complex numbers [20 marks]

1. [Maximum mark: 20] [Link].TZ0.12

Consider the equation z 4
= 16i, where z ∈ C.

The equation has four roots z1, z2, z3, z4, where zi = r (cos θi + i sin θi),

r > 0 and 0 ≤ θ1 < θ2 < θ3 < θ4 < 2π.

(a) Find z1, z2, z3 and z4. [6]

Markscheme

π
|16i| = 16 and arg (16i) =
2
(A1)

attempt to use De Moivre’s Theorem (M1)

π π
z1 = 2 (cos (
8
) + i sin (
8
)) A1

attempts to find other solutions using

π πk π πk
z = 2 (cos ( + ) + i sin ( + )) or equivalent (M1)
8 2 8 2

5π 5π
z2 = 2 (cos ( ) + i sin ( )) (or any other root) A1
8 8

9π 9π
z3 = 2 (cos (
8
) + i sin (
8
)) and
13π 13π
z4 = 2 (cos (
8
) + i sin (
8
)) A1

Note: Award a maximum of (A1)(M1)A1(M1)A1A0 for more than four roots or

any roots outside the range.

Note: Allow use of r-cis form throughout.

[6 marks]
The roots z1, z2, z3 and z4 form a geometric sequence.

(b) Find the common ratio of the sequence, expressing your

answer in Cartesian form. [3]

Markscheme

z2
attempt to evaluate a ratio with their roots eg z1
(M1)

5π 5π
2 (cos ( )+i sin ( ))
z2 8 8

z1
=
π π
or equivalent
2 (cos ( )+i sin ( ))
8 8

π π
= (cos (
2
) + i sin (
2
)) (A1)

= i A1

[3 marks]

The roots z1, z2, z3 and z4 are represented by the points A, B, C and D
respectively on an Argand diagram.

(c) Plot the points A, B, C and D on an Argand diagram. [3]

Markscheme
 point A in approximately correct place in first quadrant A1

points A, B, C and D approximately the same distance from the origin

A1

π
approximate angular separation of 2
A1

Note: Dotted lines not required.

[3 marks]

The equation v4 = a + bi, where v ∈ C and a, b ∈ R has roots z1

*
, z2*, z3*
and z4 .
*

(d) Determine the value of a and the value of b. [3]

Markscheme
 EITHER

4 *
(zi )
*
= (z1 )
4
(A1)

*
= (16i) (A1)

OR

π π
z1
*
= 2 (cos (−
8
) + i sin(−
8
)) (A1)

4 4π 4π
(z1 )
* 4
= 2 (cos (−
8
) + i sin (−
8
)) (A1)

OR

z1z2z3z4 = −16i (A1)

* *
(z1z2z3z4) = (−16i)

*
z1 z2 z3 z4
* * *
= 16i (A1)

THEN

(z
4
=) − 16i A1

(a = 0, b = −16)

[3 marks]

′
The midpoint of [AB] is A , the midpoint of [BC] is B , the midpoint of [CD]
′

′ ′
is C and the midpoint of [DA] is D .

Consider the equation wp = 2

q
, where w ∈ C and p, q ∈ Z .
+

′ ′ ′ ′
Four of the roots of w are represented by the points A , B , C and D .
p q
= 2

(e) Find the least possible value of p and the corresponding value
of q.
 [5]

Markscheme

π π 3π
arg w1 (=
8
+
8
) =
8
A1

2 2
AB = √ 2 + 2 = √ 8 = 2√ 2

′
⇒ AA =√ 2

′
⇒ OA = |w1| = √ 2 A1

3π
∴ w1 = √ 2 cis
8

considers when arg (w1p) ∈ Z

+
(multiple of 2π) (M1)

⇒ p = 16 A1

⇒ q = 8 A1

[5 marks]

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