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Understanding Cis Notation in Complex Numbers

Cis notation is a shorthand for representing complex numbers in polar form using trigonometric functions, defined as cis(θ) = cos(θ) + i sin(θ). It simplifies operations such as multiplication, division, and exponentiation of complex numbers, particularly through De Moivre's Theorem. The notation also highlights the relationship between algebra, trigonometry, and exponential functions via Euler's formula.

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18 views4 pages

Understanding Cis Notation in Complex Numbers

Cis notation is a shorthand for representing complex numbers in polar form using trigonometric functions, defined as cis(θ) = cos(θ) + i sin(θ). It simplifies operations such as multiplication, division, and exponentiation of complex numbers, particularly through De Moivre's Theorem. The notation also highlights the relationship between algebra, trigonometry, and exponential functions via Euler's formula.

Uploaded by

gabrielw27
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Cis Notation and Its Applications in Complex

Numbers
Mathematics Notes

Contents
1 Introduction 2

2 Definition of Cis 2

3 Euler’s Formula 2

4 Multiplication and Powers Using Cis 2

5 Examples 3

6 Roots of Complex Numbers 3

7 Graphical Representation 4

8 Advantages of Cis Notation 4

9 Conclusion 4

1
Cis Notation Complex Numbers

1 Introduction
The ‘cis‘ notation is a shorthand for writing complex numbers in **polar form** using
trigonometric functions. It is especially useful when multiplying, dividing, or raising complex
numbers to powers.

2 Definition of Cis
The expression
cis(θ) = cos(θ) + i sin(θ)
is shorthand notation commonly used in mathematics to represent a complex number on the
unit circle.

cis(θ) = cos(θ) + i sin(θ)


So, any complex number z = r(cos θ + i sin θ) can be written as:

z = r · cis(θ)

3 Euler’s Formula
eiθ = cos(θ) + i sin(θ) = cis(θ)
Therefore, ‘cis‘ can also be viewed as:

cis(θ) = eiθ

4 Multiplication and Powers Using Cis


One of the most powerful uses of ‘cis‘ is in simplifying multiplication and powers of complex
numbers.

Multiplication
z1 = r1 cis(θ1 ), z2 = r2 cis(θ2 )
z1 z2 = r1 r2 · cis(θ1 + θ2 )

Division
z1 r1
= · cis(θ1 − θ2 )
z2 r2

2
Cis Notation Complex Numbers

Exponentiation (De Moivre’s Theorem)


[De Moivre’s Theorem] For any integer n,

[cis(θ)]n = cis(nθ)

We use Euler’s formula:


n
cis(θ) = eiθ ⇒ [cis(θ)]n = eiθ = einθ = cis(nθ)

5 Examples
Convert z = 1 + i to polar form and write it using ‘cis‘.
√ √
r = |z| = 12 + 12 = 2
 
−1 1 π
θ = tan =
1 4
√ π 
z = 2 · cis
4
Compute (1 + i)5 using ‘cis‘. √
π

From previous example, z = 2 · cis 4

√ 5 √
 π  
5 5π
z = ( 2) · cis 5 · = 4 2 · cis
4 4

6 Roots of Complex Numbers


To find the n-th roots of a complex number:
√ √
 
θ + 2πk
z = r · cis(θ) ⇒ z = r · cis
n n
for k = 0, 1, . . . , n − 1
n
Find the cube roots of 8 · cis(60◦ )
√
3
8 = 2, and angles are:
 ◦
60 + 360◦ · 0

cis = cis(20◦ )
3
cis(140◦ ), cis(260◦ )
Final answers:
2 · cis(20◦ ), 2 · cis(140◦ ), 2 · cis(260◦ )

3
Cis Notation Complex Numbers

7 Graphical Representation
Im

z = r cis(θ)

θ
Re

8 Advantages of Cis Notation


• Simplifies multiplication/division of complex numbers.

• Easily used in powers and roots with De Moivre’s Theorem.

• Compact and elegant.

• Closely related to exponential form via Euler’s identity.

9 Conclusion
The ‘cis‘ notation is a powerful and elegant way to express complex numbers in polar form.
It simplifies operations such as multiplication, division, exponentiation, and finding roots.
Understanding ‘cis‘ also opens the door to deeper connections between algebra, trigonometry,
and exponential functions through Euler’s formula.

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