COMPLEX NUMBERS
Page 1: Introduction
Complex numbers are an extension of the real number system and play a fundamental role in modern
mathematics. They were developed to provide solutions to equations that have no real roots, such as:
x² + 1 = 0
Since no real number squared gives -1, mathematicians introduced the imaginary unit, denoted by i,
where:
i² = -1
A complex number combines a real part and an imaginary part and is generally written as:
z = a + bi
where a and b are real numbers.
Complex numbers are widely used in mathematics, engineering, physics, computer science, and signal
processing.
Page 2: The Imaginary Unit
The foundation of complex numbers is the imaginary unit:
i = √(-1)
Its powers follow a repeating pattern:
i¹ = i
i² = -1
i³ = -i
i⁴ = 1
i⁵ = i
The cycle repeats every four powers.
To simplify higher powers of i, divide the exponent by 4 and determine the remainder.
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Example:
i¹⁷ = i
because 17 ÷ 4 leaves a remainder of 1.
Understanding powers of i is essential for manipulating complex numbers.
Page 3: Definition of Complex Numbers
A complex number has the form:
z = a + bi
where:
• a is the real part
• b is the imaginary part
Notation:
Re(z) = a
Im(z) = b
Examples:
3 + 2i
-4 + i
7 - 5i
Purely real numbers have b = 0.
Purely imaginary numbers have a = 0.
Complex numbers form a complete number system that includes both real and imaginary numbers.
Page 4: Addition and Subtraction
Complex numbers are added and subtracted by combining like terms.
Example:
2
(3 + 2i) + (4 + 5i)
= 7 + 7i
Example:
(6 + 4i) - (2 + i)
= 4 + 3i
Rules:
(a + bi) + (c + di)
= (a + c) + (b + d)i
(a + bi) - (c + di)
= (a - c) + (b - d)i
These operations are similar to algebraic expressions.
Page 5: Multiplication and Division
Multiplication
Example:
(2 + 3i)(1 + 4i)
= 2 + 8i + 3i + 12i²
= 2 + 11i - 12
= -10 + 11i
Division
Example:
(3 + 2i)/(1 - i)
Multiply numerator and denominator by the conjugate:
(1 + i)
After simplification:
3
= (5 + 5i)/2
= 5/2 + 5i/2
The conjugate is used to eliminate imaginary terms in the denominator.
Page 6: Complex Conjugates
The conjugate of:
z = a + bi
is:
z̄ = a - bi
Examples:
Conjugate of:
4 + 3i
is
4 - 3i
Properties:
z × z̄ = a² + b²
Example:
(3 + 4i)(3 - 4i)
= 9 + 16
= 25
Conjugates are important in division, modulus calculations, and proofs.
Page 7: Modulus and Argand Diagram
Modulus
The modulus of:
4
z = a + bi
is:
|z| = √(a² + b²)
Example:
z = 3 + 4i
|z| = 5
Argand Diagram
Complex numbers can be represented graphically.
• Horizontal axis: Real axis
• Vertical axis: Imaginary axis
Point:
(3,4)
represents:
3 + 4i
Argand diagrams provide a geometric interpretation of complex numbers.
Page 8: Polar Form
A complex number can be expressed in polar form.
If:
z = a + bi
then:
z = r(cos θ + i sin θ)
where:
r = modulus
θ = argument
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Example:
z=1+i
r = √2
θ = 45°
Therefore:
z = √2(cos45° + i sin45°)
Polar form simplifies multiplication and division.
Page 9: De Moivre's Theorem
De Moivre's Theorem states:
[r(cosθ + isinθ)]ⁿ
= rⁿ(cos nθ + isin nθ)
Example:
Find:
(cos30° + isin30°)³
Using the theorem:
= cos90° + isin90°
=i
Applications:
• Finding powers
• Solving equations
• Trigonometric identities
This theorem is one of the most important results in complex number theory.
Page 10: Roots of Complex Numbers
Complex roots can be found using De Moivre's Theorem.
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To find nth roots:
z = r^(1/n)
[cos((θ + 360k)/n) + i sin((θ + 360k)/n)]
where:
k = 0,1,2,...,n-1
Example:
Solve:
z³ = 8
The roots are:
-1 + √3i
-1 - √3i
Complex roots are equally spaced on a circle in the Argand plane.
Page 11: Applications and Conclusion
Applications of Complex Numbers
Electrical Engineering
Used in alternating current (AC) circuit analysis.
Physics
Wave motion and quantum mechanics.
Computer Science
Signal processing and image analysis.
Mathematics
Polynomial equations and advanced calculus.
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Telecommunications
Transmission and modulation of signals.
Conclusion
Complex numbers extend the real number system and provide solutions to equations that cannot be
solved using real numbers alone. Through operations, conjugates, modulus, polar form, Argand
diagrams, and De Moivre's Theorem, complex numbers become powerful mathematical tools. Their
applications span mathematics, engineering, science, and technology, making them one of the most
important topics in advanced mathematics.
References
1. Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics: Pure Mathematics 3.
2. Bostock, L. & Chandler, S. Pure Mathematics 3.
3. Stroud, K. Engineering Mathematics.
4. Stewart, J. College Algebra.
5. Cambridge International Education Mathematics Syllabus.