Interactive eBook: Exploring the Complex Numbers
Subtitle: Understanding and Applying the Power of Complex Numbers
Level: Diploma / TVET – Engineering Mathematics
Prepared by: Azman Ahmad
This eBook integrates conceptual explanation, worked examples, and practice exercises. It follows the
HELM workbook style with multimedia learning links for deeper understanding.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Complex Numbers
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this chapter, students will be able to:
• Explain the need for imaginary numbers.
• Define and express complex numbers in standard form a + bi.
• Identify real and imaginary parts.
• Simplify powers of i.
Definition: The imaginary unit i is defined by i = √(-1). A complex number is expressed as z = a + bi,
where a is the real part and b is the imaginary part.
Example 1: Simplify √(-25) = 5i.
Task 1: Write in standard form: (a) √(-9) (b) √(-48)
Key Concept: i¹ = i, i² = -1, i³ = -i, i■ = 1 (repeats every 4 powers).
Chapter 2: Operations of Complex Numbers
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of complex numbers,
and determine equality between two complex numbers.
Addition/Subtraction: (a+bi) ± (c+di) = (a±c) + i(b±d).
Example 2.1: (3+2i) + (4−5i) = 7 − 3i
Multiplication: (a+bi)(c+di) = (ac−bd) + i(ad+bc).
Example 2.2: (4+3i)(2−5i) = 23 − 14i.
Division: (a+bi)/(c+di) = ((ac+bd)+i(bc−ad)) / (c²+d²)
Example 2.3: (2+5i)/(4−i) = 3/17 + 22/17i.
Chapter 3: Argand Diagram and Complex Plane
The x-axis represents the real part and the y-axis represents the imaginary part.
Example: z = −2 + 3i is plotted at (−2, 3).
Modulus: |z| = √(a² + b²), Argument: θ = tan■¹(b/a)
Example: For z = 3 + 4i, |z| = 5 and θ = 53.13°.
Chapter 4: Polar, Trigonometric, and Exponential Forms
Conversion between Cartesian and Polar/Exponential forms uses modulus and argument:
z = r(cosθ + i sinθ) = re^{iθ}.
Example: 1+i ⇒ r = √2, θ = 45°, z = √2 e^{iπ/4}.
Multiplication/Division in Polar Form:
z■z■ = r■r■ e^{i(θ■+θ■)}, z■/z■ = (r■/r■)e^{i(θ■−θ■)}.
Example: (3∠30°)(2∠45°) = 6∠75°.
Chapter 5: Simplifying Powers of i
The powers of i repeat every four:
i¹=i, i²=−1, i³=−i, i■=1.
Example: i³■ = i³ = −i.
Chapter 6: Practice Exercises
1. (3+2i)+(5−3i)
2. (2−3i)(4+i)
3. (3+4i)/(1−2i)
4. Convert z = 4−4i to polar form.
5. Compute |z| and Arg(z) for z = −1 + i√3.
Chapter 7: Summary Formulas
Addition (a+bi)+(c+di)=(a+c)+i(b+d)
Subtraction (a+bi)-(c+di)=(a−c)+i(b−d)
Multiplication (a+bi)(c+di)=(ac−bd)+i(ad+bc)
Division (a+bi)/(c+di)=((ac+bd)+i(bc−ad))/(c²+d²)
Modulus |z|=√(a²+b²)
Argument Arg(z)=tan■¹(b/a)
Polar Form z=r(cosθ+i sinθ)
Exponential Form z=re^{iθ}
De Moivre’s Theorem (cosθ+i sinθ)^n = cos(nθ)+i sin(nθ)
References
1. Introduction to Complex Numbers: YouTube Workbook — Dr Chris Tisdell (2021).
2. HELM Workbook 10 – Complex Numbers (Loughborough University, 2008).
3. MathIsFun – Complex Numbers (2024).
4. BYJU’S – Complex Numbers (2024).
5. Khan Academy & The Organic Chemistry Tutor YouTube Channels.