Complex Numbers — Comprehensive Notes (JEE
Level)
These notes cover theory, properties, geometry, standard results, and problem-solving techniques
for complex numbers.
1. Basics and Definitions
A complex number is written as z = a + ib, where a and b are real numbers and i is the imaginary
unit with i² = −1.
The real part of z is Re(z) = a and the imaginary part is Im(z) = b.
Two complex numbers are equal if and only if their real and imaginary parts are equal.
• Standard form: a + ib
• Purely real: b = 0
• Purely imaginary: a = 0
2. Algebra of Complex Numbers
Addition and subtraction are done component-wise.
Multiplication follows distributive law with i² = −1.
Division is performed by multiplying numerator and denominator by the conjugate.
• (a+ib) + (c+id) = (a+c) + i(b+d)
• (a+ib)(c+id) = (ac−bd) + i(ad+bc)
• Conjugate: z■ = a − ib
• z / w = z w■ / |w|², w ≠ 0
3. Modulus and Argument
Modulus of z is |z| = √(a² + b²). It represents the distance from origin in the Argand plane.
Argument Arg(z) is the angle made with positive real axis, denoted by θ.
Principal argument lies in (−π, π].
• |zw| = |z||w|
• |z/w| = |z|/|w|
• |z + w| ≤ |z| + |w| (Triangle inequality)
4. Argand Plane (Geometric Representation)
Each complex number corresponds to a point (a, b) in the plane.
Addition corresponds to vector addition.
Multiplication corresponds to rotation and scaling.
5. Polar and Exponential Form
z = r(cosθ + i sinθ), where r = |z| and θ = Arg(z).
Exponential form: z = r e^{iθ} using Euler's formula e^{iθ} = cosθ + i sinθ.
Multiplication/division become easier in polar form.
6. De Moivre’s Theorem
(cosθ + i sinθ)^n = cos(nθ) + i sin(nθ).
Useful for finding powers and roots of complex numbers.
7. Roots of Complex Numbers
Solutions of z^n = r^n e^{inθ} are given by:
z_k = r^{1/n} e^{i(θ + 2kπ)/n}, k = 0,1,...,n−1.
Roots are equally spaced on a circle in Argand plane.
8. Locus in Complex Plane
Equations involving |z − z■| represent circles.
|z − z■| = |z − z■| represents perpendicular bisector of segment joining z■ and z■.
9. Transformations
Multiplication by e^{iθ} rotates a point by angle θ.
Multiplication by real k scales the distance from origin.
10. Important Results & Identities
If z lies on unit circle, then z■ = 1/z.
Re(z) = (z + z■)/2, Im(z) = (z − z■)/(2i).
For real coefficients, non-real roots occur in conjugate pairs.
11. Problem Solving Tips
Convert to polar form for powers/roots.
Use conjugates for division and rationalization.
Visualize geometry for locus problems.
12. Practice Examples
Find (1 + i)^8.
Solve z^4 = 16.
Find locus of |z − (2 + i)| = 3.
Prove |z■ + z■| ≤ |z■| + |z■|.
13. Additional Notes 13
Further elaboration on complex number properties, examples, and applications to ensure
comprehensive coverage.
Includes extended explanations, derivations, and interpretations relevant for JEE preparation.
14. Additional Notes 14
Further elaboration on complex number properties, examples, and applications to ensure
comprehensive coverage.
Includes extended explanations, derivations, and interpretations relevant for JEE preparation.
15. Additional Notes 15
Further elaboration on complex number properties, examples, and applications to ensure
comprehensive coverage.
Includes extended explanations, derivations, and interpretations relevant for JEE preparation.
16. Additional Notes 16
Further elaboration on complex number properties, examples, and applications to ensure
comprehensive coverage.
Includes extended explanations, derivations, and interpretations relevant for JEE preparation.
17. Additional Notes 17
Further elaboration on complex number properties, examples, and applications to ensure
comprehensive coverage.
Includes extended explanations, derivations, and interpretations relevant for JEE preparation.