INTRODUCTION TO COMPLEX NUMBERS

(E- NOTES)
Anjali Pant
Head of Applied Science Department
Govt. Polytechnic College, Shaktifarm, Uttarakhand, India

1. A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE COMPLEX NUMBER

In the history of mathematics, Geronimo (or Gerolamo) Cardano (1501-1576) is considered as the
creator of complex numbers.
The 16th-century Italian mathematician Gerolamo Cardano is credited with introducing complex
numbers in his attempts to find solutions to cubic equations. Formally, the complex number
system can be defined as the algebraic extension of the ordinary real numbers by an imaginary
number 'i.'

2. INTRODUCTION TO COMPLEX NUMBER

In the real number system, there is no solution to the equation
2
x =−1
The backbone of this new number system is the number i.
i=√ −1
Geometrically, complex numbers extend the concept of the one-dimensional number line to the
two-dimensional complex plane by using the horizontal axis for the real part and the vertical axis
for the imaginary part. The complex number a + bi can be identified with the point (a, b) in the
complex plane. A complex number whose real part is zero is said to be purely imaginary; the
points for these numbers lie on the vertical axis of the complex plane. A complex number whose
imaginary part is zero can be viewed as a real number; its point lies on the horizontal axis of the
complex plane. Complex numbers can also be represented in polar form, which associates each
complex number with its distance from the origin (its magnitude) and with a particular angle
known as the argument of this complex number.

2.1. Representation of a complex number

Rectangular Form z=a+ib

 Figure 1 Argand Diagram

A complex number can be visually represented as a pair of numbers (a, b) forming a vector on a
diagram called an Argand diagram, representing the complex plane. "Re" is the real axis, "Im" is
the imaginary axis, and i satisfies i2 = −1.
The real part is denoted by Re (z) = a
The imaginary part is denoted by Im (z) =b
If a=0, a+ ib=ib, which is purely imaginary.
If b=0, a+ ib=a which is purely real.

Polar Form z=r ¿

Figure 2 Polar Form

z=a+ib=r ¿
a b
a=r cos θ∧b=r sinθ ⇒ cos θ= ∧sin θ=
r r
Squaring and adding we get r =√ a2 +b2
The notation 'r' is called the modulus of a complex number.
sin θ b
tanθ= =
cos θ a
b ℑ(z)
θ=tan−1 =tan−1
a ℜ(z)
The numberθ is called amplitude or argument and written as
θ=amp ( z ) =arg z

iθ
Exponential Form z=r e (θ is∈radian) (Euler’s Theorem).

2.2. Conjugate complex numbers

Definition: Two complex numbers that differ only in the sign of the imaginary part are called
conjugate complex numbers.
e. g. a+ ib and a−ib are two conjugate complex numbers.
If we denote the complex number a+ ib by 'z,' then its conjugate a−ib is denoted by ' z '.
i. e. a+ ib=a−ib=z

2.3. Properties of complex numbers:

1) If a+ ib=0 t h en a=0∧b=0(zero Property )
2) a+ ib=c +id ,t h en a=c∧b=d ( equal Property )

2.4. Fundamental Operations of Complex Numbers:

Addition of two complex numbers: First, collect the real parts and imaginary parts separately,
then add the real and imaginary parts separately.
The sum of two complex numbers z 1=a+ ib , z 2=c +i d is obtained below
z 1+ z2 =( a+i b ) + ( c +id )
¿ a+ c+ ib+id
¿ ( a+ c )+ i(b+d )
Subtraction of two complex numbers: First, collect the real parts and imaginary parts separately,
and then perform the subtraction process.
The subtraction of two complex numbers z 1=a+ ib , z 2=c +i d is obtained below
z 1+ z2 =( a+i b )− ( c+id )
¿ a−c +ib−id
 ¿ ( a−c ) +i(b−d )
Multiplication of two complex numbers: If z 1=a+ ib , and z 2=c +i d are complex numbers
z 1 . z 2=( a+ ib ) .(c+id)
2
¿ ac +iad +ibc+i bd
¿ ( ac−bd )+i(bc+ ad)

Division of two complex numbers: If z 1=a+ ib , and z 2=c +i d are complex numbers
z1 a+ib a+ib c−id
= = ×
z2 c +id c+ id c−id
(Multiplying the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator)
ac−iad +ibc−i bd ac +bd +i ( bc−ad )
2
¿ 2 2 2
= 2 2
c −i d c +d
ac+ bd bc−ad
¿ 2 2
+i 2 2 =A +iB
c +d c +d

Modulus of a Complex Numbers: The modulus of complex number z=a+ib , is written as |z|
or mod z

|z|=√ a2 +b2
Which is always be a positive number.

Amplitude of a complex Numbers: The amplitude of complex number z=a+ib is written as

θ=amp ( z ) =arg z
b ℑ(z)
θ=tan−1 =tan−1
a ℜ(z)

Additive Identity of a complex Numbers: The additive identity of a complex number is a zero
complex number, which does not affect the complex number in addition.
i.e., a+ ib+(0+i 0)=a+ ib
⟹(0+ i0) is the additive identity of a complex number.

Additive Inverse of a complex Numbers: Additive identity is the negative complex number,
which is added to the complex number, result in zero complex number.
a+ ib+ (−a−ib ) =0+i 0
Multiplicative Identity of a complex Numbers: Multiplicative identity of a complex number is a
complex number which does not affect the complex number on multiplication.
( a+ ib ) . ( 1+i0 )=a+ 0i+ib+0 i 2 = a+ ib
⟹(1+i 0), i.e., 1, is the multiplicative identity of a complex number.
1
Multiplicative Inverse of a complex Numbers: The multiplicative inverse of z=( a+ib ) is z=
z
1 1 a−ib a−ib z
z= = × = =
a+ib a+ib a−ib a2+ b2 |z|2
z
⟹ 2 is the multiplicative inverse of z=a+ib .
| z|

2.5 De moivre’s Theorem

If n is a rational number, then

[ cos θ+i sin θ ] n =cos nθ+isin nθ

2.6 Cube root of unity

If the cube root of unity is x, then

√3 1=x
−1+i √3 −1−i √ 3
Then, x=1 , ,
2 2
−1+i √ 3 −1−i √ 3
or 2
x=1 , ω∧ω , where ω= ∧ω 2=
2 2
Properties of cube roots of unity:
1. Among the three cube roots of unity, one of the cube roots is real, and the other two are
conjugate complex numbers.
2. The product of the two imaginary cube roots is 1, or the product of three cube roots of
unity is 1.
3
ω =1
3. The sum of three cube roots of unity is 0.
2
1+ω+ ω =0

2.7 nth root of unity

If the nth root of unity is x, then

√n 1=x
n
Then x =1=cos 0+i sin 0=¿ ¿
cos 2 kπ + isin 2 kπ (Wherek is an integer )
th
Taking the n root on both sides, we have
1
x=[ cos 2 kπ + isin 2 kπ ]
n
 [
= cos
2 kπ
n
+i sin
2 kπ
n ] (De-moivre’s theorem)

Where k =1 ,2 , 3 , 4 , … … … , n−1

SOLVED QUESTIONS

1+i
Q1. Express in the standard form.
1−i
2
1+i 1+i 1−i ( 1+i ) 1+2 i+i 2 1+2 i−1
Solution: = × = 2 2= =
1−i 1−i 1+i 1 −i 1+1 2

2i
¿ =i = 0+1 i
2

Q2. Find the complex conjugate and the modulus of ( 1+i )2

Solution: ( 1+i )2=12 +i 2+2.1 . i=1+i 2+ 2i
1−1+2 i=2 i=0+2 i
Conjugate of 0+2 i=0−2 i
Modulus of ( 1+i )2=0−2i= √|02 +22|=2

Q3. Find the amplitude or the argument of the complex number (−√ 3−i ) .
−1 ℑz −1 −1 −1 1 π
Solution: arg z=α =tan =tan =tan =
ℜz −√ 3 √3 6
Since ℜ< 0∧ℑ<0
−5 π
arg z=−π +α =
6

Q4. Express (1−i) in the polar form.

Solution: ( 1−i )=r ( cos θ+i sinθ )
i. e. r cos θ=1∧r sinθ=−1
Squaring and adding r 2=2⇒ r =√ 2
1 −1
cos θ= ∧sinθ=
√2 √2
tanθ=−1
π
tanθ=−tan
4
tanθ=tan ( )
−π
4
−π
θ=
4

( ( ) ( ))
( 1−i )= √2 cos
−π
4
+i sin
−π
4

Q5. Find the square root of(7−24 i).

Solution:√ 7−24 i=x+ iy
 ⇒7−24 i= √ ( x +iy )
2

2 2
⇒ 7−24 i=x − y +2 ixy
2 2
⇒ x − y =7 ,………………………….. (1)
and 2 xy=−24 …………………………..(2)
2 2 2 2
⇒ ( x + y ) =( x − y ) + 4 x y
2 2 2 2

2 2
⇒ ( x + y ) =49+576=625
2

2 2
x + y =25 …………………………..(3)
2 2
Solving (1) and (3) x =16∧ y =9
x=± 4 , y=± 3
From equation (2), we know that 2xy is negative, so x and y are of opposite signs.
If x=4 , y=−3 and x=−4 , y=3
√ 7−24 i=± ( 4−3 i )
Q6. Find the smallest positive integer n for which

[ ]
n
1+i
=1
1−i

[ ]
n
1+i
Solution: The given expression is =1
1−i

First, we rationalize the given expression by multiplying and dividing the given expression by the
conjugate of denominator,

[ ]
n
1+i 1+i
=1
1−i 1+i

[ ]
n
1+i 2 +2i
=1
1−i 2

[ ]
n
2i
=1
2

n
This gives i =1

The smallest positive integer n for which i n=1is 4.

Hence, the value of n is 4.

Q7. Simplify with the help of De-moivre’s theorem

( cos 3 θ+i sin 3 θ )5 ( cos θ−i sin θ )3

Solution: ( cos 3 θ+i sin 3 θ )5=( cos θ+isin θ )3× 5

= ( cos θ+ isin θ )15 …….. (1)
Using De- moivre’s theorem
3 3
( cos θ−i sinθ ) =( cos (−3θ ) +i sin (−3 θ) )
 =( cos θ+ isin θ )−3 ……... (2)
Hence ( cos 3 θ+i sin 3 θ )5 ( cos θ−i sin θ )3
=( cos θ+ isin θ )15 ( cos θ+i sin θ )−3 Using (1) & (2)
15−3 12
=( cos θ+ isin θ ) =( cos θ+i sin θ )
=cos 12 θ+i sin 12θ

Q8. Find the 4th root of unity or solve the equation x 4 +1=0

Solution: Let √4 −1=x

1 1
4 4
(−1 ) =( cos π +i sin π )
1
¿ { cos ( 2rπ +π )+ isin ( 2 rπ + π ) }
4

¿ cos (
2rπ +π
4 )
+isin (
2rπ + π
4 )
On putting r=0, 1, 2, 3 the roots of x 4 +1=0 are

cos ( π4 )+isin ( π4 ) , cos ( 34π )+i sin ( 34π ) , cos( 54π )+isin ( 54π )
cos ( ) +isin (
4 )
7π 7π
4

Q9. Convert into rectangular form 4 √ 2 ∠−45 °

Solution: Let rectangular form of4 √ 2 ∠−45 ° be x +iy
Hence, r =4 √ 2 , θ=−45 °
1
x=r cos θ=4 √2 cos (−45 ° )=4 √ 2 =4
√2
1
y=r sin θ=4 √ 2 sin (−45° ) =−4 √2 =−4
√2
Therefore x +iy=4−4 i

Q6. Find the smallest positive integer n for which

[ ]
n
1+i
=1
1−i

[ ]
n
1+i
Solution: The given expression is =1
1−i

First, we rationalize the given expression by multiplying and dividing the given expression by the
conjugate of denominator,

[ ]
n
1+i 1+i
=1
1−i 1+i
 [ ]
n
1+i 2 +2i
2
=1
1−i

[ ]
n
2i
=1
2

n
This gives i =1

The smallest positive integer n for which i n=1is 4.

Hence, the value of n is 4.

ASSIGNMENT

Q1. Carry out each operation and express the answer in standard form.

(i) ( 2+3 i ) (6+5 i) (v) (5 i)(6 i)

(ii) (−1+3 i)+(0+0 i) (vi) (−2 i)(3+ 2i)
(iii) (8−2i)−(5+2 i) (vii) 4 +(5+2i)
(iv) (3+7 i)−(4−4 i) (viii) (4+3 i)(4−3 i)

Q2. Express the answers in standard form.

(i) 5+ √−7 2
(vi)
1 5i
(ii)
1−√−9 1
(vii)
3i
6+7 i
(iii)
2−i 2−i
(viii)
3i
(iv) (2-√ −4 ¿+¿)
1
(v) ( 3+ √−2 ) ¿) (ix)
2+ 3i
i
(x)
4+ i

Q3. Find the complex conjugate and the modulus of the number.
(i) 11+3 i
(ii) -1-2i
(iii) −4 i
(iv) 4 +3 i
(v) 6−2i

Q4. Express in the polar form.

(i) −1 (iii) i
(ii) 1 (iv) −i
(v) −1− √ 3 i
(vi) 1+i
( 1+ i )2
(vii)
2+i
 1
(viii)
3+4 i

Q5. Find the square root of the following complex numbers

(i) 5+12 i
(ii) −15−8 i
(iii) –i
(iv) 1−¿ i

Q6. Convert into a rectangular form

(i) 4 ∠ 300 °
(ii) 2 √ 2∠ 45°
(iii) 10∠ 45 ° +5 ∠ 30 °
(iv) 10∠ 120 °

Q7. Find the eight root of unity.

( cos θ+i sin θ )4

Q8. Prove that 5
=sin 9 θ−icos 9 θ
( sin θ+i cos θ )

[ ]
n
1+ cos θ+i sinθ
Q9. Simplify
1+cos θ−i sin θ

Q10. If n be a positive integer, prove that

n n nπ
( √ 3+i ) + ( √ 3−i ) =2n+1 cos
6

RFERENCES
1. Kanyal M.K. (2019). Applied Mathematics for Fisr Semestser Diploma Students. Khanna
Publishers, New Delhi.
2. Sabharwal S.S. Jain Sinita, and Sharma Satish (2016) Simplifies Approach to Applied
Mathematics -I, Eagle Prakashan, Jalandhar.
3. http://www.math-kit.de/en/2003/content/CN-PB-XML-EN/new//Manifest31/history.html
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complex_number