arg(z) = tan−1 ( )
x
0
= tan−1 ( )
−1
o
= 180 .
From (3.11),
 
1/n θ + 360k θ + 360k
zk = r cos ( ) + i sin ( ) ,
n n
where r = 1, n = 3, k = 0, 1, 2 and θ = 180o . Then
 
1/3 180 + 360k 180 + 360k
zk = 1 cos ( ) + i sin ( )
3 3
 
= 1. cos (60 + 120k) + i sin (60 + 120k)

zk = cos (60 + 120k) + i sin (60 + 120k).

When k = 0,
z0 = cos (60 + 120 × 0) + i sin (60 + 120 × 0)
= cos (60) + i sin (60)
z0 = 0.5 + 0.866i.
When k = 1,
z1 = cos (60 + 120 × 1) + i sin (60 + 120 × 1)
= cos (60 + 120) + i sin (60 + 120)
= cos (180) + i sin (180)
z1 = −1 + 0i
∴ z1 = −1.
When k = 2,
z2 = cos (60 + 120 × 2) + i sin (60 + 120 × 2)
= cos (60 + 240) + i sin (60 + 240)
= cos (300) + i sin (300)
z2 = 0.5 − 0.866i.

(ii)
x3 − 1 = 0
x3 = 1
x3 = 1 + 0i
Thus x = (1 + 0i)1/3
Modulus p
|z| = r = x2 + y 2
√
= 12 + 02
√
= 1
= 1.
60
 Im z

1i

−1 1 Re z

z = 1 + 0i

−1i

Figure 37: Shows the complex number z = 1 + 0i plotted on an Argand Diagram

y
θ = Arg(z) = tan−1 ( )
x
0
= tan−1 ( )
1
o
=0 .
From (3.11),
 
1/n θ + 360k θ + 360k
zk = r cos ( ) + i sin ( ) ,
n n
where r = 1, n = 3, k = 0, 1, 2 and θ = 0o . Then
 
1/3 0 + 360k 0 + 360k
zk = 1 cos ( ) + i sin ( )
3 3
 
= 1. cos (120k) + i sin (120k)

zk = cos (120k) + i sin (120k).

When k = 0,
z0 = cos (120 × 0) + i sin (120 × 0)
= cos (0) + i sin (0)
z0 = 1 + 0i
∴ z0 = 1.
When k = 1,
z1 = cos (120 × 1) + i sin (120 × 1)
= cos (120) + i sin (120)
z1 = −0.5 + 0i.
∴ z1 = −0.5.
When k = 2,
z2 = cos (120 × 2) + i sin (120 × 2)
= cos (240) + i sin (240)
z2 = −0.5 − 0.866i.
(iii)
x3 − i = 0
x3 = i
x3 = 0 + i.
61
 Thus x = (0 + i)1/3 .

Im z

1i
z =0+i
−1 θ 1 Re z

−1i

Figure 38: Shows the complex number z = 0 + i plotted on an Argand Diagram

Modulus p
|z| = r = x2 + y 2
√
= 02 + 12
√
= 1
= 1.
y
θ = Arg(z) = tan−1 ( )
x
1
= tan−1 ( )
0
= 90o .
From (3.11),
 
1/n θ + 360k θ + 360k
zk = r cos ( ) + i sin ( ) ,
n n
where r = 1, n = 3, k = 0, 1, 2 and θ = 90o . Then
 
1/3 90 + 360k 90 + 360k
zk = 1 cos ( ) + i sin ( )
3 3
 
= 1. cos (30 + 120k) + i sin (30 + 120k)

zk = cos (30 + 120k) + i sin (30 + 120k).

When k = 0,
z0 = cos (30 + 120 × 0) + i sin (30 + 120 × 0)
= cos (30 + 0) + i sin (30 + 0)
= cos (30) + i sin (30)
z0 = 0.866 + 0.5i
.
When k = 1,
z1 = cos (30 + 120 × 1) + i sin (30 + 120 × 1)
= cos (30 + 120) + i sin (30 + 120)
= cos (150) + i sin (150)
z1 = −0.866 + 0.5i.
62
 When k = 2,
z2 = cos (30 + 120 × 2) + i sin (30 + 120 × 2)
= cos (30 + 240) + i sin (30 + 240)
= cos (270) + i sin (270)
z2 = 0 − i.
∴ z2 = −i.
Example 3.32. Show that

(a) 1 + i is a root of x4 + 4 = 0 and find the other roots.

(b) −2 is a root of x3 + 8 = 0 and find the other roots.

Solution:

(a) To show 1 + i is a root of x4 + 4 = 0,

x4 + 4 = 0
(1 + i)4 + 4 = 0
 2
2
(1 + i) +4=0
 2
1 + 2i − 1 + 4 = 0

(2i)2 + 4 = 0
4i2 + 4 = 0
−4 + 4 = 0

Therefore 1 + i is a root of x4 + 4 = 0.
Next, we obtain the other roots
x4 + 4 = 0
x4 = −4
= −4 + 0i

Modulus p
|z| = r = x2 + y 2
√
= −42 + 02
√
= 16
= 4.
y
θ = Arg(z) = tan−1 ( )
x
−1 0
= tan ( )
−4
= 180o .
63
 Im z

1i

−4 −3 −2 −1 θ 1 Re z

z = −4 + 0i

−1i

−2i

−3i

−4i

Figure 39: Shows the complex number z = −4 + 0i plotted on an Argand Diagram

From (3.11),  
1/n θ + 360k θ + 360k
zk = r cos ( ) + i sin ( ) ,
n n
where r = 4, n = 4, k = 0, 1, 2, 3 and θ = 180o . Then
 
1/4 180 + 360k 180 + 360k
zk = 4 cos ( ) + i sin ( )
4 4
 
1/4
∴ zk = 4 cos (45 + 90k) + i sin (45 + 90k)

When k = 0,
 
1/4
z0 = 4 cos (45 + 90 × 0) + i sin (45 + 90 × 0)
 
= 1.4142 cos (45 + 0) + i sin (45 + 0)
 
= 1.4142 cos (45) + i sin (45)
 
= 1.4142 0.7071 + 0.7071i

= 0.99998 + 0.99998i
∴ z0 = 1 + i.

64
 When k = 1,
 
1/4
z1 = 4 cos (45 + 90 × 1) + i sin (45 + 90 × 1)
 
= 1.4142 cos (45 + 90) + i sin (45 + 90)
 
= 1.4142 cos (135) + i sin (135)
 
= 1.4142 − 0.7071 + 0.7071i

= −0.99998 + 0.99998i
∴ z1 = −1 + i.

When k = 2,
 
1/4
z2 = 4 cos (45 + 90 × 2) + i sin (45 + 90 × 2)
 
= 1.4142 cos (45 + 180) + i sin (45 + 180)
 
= 1.4142 cos (225) + i sin (225)
 
= 1.4142 − 0.7071 − 0.7071i

= −0.99998 − 0.99998i
∴ z2 = −1 − i.

When k = 3,
 
1/4
z3 = 4 cos (45 + 90 × 3) + i sin (45 + 90 × 3)
 
= 1.4142 cos (45 + 270) + i sin (45 + 270)
 
= 1.4142 cos (315) + i sin (315)
 
= 1.4142 0.7071 − 0.7071i

= 0.99998 − 0.99998i
∴ z3 = 1 − i.

(b) To show −2 is a root of x3 + 8 = 0,

x3 + 8 = 0
(−2)3 + 8 = 0
−8 + 8 = 0

Therefore −2 is a root of x3 + 8 = 0.
65
 Next, we obtain the other roots

x3 + 8 = 0
x3 = −8
= −8 + 0i

Im z

1i

−8 −7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 θ 1 Re z

z = −4 + 0i

−1i

−2i

−3i

−4i

−5i

−6i

−7i

−8i

Figure 40: Shows the complex number z = −8 + 0i plotted on an Argand Diagram

Modulus p
|z| = r = x2 + y 2
√
= −82 + 02
√
= 64
= 8.
y
θ = Arg(z) = tan−1 ( )
x
0
= tan−1 ( )
−8
o
= 180 .
From (3.11),  
1/n θ + 360k θ + 360k
zk = r cos ( ) + i sin ( ) ,
n n
where r = 8, n = 3, k = 0, 1, 2 and θ = 180o . Then
66
  
1/3 180 + 360k 180 + 360k
zk = 8 cos ( ) + i sin ( )
3 3
 
∴ zk = 2 cos (60 + 120k) + i sin (60 + 120k)

When k = 0,
 
z0 = 2 cos (60 + 120 × 0) + i sin (60 + 120 × 0)
 
= 2 cos (60 + 0) + i sin (60 + 0)
 
= 2 cos (60) + i sin (60)
 √ 
3
= 2 0.5 + i
2
√
= 1 + 3i
√
∴ z0 = 1 + 3i.
When k = 1,
 
z1 = 2 cos (60 + 120 × 1) + i sin (60 + 120 × 1)
 
= 2 cos (60 + 120) + i sin (60 + 120)
 
= 2 cos (180) + i sin (180)
 
= 2 − 1 + 0i

∴ z1 = −2.
When k = 2,
 
z2 = 2 cos (60 + 120 × 2) + i sin (60 + 120 × 2)
 
= 2 cos (60 + 240) + i sin (60 + 240)
 
= 2 cos (300) + i sin (300)
 √ 
3
= 2 0.5 − i
2
√
= 1 − 3i
√
∴ z0 = 1 − 3i.

Activity for subsection 3.6

Problem 3.16. Show that 1 − i is a root of x4 + 4 = 0. Hence find the other roots

67
3.7 Answers

Activity for subsection 3.1.1 [Answers to Problem 3.1]

√
(a) 7 + 2i (c) 4 + i 2
√
(b) 2 − 4i (d) 1 − 2i 5

Activity for subsection 3.1.2

[ Answers to Problem 3.2]

(a) −2 − 3i (d) −1 + i
(b) 3 − 3i
9
(c) 2
+ 56 i (e) −3 + 3i

Activity for subsection 3.1.3

[ Answers to Problem 3.3]

(a) −12 − 18i (e) 34 − 22i (i) 4

(b) 6 − 15i (f) −29 + 29i (j) −7 + 24i

(c) 26 (g) 29 (k) 32 + 24i

(d) 13 − 11i (h) 25 (l) 5

Activity for subsection 3.1

[ Answers to Problem 3.5

(a) −6 − 6i (c) −2 + 6i (e) −9

(b) −4 − 3i (d) −9 (f) 29

[ Answers to Problem 3.6

3
(a) 3 − 2i (f) 2
− 23 i (j) 1
13
− 5
13
i
5 4
(b) + i 3
41 41 (g) 5
− 56 i (k) 2
13
+ 16
13
i
(c) −2 − 3i
1 13
2 (h) 3 + 3i (l) − i
(d) 5
+ 15 i 34 34

5 2 7 11
(e) 29
− 29
i (i) 4 − 2i (m) 17
+ 17
i

68
[ Answers to Problem 3.7]

(i)
1 2
+ =4+i
z z
1 2
+ =4+i
x + iy x + iy
3
= 4 + i.
x + iy
3
By evaluating x+iy
, we shall obtain that

3 3(x − iy)
=
x + iy (x + iy)(x − iy)
3x − 3iy
=
x(x − iy) + iy(x − iy)
3x − 3iy
= 2
x − ixy + ixy − i2 y 2
3x − 3iy
= 2
x + y2
3 3x 3y
∴ = 2 − i.
x + iy x + y 2 x2 + y 2
Thus
3x 3y
− 2 i = 4 + i. (3.12)
x2
+y 2 x + y2
We shall therefore equate the real parts and imaginary parts of equation (3.12)
It therefore follows that
3x
=4 (3.13)
x2 + y 2
and
3y
− =1 (3.14)
x2 + y2
From equation (3.13) we get

3x = 4(x2 + y 2 ).

From equation (3.14) we get

−3y = (x2 + y 2 ).

It therefore follows that

3x = 4(−3y)
x = −4y
Thus
−3y = (−4y)2 + y 2
−3y = 16y 2 + y 2
−3y = 17y 2
=⇒ 17y 2 + 3y = 0
y(17y + 3) = = 0
69
 Either y = 0.
3
Or (17y + 3) = 0. Hence y = − 17 .
When y = 0, x = 0.
3
When y = − 17 ,
−3
x = −4 ×
17
12
∴x= .
17
(ii)
√ 1
z=
4 + 3i
p 1
x + iy =
4 + 3i
 2
p 2 1
( x + iy) =
4 + 3i
1 1 1
x + iy = × =
4 + 3i 4 + 3i (4 + 3i)(4 + 3i)
1
=
16 + 12i + 12i + 9i2
1
=
16 + 24i − 9
1
=
16 − 9 + 24i
1
=
7 + 24i
1(7 − 24i)
=
(7 + 24i)(7 − 24i)
7 − 24i
=
49 − 168i + 168i − 576i2
7 − 24i
=
49 + 576
7 − 24i
=
625
7 24i
∴ x + iy = −
625 625
By equating the real and imaginary parts of above equation, we shall obtain
that
7 24
x= and y = −
625 625

[ Answers to Problem 3.8]

(a) (2 + i)4 = (2 + i)2 (2 + i)2

70
 Lets expand (2 + i)2
(2 + i)2 = (2 + i)(2 + i)
= 2(2 + i) + i(2 + i)
= 4 + 2i + 2i + i2
= 4 + 4i − 1
= 4 − 1 + 4i
= 3 + 4i.
Thus
(2 + i)4 = (3 + 4i)(3 + 4i)
= 3(3 + 4i) + 4i(3 + 4i)
= 9 + 12i + 12i + 16i2
= 9 + 24i − 16
= 9 − 16 + 24i
4
∴ (2 + i) = −7 + 24i.

(b)
2−i 2−i (2 − i)(−1 + 3i)
= =
3i − 1 −1 + 3i (−1 − 3i)(−1 − 3i)
2(−1 − 3i) − i(−1 − 3i)
=
−1(−1 − 3i) + 3i(−1 − 3i)
−2 − 6i + i + 3i2
=
1 + 3i − 3i − 9i2
−2 − 5i − 3
=
1+9
−5 − 5i
=
10
−5 5i
= −
10 10
2−i −1 1
∴ = − i.
3i − 1 2 2
√
(4+3i) (3+4i)
(c) (3+i)
.

71
 √
(4+3i) (3+4i)
2
Consider the expansion of (3+i)
p
(4 + 3i) (3 + 4i)
2 (4 + 3i)(4 = 3i)(3 + 4i)
=
(3 + i) (3 + i)(3 + i)
(4(4 + 2i) + 3i(4 + 3i))(3 + 4i)
=
3(3 + i) + i(3 + i)
(16 + 12i + 12i + 9i2 )(3 + 4i)
=
9 + 3i + 3i + i2
(16 + 24i − 9)(3 + 4i)
=
9 + 6i − 1
(7 + 24i)(3 + 4i)
=
8 + 6i
7(3 + 4i) + 24i(3 + 4i)
=
8 + 6i
21 + 28i + 72i + 96i2
=
8 + 6i
21 + 100i − 96
=
8 + 6i
−75 + 100i
=
8 + 6i
(−75 + 100i)(8 − 6i)
=
(8 + 6i)(8 − 6i)
−75(8 − 6i) + 100i(8 − 6i)
=
8(8 − 6i) + 6i(8 − 6i)
−600 + 450i + 800i − 600i2
=
64 − 48i + 48i − 36i2
−600 + 600 + 1250i
=
64 + 36
1250
= i
p 100
(4 + 3i) (3 + 4i)
2
∴ = 12.5i.
(3 + i)
√
(4+3i) (3+4i)
Therefore we can now obtain (3+i)
by getting the square root 12.5i
p √
Let r = |z| = x2 + y 2 = 02 + 12.52 , θ = 90o

72
 1 1 1
From z 2 = r 2 (cos θ + i sin θ) 2 , we shall obtain

1 √ θ θ
z2 = r(cos
+ i sin )
2 2
√ 90 90
= 12.5(cos + i sin )
√ 2 2
= 12.5(cos 45 + i sin 45)
√ √ 
√ 2 2
= 12.5 +i
2 2
√ √
25 25
= + i
2 2
5 5
= + i
p 2 2
(4 + 3i) (3 + 4i)
∴ = 2.5 + 2.5i.
(3 + i)

73
Activity for subsection 3.2

[ Answers to Problem 3.9]

√ z1
√
(a) z1 z2 = 76, Arg(z1 z2 ) = 6.6o (b) z2
= − 3193 − 7
19
i, Arg( zz21 ) = −126.6o

[ Answers to Problem 3.10]

(a) 1, π (b) 1, 21 π (c) 2, − 5π

6

[ Answers to Problem 3.11] √1 , 0.1798

5

74
Activity for subsection 3.3

5
[ Answers to Problem 3.12] We are given that z1 = 10, arg(z1 ) = 12
π, z2 = 2 and
arg(z2 ) = −π
12

(a) From  
z1 z2 = r1 r2 cos (θ1 + θ2 ) + i sin (θ1 + θ2 )

5 −π
where r1 = 10, r2 = 2, θ1 = 12
π and θ2 = 12
.
Thus  
5 −π 5 −π
z1 z2 = 10 × 2 cos ( π + ) + i sin ( π + )
12 12 12 12
 
4 4
= 20 cos ( π) + i sin ( π)
12 12
 
4 4
= 20 cos ( × 180) + i sin ( × 180)
12 12
 
= 20 cos (60) + i sin (60)
 √ 
1 3
= 20 +i
2 2
√
∴ z1 z2 = 10 + 10 3i.

(b)  
z1 r1
= cos (θ1 − θ2 ) + i sin (θ1 − θ2 )
z2 r2
 
10 5 −π 5 −π
= cos ( π − ) + i sin ( π − )
2 12 12 12 12
 
6 6
= 5 cos ( π) + i sin ( π)
12 12
   
π π 180 180
= 5 cos ( ) + i sin ( ) = 5 cos ( ) + i sin ( )
2 2 2 2
= 5(cos 90 + i sin 90)
= 5(0 + i)
z1
∴ = 5i.
z2

75
(c)  
z12 = z1 z1 = r1 r1 cos (θ1 + θ1 ) + i sin (θ1 + θ1 )
 
5 5 5 5
= 10 × 10 cos ( π + π) + i sin ( π + π)
12 12 12 12
 
10 10
= 100 cos ( π) + i sin ( π)
12 12
 
10 10
= 100 cos ( × 180) + i sin ( × 180)
12 12
 
= 100 cos (150) + i sin (150)

∴ z12 = 100 cos 150o + 100i sin 150o .

76
Activity for subsection 3.5

[ Answers to Problem 3.15]

 2
5 16
x+ + y2 =
3 9

77
Activity for subsection 3.6

[ Answers to Problem 3.16] 1 + i, −1 + i and −1 − i.

78
References
[1] Andreescu, T., & Andrica, D. (2006). Complex Numbers from A to... Z (Vol.
165). Boston: Birkhäuser.

[2] Tranter C. J. ( 1987) Advanced Level Pure Mathematics (Fourth Edition) Hodder
and Stoughton London.

79