ADVANCED HIGHER MATHS:

UNIT 2 COMPLEX NUMBERS

 INTRODUCTION
Final answers are marked in green and key words in red.

θ denotes the principal argument of z, which lies in the range (-π, π].

denotes the complex conjugate of z.

“cis(θ)” is used to denote (cosθ + isinθ)

Many of these solutions may be demonstrated using a Graphic Calculator.

 BRIEF REVISION 1
A complex number is a number of the form z = x + iy where x , y ∈ ℝ and i2 = −1.

The real number x is called the real part of z (Re(z)) and the real number y is called the imaginary part of z (Im(z)).

Writing a complex number as z = x + iy is known as the Cartesian (or Rectangular)

form of z .

A complex number z = x + iy is in polar form when it is written as, z = r(cos θ + isin θ ) ≡ rcisθ

Complex numbers are added (subtracted) by adding (subtracting) the real parts together and by adding (subtracting) the imaginary
parts together.

The complex conjugate of a complex number z = x + iy is the complex number defined by,
= x – iy. The complex conjugate of z = x + iy satisfies, z = x2 + y2
 BRIEF REVISION 2
The Complex Plane (or Argand Plane) is the 2D plane showing ℂ. The horizontal axis is called
the real axis (consisting of all complex numbers of the form a + 0i), whereas the vertical axis is
called the imaginary axis (consisting of all complex numbers of the form 0 +bi).

The modulus of a complex number z = x + iy is the distance of the complex number from the
origin of the Complex Plane and defined as r = =

The principal argument of a complex number z is the angle in the interval (−π, π] from the
positive x – axis to the ray joining the origin to z and defined as,
θ = tan-1().
 ARITHMETIC AND COMPLEX
NUMBERS

ADDING, SUBTRACTING, MULTIPLYING, DIVIDING,

SIMPLIFYING, FINDING THE MODULUS, RECIPROCALS,
COMPLEX CONJUGATE, POLAR AND EXPONENTIAL FORMS
 QUESTION 1
Evaluate ( )3

=( )( )( ) =( )

=( )( ) =( )

=
=( )( )
 QUESTION 2
Express z = , in the form x + iy, and find the modulus of z.

=
=
=
=
=
=5
=

=
 QUESTION 3
If z = (2 + cosθ + isinθ), find the modulus of z in its simplest form.

=
=

=
 QUESTION 4
If z = 2 +2i, find z -1, expressing your answer in polar form.

z -1 =()() =
|z −1| z -1 = ∠ ()
z -1 =()()
=
z -1 =
θ = tan-1()
z -1 = - ()i
θ=
=
|z −1|
 QUESTION 5
If z = (cosθ + isinθ), find in terms of θ:
z -1 =()
a) z – z -1
b) zn - z -n Notice that this is
z -1 =()
equivalent to z -1 =
z = (cosθ + isinθ)
z -1 =()() ⇒ z -1 =
⇒ z -1 =
z -1 =()() z – z -1
= (cosθ + isinθ) – ()
z -1 =() = 2isinθ

z -1 =()
 QUESTION 5 CONTINUED
If z = (cosθ + isinθ), find in terms of θ: z -n =
a) z – z -1 Alternatively: z -n =
b) zn - z -n
zn - z –n = (cos(nθ) + isin(nθ)) -

zn = (cosθ + isinθ)n = 2isin(nθ)

zn = (cos(nθ) + isin(nθ))

z -n =()()
z -n =()()

z -n =()
 QUESTION 6
Simplify the following:
a) 3(cos()+sin())x4(cos()+sin())
b) 8(cos()+sin()) ÷ 2(cos()+sin())

a) r1(cos(A)+sin(A))x r2(cos(B)+sin(B)) b) r1(cos(A)+sin(A)) ÷ r2(cos(B)+sin(B))

= r1 r2(cos(A+B)+sin(A+B)) = (cos(A-B)+sin(A-B))

⇒ 3(cos()+sin())x4(cos()+sin()) ⇒ 8(cos()+sin()) ÷ 2(cos()+sin())

= (3)(4)(cos(+ )+sin(+ )) = ()(cos( )+sin( ))
= 12(cos()+sin()) = 4(cos()+sin())
= 4(cos() - sin())
 QUESTION 7
Convert (3+3i)5 into polar form by first writing it in exponential form.
Let z = (3+3i) z5 = 972
= z5 = 972cis()
=3 z5 = 972(- - i)
θ = tan-1()
z5 = -972-972 i
θ=
⇒z=3
⇒ z5 = (3
SOLVING COMPLEX NUMBER
EQUATIONS
 QUESTION 9
Solve for z if (I + i)z = (3 + 4i)
Solving these two equations
simultaneously gives x = 3.5 and y = 0.5
Let z =(x+iy)
(I + i)(x+iy) = (3 + 4i) ⇒ z =(3.5 + 0.5i)
x + iy + ix + i2y = (3 + 4i)
x + iy + ix - y = (3 + 4i)
(x – y)+ i(x + y) = (3 + 4i)
(x – y) = 3, (x + y) = 4
 QUESTION 8
Given z + 2i = 8 + 7i, for the complex number z, express z in the form a + ib.
z = a + ib ⇒ = a - ib

(a + ib) + 2i(a - ib) = 8 + 7i

a + ib + 2ia – 2i2b = 8 + 7i
a + ib + 2ia + 2b = 8 + 7i
a + 2b + i(b + 2a) = 8 + 7i
a + 2b = 8
b + 2a = 7
Solving these two equations simultaneously gives a = 2 and b = 3
⇒ z = 2 + 3i
 COMPLEX NUMBERS AND
POLYNOMIALS
FUNDAMENTAL THEOREM OF ALGEBRA,
SYNTHETIC DIVISION, QUADRATIC FORMULA,
ARGAND DIAGRAMS
 QUESTION 9
Solve z2 + 2z + 5 = 0, and represent the solutions on an Argand diagram.
z Imaginary
z -1+ 2i
Let a = 1, b = 2, c = 5
z
z
z Real
z -1± 2i

z -1- 2i
 QUESTION 10
Verify that ( 1 + i ) is a root of the equation z4 + 3z2 – 6z + 10 = 0, and find the other roots.

( 1 + i ) 4 + 3 ( 1 + i ) 2 – 6 ( 1 + i ) + 10
= ( 1 + i ) 2 ( 1 + i ) 2 + 3 ( 1 + i ) 2 – 6 ( 1 + i ) + 10 Since the result is zero on substitution of z,
= ( 1 + 2i + i2 )2 + 3( 1 + 2i + i2 ) – 6 ( 1 + i ) + 10 ( 1 + i ) is a root.
= ( 1 + 2i -1)2 + 3( 1 + 2i -1 ) – 6 ( 1 + i ) + 10
= (2i)2 + 3(2i) – 6 - 6i + 10
= 4i2 + 6i – 6i + 4
= -4 + 4
=0
 QUESTION 10 CONTINUED
Verify that ( 1 + i ) is a root of the equation z 4 + 3z2 – 6z + 10 = 0, and find the other roots.
If ( 1 + i ) is a root, then its complex conjugate, ( 1 – i ) is also a root.
Corresponding factors are: ( z – ( 1 + i )) and ( z – ( 1 - i ))
The product of these factors gives a real quadratic factor:
( z – ( 1 + i ))( z – ( 1 - i )) = z2 – 2z + 2
z2 + 2z + 5
Polynomial Long Division: z 2 – 2z + 2 z4 + 3z2 – 6z + 10
- (z4 – 2z3 + 2z2)
The other quadratic factor is
therefore the quotient of z2 + 2z + 5. (2z3 + z2) – 6z
z z - (2z3 -4z2 + 4z)
(5z2 - 10z) +10
Let a = 1, b = 2, c = 5 - (5z2 - 10z + 10)
z

The roots are: ± 1 ± i 0

 QUESTION 11
If ( 2 + i ) is a root of the equation z 4 - 6z3 +16z2 -22z + q, where q is an integer, find all the other roots and the
value of q. Plot all the roots on the same Argand Diagram.
z2 -2z + 3
Polynomial Long Division: z2 -4z +5 z4 - 6z3 +16z2 -22z + q
If (2+i) is a root, so is its complex - (z4 – 4z3 + 5z2)
conjugate (2-i). The other quadratic factor is -2z3 +11z2 (– 22z +q)
Factors: (z+(2+i)) and (z+(2-i)) therefore the quotient of z2 -2z + 3
- (-2z3 +8z2 - 10z)
Multiplying these factors together
yields a real quadratic factor: 3z2 - 12z +q
= (z2 -4z +5) - (3z2 -12z +15)
q – 15 = 0
⇒ q = 15

⇒ z = (1 – 2i) and - 5, are the other roots.

 QUESTION 11 CONTINUED
Solving z2 -2z + 3 using the quadratic formula: Imaginary

z z
z1
Let a = 1, b = -2, c = 3 z

z Real
z

z z2
FINDING ROOTS OF COMPLEX
NUMBERS
 QUESTION 12
Find the square roots of 7 – 24i d2
Let the square roots be of the form (a + id) Let a = 1, b = 7, c = -144
7 – 24i =(a + id)2
7 – 24i = a2 + 2adi + i2d2 d2
7 – 24i = a2 - d2 + 2adi
d2
7=a -d
2 2

-24 = 2ad d

a= a = , or a =

7 = - d2 a=±4
-24 = 2(4)d, so d = -3
-24 = 2(-4)d, so d = 3
d4 + 7d2 -144 = 0
⇒ Square roots are (-4 + 3i) and (4 - 3i)
 QUESTION 13
Solve z2 = 5-2i
Let z = x + iy, such that x and y are real numbers
z2 = (x + iy)(x + iy) (x2 – ())= 5 ⇒ z = 3 -2i, or -3 + 2i
z2 = x2 + 2xyi + y2i2 (x4 – 36)= 5x2
z2 = x2 + 2xyi - y2 (x4 – 5x2 – 36)= 0
z2 = (x2 - y2) + 2xyi
(x2 – 9)(x2 + 4)= 0
(x2 - y2)=5, 2xy = -2
x = ±3, only
⇒y=- ⇒y=-
(x2 – ()2)=5 ⇒ y = ±2
 QUESTION 14
Show that the roots of the equation z3 + 1 are represented on an Argand diagram as the vertices
of an equilateral triangle.
Imaginary
z +1=0
3
z

(z + 1)(z2 – z + 1) = 0 = z0 cis
From linear factor: UNIT CIRCLE
z1 = -1 =
z1 -1
z θ = tan-1() Real

Let a = 1, b = -1, c = 1 z2 cis

θ = + , where k = 0, 1, 2.
z ⇒z
 QUESTION 15
Find the fourth roots of -81i, leaving your answer in polar form.

z4 = -81i = 81 ∠ () Imaginary
z4 = r4(cos4θ + isin4θ)
z4 = r4(cos () + isin ())
z1 3 ∠ ()
= r4 = z2 3 ∠ ()
= 81
= Real
=
z = (cosθ + isinθ) z0 3 ∠ ()

⇒θ= z3 3 ∠ ()
⇒ z = 3(cos () + isin () )
 QUESTION 16
Solve z5 = 1- i, and illustrate the solutions on an Argand diagram.

z5 = r5(cos5θ + isin5θ)
Imaginary
= r5 =
= z1 cis

⇒r= z2 cis
z0 cis
tan5θ = ⇒ 5θ = + , where k = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4
Real
⇒θ=
z3 cis z4 cis
θ=

⇒ z = (cos ( ) + isin ( )
 QUESTION 17
Find the 6th roots of unity and mark the corresponding points on an Argand diagram.
Imaginary

z6 = 1 z2 cis
z1 cis
(cosθ + isinθ) = 1
6
UNIT CIRCLE
cos6θ + isin6θ = 1
cos6θ = 1 Real
z3 -1 z0 1
6θ = cos-1(1)
z5 cis
⇒ 6θ = 0 + 2k, where k = 0,1,2,3,4,5. z4 cis
⇒θ = =

In each case of k, bring argument of θ

into range (-π, π] by subtracting the ⇒ θ = 0, , , π, ,
largest possible whole multiple of 2π.
LOCI IN THE COMPLEX PLANE

STRAIGHT LINES, CIRCLES

 QUESTION 18
Interpret geometrically in the complex plane = 2

=2

=2

=2

x2 + (y +1)2 = 4

Compare with a formula of a circle: (x-a) 2 + (y-b)2 = r2,

where the centre (a, b), and radius = r.
This is a circle with centre (0, -1), and radius 2 units.
 QUESTION 19
Interpret geometrically in the complex plane =

=
=
x2 + (y+3)2 = (x – 1)2 + y2
x2 + y2 + 6y + 9 = x2 - 2x + 1 + y2
y= -
A straight line with a gradient of
, and a y-axis intercept of -
 QUESTION 20
Interpret geometrically in the complex plane =

=
𝑥=− 4
⇒ All coordinates with an x component of -4 are equidistant from the points with x coordinates
of -2 and -6, in the complex plane. In other words, all coordinates with an x component of -4 are
on the perpendicular bisector linking the set of x = -2, and x = -6, in the complex plane.
DE MOIVRE’S AND THE BINOMIAL
THEOREM
 QUESTION 21
a) Expand (cosθ + isinθ)4, using the Binomial Theorem and De Moivre’s Theorem.
Binomial Theorem:
1(cosθ)4(isinθ)0 + 4(cosθ)3(isinθ)1 + 6(cosθ)2(isinθ)2 + 4(cosθ)1(isinθ)3 + 1(cosθ)0(isinθ)4
= cos4θ+ 4cos3θ(isinθ) + 6cos2θ(i2sin2θ) + 4(cosθ)(i3sin3θ) + (i4sin4θ)
= cos4θ + 4icos3θsinθ - 6cos2θsin2θ – 4icosθsin3θ + sin4θ
= cos4θ - 6cos2θ(1-cos2θ) + sin4θ + 4i(cos2θcosθsinθ–sin2θcosθsinθ)
= cos4θ - 6cos2θ(1-cos2θ) + (1-cos2θ)(1-cos2θ) + 4i(cos2θ(0.5)sin2θ–sin2θ(0.5)sin2θ)
= 8cos4θ - 8cos2θ + 1 + 4i(0.5sin2θ)(cos2θ – sin2θ)
= 2(2cos2θ – 1)2 - 1 + 2i(sin2θ)(cos2θ)
= 2cos22θ - 1 + 2i(0.5sin4θ)
= cos4θ + isin4θ
De Moivre’s Theorem:
(cosθ + isinθ)4 = cos4θ + isin4θ
 QUESTION 21 CONTINUED
b) Use the expansion results to show that:
= pcos2θ + qsec2θ + r, where - < θ < , stating the values of p, q and r.

cos 4 θ ⇒ p = 8, q = 1, r = -8
cos 2θ
=

= +

= + sec2θ
 QUESTION 22
Given that z = 1 + 2i, express z2(z+3) in the form a + ib. Hence verify that 1 + 2i is a root of the equation z 3 + 3z2
– 5z + 25 = 0, and obtain the other roots of the equation.
z2(z+3) = (1 + 2i)2(1 + 2i +3) z +5
= (4i - 3)(4 + 2i) Polynomial Long Division: z2 – 2z + 5 z3 + 3z2 – 5z + 25
= (16i – 8 – 12 – 6i) - (z3 – 2z2 + 5z)
= (-20+10i) (5z2 -10z + 25)
The other linear factor is
= z3 + 3z2 - (5z2 -10z + 25)
therefore the quotient of z + 5
z3 + 3z2 – 5z + 25 ⇒ z = (1 – 2i) and - 5, are the other roots. 0
= (-20+10i) – 5(1 + 2i) + 25
= -20 +10i – 5 -10i + 25 = 0
Real quadratic factor of
equation: ( z - 1 - 2i )(z - 1 + 2i)
= z2 – 2z + 5
 QUESTION 23
a) Express the complex numbers z1 = (1 + i) and z2 = (1 – i) in polar form.
b) Hence simplify (1 + i)20 + (1 – i)20
(1 + i)20 + (1 – i)20 = ()20 + ()20
θ 1 = tan-1() = () + ()
|z 1| =
θ 1 = () = (1024 ) + ()
=
Bring argument into range (-π, π]
θ 2 = tan ()-1
|z 2|= by subtracting the largest possible
whole multiple of 2π.
= θ 2 = () However, given that both arguments are the same (n+) multiple of 2π, such
that n is an integer, this has the effect of placing both the 1024 magnitudes
z1 = , on the negative part of the real axis.
z2 = ,
⇒ (1 + i)20 + (1 – i)20 = -1024 -1024 = -1048
 QUESTION 24
Given z = (cosθ + isinθ)5, find identities for both cos5θ and sin5θ,
in terms of cosθ and sinθ. Hence find an identity for tan5θ in terms of tanθ.

As per De Moivre’s Theorem, (cosθ + isinθ)5 = cos5θ + sin5θ

Expanding using the Binomial Theorem:

z = 1(cosθ)5(isinθ)0 + 5(cosθ)4(isinθ)1 + 10(cosθ)3(isinθ)2 + 10(cosθ)2(isinθ)3 + 5(cosθ)1(isinθ)4 + 1(cosθ)0(isinθ)5

z = cos5θ + 5i(cos4θ)(sinθ) - 10(cos3θ)(sin2θ) -10i(cos2θ)(sin3θ) + 5(cosθ)(sin4θ) + isin5θ

cos5θ = cos5θ - 10(cos3θ)(sin2θ) + 5(cosθ)(sin4θ)

Equating Real and Imaginary Parts
sin5θ = 5(cos4θ)(sinθ) -10(cos2θ)(sin3θ) + sin5θ
 QUESTION 24 CONTINUED

tan5θ =
tan5θ =

tan5θ = tan5θ =

tan5θ =