Topic 3. Complex numbers.

Level 1.
z1
Problem CO1_1. Find (a) z1 + z 2 , (b) z1 − z 2 , (c) z1 z2 , (d) when z1 = (2 + i ) , z 2 = i .
z2

Answer: (a) 2 + 2i , (b) 2 , (c) − 1 + 2i , (d) 1 − 2i .

Explanation: (a) z1 + z2 = (2 + i ) + i = 2 + 2i (b) z1 − z2 = (2 + i ) − i = 2

z1 2 + i (2 + i )( − i ) 1 − 2i
(c) z1 z2 = (2 + i )i = 2i + i 2 = −1 + 2i (d) = = = = 1 − 2i .
z2 i i ⋅ (− i) 1

Problem CO1_2. Find (a) Re(z ) , (b) Im(z ) , (c) (z ) when (i) z = 3 , (ii) z = 4i , (iii) z = 3 + 4i .

Answer: (a) (i) 3 , (ii) 0 , (iii) 3 ; (b) (i) 0 , (ii) 4 , (iii) 4 ; (c) (i) 3 , (ii) − 4i , (iii) 3 − 4i .
.
Explanation: (a) (i) Re(3) = 3 (ii) Re(4i ) = 0 (iii) Re(3 + 4i ) = 3
(b) (i) Im(3) = 0 (ii) Im(4i ) = 4 (iii) Im(3 + 4i ) = 4
(c) (i) (3) = 3 (ii) (4i ) = −4i (iii) (3 + 4i ) = 3 − 4i .

Problem CO1_3. z = − 3 + 2 i
(a) Evaluate z . Verify that zz is real.
1 z 1
(b) Use = to find in the form a + ib , a , b ∈R .
z zz z

1 3 2
Answer: (a) z = −3 − 2i ; (b) =− − i.
z 13 13

Explanation: (a) z = −3 − 2i zz = ( − 3 + 2i )( − 3 − 2i ) = 9 + 4 = 13 ∈R
1 1 − 3 − 2i 3 2
(b) = = =− − i
z − 3 + 2i 13 13 13

Problem CO1_4. z ∈C such that Im z = 2 and z 2 is real. Find z.

Answer: z = 2i .

(
Explanation: Im z = 2 ⇒ z = x + 2i and z 2 = x 2 − 4 + i(4 x ), x ∈R )
z 2 real ⇒ 4 x = 0 ⇒ x = 0,
∴ z = 2i .

Problem CO1_5. Find the square roots of the following complex numbers (a) -25; (b) i.

1 1 1 1
Answer: (a) 5i , − 5i ; (b) +i , − −i .
2 2 2 2

Explanation: (a) − 25 = 25i 2 , ∴ 5i and − 5i .

 ( )
(b) Let (a + ib) 2 = i , a , b ∈R. Then a 2 − b 2 + i(2ab) = i. Equating real and imaginary parts,

a 2 − b 2 = 0 and 2ab = 1 .
1
a2 − = 0 ⇒ 4a 4 − 1 = 0
4a 2

(2a − 1)(2a + 1) = 0, a real ⇒ a =

2 2 1
2
, b=
1
2
or a = −
1
2
, b=−
1
2
. Hence i has square

1 1 1 1
roots +i , − −i .
2 2 2 2

Problem CO1_6. Find the square roots of the complex number − 4 + 3i .

1 3 1 3
Answer: +i , − −i .
2 2 2 2

Explanation: Let (a + ib) 2 = −4 + 3i , a , b ∈R. Then a 2 − b 2 + i(2ab) = −4 + 3i. Equating real ( )

and imaginary parts, a 2 − b 2 = −4 and 2ab = 3.
9
a2 − = −4 ⇒ 4a 4 + 16a 2 − 9 = 0
2
4a

(2a − 1)(2a
2 2
)
+ 9 = 0, a real ⇒ a =
1
2
, b=
3
2
or a = −
1
2
, b=−
3
2
. Hence − 4 + 3i has

1 3 1 3
square roots +i , − −i .
2 2 2 2

Problem CO1_7. Solve the quadratic equation x 2 + x + 1 = 0 .

1 3
Answer: x = − ± i .
2 2

−1± i 3 1 3
Explanation: ∆ = −3 = 3 i 2 , ∴ x = = − ±i .
2 2 2

Problem CO1_8. Solve the quadratic equation 4 x 2 − 4(1 + 2i ) x − (3 − 4i ) = 0 .

1
Answer: x = + i.
2

Explanation: Find ∆ : 16(1 + 2i ) 2 + 16(3 − 4i ) = 0. Hence 4 x 2 − 4(1 + 2i ) x − (3 − 4i ) = 0 has two

1
equal solutions x = + i.
2

Problem CO1_9. 3 − 2i is one root of x 2 + bx + c = 0 , where b and c are real. Find b and c.

Answer: c = 13 ; b = −6 .
Explanation: b and c are real, ∴ 3 + 2i is the other root of x 2 + bx + c = 0 . Hence
c = (3 − 2i )(3 + 2i ) and − b = (3 − 2i ) + (3 + 2i ) . Thus c = 9 + 4 = 13 and b = −6 .

Problem CO1_10. If z = 1 + i , mark on an Argand diagram the point representing (a) z ; (b) z ;
(c) iz .

Explanation:

(a) z = 1 + i
(b) z = 1 − i
(c) iz = i + i 2 = −1 + i

Problem CO1_11. If z = 3 − 2i ,
mark on an Argand diagram the
points representing (a) 2z ; (b)
− 2iz .

Explanation:

Problem CO1_12. Find z and arg z when (a) z = 2 , (b) z = 1 + 3i .

Answer: (a) z = 2, arg z = 0 ; (b) z = 2, arg z = π3 .

.
Explanation: (a) z = 2 ⋅ (cos 0 + i sin 0) ⇒ z = 2, arg z = 0
(b) z = 1 + 3i = 2 21 + i 3 
2  ( )
= 2 cos π3 + i sin π3 ⇒ z = 2, arg z = π3 .
Problem CO1_13. Find z and a r g z when z = i .

Answer: z = 1 ; a r g z = π .
2

Explanation: In each case P( a, b) represents the complex number z = a + ib and θ is the

principal argument of z

Problem CO1_14. Find z and a r g z when z = 2 + 2i .

Answer: z = 2 2 ; a r g z = π .
4

Explanation: In each case P( a, b) represents the complex number z = a + ib and θ is the

principal argument of z

Problem CO1_15. Find z and a r g z when z = −3 + 2i .

Answer: z = 13 ; arg z = π − tan − 1 ( 2 / 3) .

Explanation: In each case P( a, b) represents the complex number z = a + ib and θ is the

principal argument of z
Problem CO1_16. Express in modulus/argument form z = −1 + i .

Answer: z = 2cis ( 34π ) .

Explanation: z = −1 + i = 2  − 1
2
+ 1 i = 2cis 34π
2 
( )
Problem CO1_17. Write z in the form a + ib when z = 4, arg z = 2π .
3

Answer: − 2 + i 2 3 .

Explanation: z = 4cis ( 23π ) = 4 − 12 + i 3 

2 
= −2 + i 2 3 .

Problem CO1_18. Write down the moduli and arguments of − 3 + i and 4 + 4i . Hence express
in modulus/argument form ( − 3 + i )( 4 + 4i ) .

( )
Answer: − 3 + i (4 + 4i ) = 8 2 cis −
 11π 
 12 


Explanation: Let z1 = − 3 + i and z 2 = 4 + 4i . Then

− 3 1   5π 5π  5π
z1 = 2 + i = 2 cos + i sin  ⇒ z1 = 2, arg z1 = ,
 2 2   6 6  6
 1 1   π π π
z2 = 4 2  + i = 4 2  cos + i sin  ⇒ z2 = 4 2 , arg z 2 = .
 2 2   4 4  4

(− )
3 + i (4 + 4i ) = z1z 2 . But z1 z 2 = z1 ⋅ z 2 = 8 2 and arg( z1z 2 ) = arg z1 + arg z2 =
5π π 13π
+ =
6 4 12
.
13π 13π 11π
Since > π , the principal argument of z1z 2 is − 2π = − . Hence
12 12 12

( )   11π 
− 3 + i (4 + 4i ) = 8 2 cos −
  12 
 11π  
 + i sin −
 
12 
 11π 
  = 8 2cis −
 12 


Problem CO1_19. z has modulus r and argument θ . Find in terms of r and θ the modulus and
one argument of z 2 .
 ( )
Answer: z 2 = r 2 ; arg z 2 = 2θ .

( )
Explanation: z 2 = z 2 = r 2 and arg z 2 = 2 arg z = 2θ .

( )
−1
Problem CO1_20. Write 1 + 3i in modulus/argument form.

1  π
Answer: cis − .
2  3

1 3   π π π
Explanation: Let z = 1 + 3i . Then z = 2 ⋅  + i = 2 cos + i sin  ⇒ z = 2 and arg z = .
2 2   3 3  3
π
and arg  = − arg z = − .
1 1 1 1
Hence = =
z z 2  z 3

( ) 1  π π 1  π
−1 
∴ 1 + 3i =  cos −  + i sin −   = cis − .
2  3  3 2  3

Problem CO1_21. State the modulus and argument of − 1 + i . Hence write ( −1 + i ) 18 in the
form a + ib .

3π 18
Answer: 2, ; z = −512i .
4

1  1  3π 3π 
Explanation: Let z = −1 + i . Then z = 2  − +
i = 2  cos + i sin  ⇒ z = 2 and
2  2   4 4

arg z =
3π
4
( )
. Hence z 18 = z 18 = 2 9 = 512 and arg z 18 = 18 arg z = 18 ⋅ =
3π 27 π
4 2
π
= 14 π − .
2
 π π 
Therefore z 18 = 512 ⋅  cos14 π −  + i sin14 π −   = 512 ⋅ ( − i ) = −512i .
  2   2 
3π
∴ − 1 + i = 2 , arg(− 1 + i ) = , ( − 1 + i ) = −512i .
18
4

Problem CO1_22. If p is real, and − 2 < p < 2 , show that the roots of the equation
x 2 + px + 1 = 0 are non-real complex numbers with modulus 1.

2
 p p2
Explanation: Using the method of completing the square: x 2 + px + 1 = 0 ⇒  x +  = − 1.
 2 4
p2
Since − 2 < p < 2 , − 1 < 0 . Therefore there are no real roots of the equation x 2 + px + 1 = 0 .
4

Problem CO1_23. Show geometrically how to construct the vectors representing (a) z1 + z 2 ,
(b) z1 − z 2 , (c) z 2 − z1 when z1 = 2, z 2 = i .
Explanation:

→ → →
Let OA , OB represent z1 , z2 . Then (a) OC represents z1 + z 2 ,
→ →
(b) BA represents z1 − z 2 , (c) AB represents z 2 − z1 .

Problem CO1_24. On an Argand diagram the points A and B represent the complex numbers
(1 + i ) respectively. Show that arg( z1 + z2 ) = 38π .
1
z1 = i and z 2 =
2

Explanation:

C → →
Y OA , OB represent z1 , z2 . OACB is a parallelogram and ∠OC
represents z1 + z 2 .
z1 + z2 Since z1 = 1 and z 2 = 1 , OA = OB . Hence OACB is a rhombus.
A π
Therefore ∠COB = 21 ∠AOB . But ∠AOB = 2
− arg z2 and
B
z1 ∠COB = arg( z1 + z 2 ) − arg z2 .
z2 Thus arg( z1 + z 2 ) = 12 ( 2π − arg z2 ) + arg z2 = π4 + 21 arg z2 . Since
arg z2 = π4 ,
O X
Problem CO1_25. Use the vector representation of z1 and z2
z1 + z 2
on an Argand diagram to show that if z1 = z 2 , then is
z1 − z 2
imaginary.

Explanation:
 → →
Y Let OA , OB represent z1 , z2 . Construct the
C → →
parallelogram OACB . Then OC , BA represent z1 + z 2 ,
A z1 − z2 z1 − z 2 respectively. Since z1 = z 2 , OA = OB . Hence
z1 + z2 OACB is a rhombus. Therefore diagonals OC and AB
→
z1 of OACB meet at right angle. Thus BA is obtained from
z2 B →
OC by a rotation anticlockwise (or clockwise) about O
O X through π2 , followed by an enlargement in O by some
factor k , then by a translation to its position and a
diagonal. Hence z1 − z 2 = ki ( z1 + z 2 ) (or
z +z
z1 − z 2 = − ki ( z1 + z 2 ) ). In either case, the number 1 2 is imaginary.
z1 − z 2

Problem CO1_26. On an Argand diagram the points A and B represent z1 and z 2 respectively.
OAP is an equilateral triangle. Show that z12 + z 22 = z1 z2 .

→ →
Explanation: OA , OB represent z1 , z2 . Since OAB is an equilateral triangle, OA = OB and
→ →
∠AOB = π . Hence OB is obtained from OA by a rotation anticlockwise (or clockwise) about O
3
through π
3
. Therefore z 2 = αz1 with α = cos π3 + i sin π3 (or α = cos − ( π3 ) + i sin(− π3 ) ).
( )
∴ z12 + z 22 = z12 ⋅ 1 + α 2 . But 1 + α 2 = α . Hence z12 + z22 = αz12 = z1 ⋅ (αz1) = z1z2 .

∴ z12 + z 22 = z1z2 .

Y
C
A
z1 − z2
z1 + z2
z1
B
z2

O X

Problem CO1_27. Show that z1 + z 2 +L+ z n ≤ z1 + z 2 +L+ zn .

Explanation: We shall use the method of mathematical induction to prove this inequality.
Define the statement S ( n): z1 + z2 +L+ z n ≤ z1 + z2 +L+ z n , n = 2,3,K
Consider S (2) z1 + z2 ≤ z1 + z2 ⇒ S (2) is true.
Let k be a positive integer, k ≥ 2 . If S ( k ) is true, then z1 + z2 +L+ z k ≤ z1 + z2 +L+ z k .
Consider S ( k + 1) .
z1 + z2 +L+ z k + z k +1 ≤ ( z1 + z2 +L+ z k ) + z k +1 ≤ z1 + z2 +L+ z k + z k +1 (triangle inequality
S (2) ) z1 + z2 +L+ z k + z k +1 , if S ( k ) is true. Hence for all positive integers k ( k ≥ 2) , S ( k )
true implies S ( k + 1) true. But S (2) is true, therefore by induction, S ( n) is true for all positive
integers n ≥ 2 .
∴ z1 + z 2 +L+ z n ≤ z1 + z2 +L+ z n , for all positive integers n ≥ 2 .

Problem CO1_28. Express 1+ i and 1− i in modulus/argument form. Use de Moivre’s theorem

to evaluate (1 + i ) + (1 − i ) .
20 20

Answer: − 2048 .

 1 1   π π
Explanation: Let z = 1 + i . Then z = 2  +i  = 2  cos + i sin  and
 2 2  4 4
 π π
1 − i = z = 2  cos − i sin  .
 4 4
 π
∴ 1 ± i = 2 cis ±  .
 4
Using de Moivre’s theorem z 20 = 210 cis(5π ) , ( z ) = 210 cis(−5π ) . Now
20

z 20 + ( z )
20
( ) ( )
= z 20 + z 20 = 2 Re z 20 = 211 cos(5π ) = −2048 . Hence (1 + i)
20
+ (1 − i)
20
= −2048 .

Problem CO1_29. Express (cos θ + i sin θ) in modulus/argument form.

4

Answer: (cos θ + i sin θ) = cis(4θ) .

4

Explanation: By de Moivre’s theorem: (cos θ + i sin θ)4 = cos(4θ) + i sin(4θ) = cis(4θ) .

Problem CO1_30. Express cos(2θ) − i sin(2θ) in the form (cos θ + i sin θ) .

n

−2
Answer: cos(2θ) − i sin(2θ) = (cisθ) .

Explanation: By de Moivre’s theorem: cos(2θ) − i sin(2θ) = (cos θ + i sin θ) = (cisθ) .

−2 −2

Problem CO1_31. Use de Moivre’s theorem with n = 2 to show that cos(2θ) = cos2 θ − sin 2 θ
2 tan θ
and sin(2θ) = 2 sin θ cos θ . Hence show that tan(2θ) = .
1 − tan 2 θ
Explanation: By de Moivre’s theorem: (cos θ + i sin θ) = cos(2θ) + i sin (2θ) . But
2

(cos θ + i sin θ)2 = cos2 θ + 2i cos θ sin θ + i2 sin 2 θ = (cos2 θ − sin 2 θ) + i2 sin θ cos θ . Equating real
and imaginary parts we obtain cos(2θ) = cos2 θ − sin 2 θ and sin(2θ) = 2 sin θ cos θ . Hence
sin θ
sin (2θ) 2 sin θ cos θ cos2 θ ⋅ 2
tan(2θ) = = = cos θ = 2 tan θ .
cos(2θ) cos θ − sin θ
2 2  sin 2 θ  1 − tan 2 θ
cos 2
θ ⋅ 1 − 
 cos2 θ 

Problem CO1_32. Factorise z 3 − 1 . If z is one of the three cube roots of unity, find the two
possible values of z 2 + z + 1 .

Answer: 3 ; 0 .

( )
Explanation: The cube roots of unity satisfy z 3 − 1 = 0 . But z 3 − 1 = ( z − 1) z 2 + z + 1 . Hence

(a) z = 1 ⇒ z 2 + z + 1 = 3
(b) z ≠ 1 ⇒ z 2 + z + 1 = 0 .

Problem CO1_33. Use de Moivre’s theorem to find in modulus/argument form the square roots
of 3 + i .

π .
Answer: ± 2 cis 12

 3 1   π π
Explanation: z = 3 + i = 2 + i = 2 cos + i sin  .
 2 2   6 6
∴ z = 2 and arg z = π .
6
By de Moivre’s theorem one square root of z has modulus 2 and argument π . Hence the
12
π
two square roots of z are ± 2 cis 12 .

Problem CO1_34. Indicate on an Argand diagram the locus of the point P representing z when
π
(a) Re z = −2 ; (b) z = 2 ; (c) arg z = − .
3

Explanation:
Let z = x + iy . Then
(a) Re z = −2 ⇒ x = −2 ,

Let P represent z . Then

(b) OP = z . z = 2 ⇒ P lies on the circle, center (0,0) and radius 2.

→
( )
(c) The gradient of OP is tan − π3 = − 3 . The locus P is the ray y = − 3x , x > 0 .

Problem CO1_35. On an Argand diagram shade in the region containing all points representing
complex numbers z such that z ≤ 1 or 0 ≤ arg z ≤ π4 .

Explanation: z = 1 is the circle, center (0,0) and radius 1 , arg z = 0 is the positive x -axis,
π
arg z = is the ray y = x , x > 0.
4
 Y y=x

O X

x2 + y2 = 1

Problem CO1_36. Indicate on an Argand diagram the region which contains the point P
representing z when z ≤ 1 or 0 ≤ arg z ≤ π2 .

Explanation:

z = 1 is the circle, center (0,0) and

1 radius 1. arg z = 0 is the positive x-axis.
arg z = π
2
is the positive y-axis.

Problem CO1_37. Sketch on an Argand

diagram the locus of the point P
O representing z, given that z 2 = z + z + 1 .
-1 1 X
Explanation:
x2 + y2 = 1
Y
-1
( x − 1)2 + y 2 = 2 Let z = x + iy . Then z = x − iy and
2 2
z = x2 + y2 ,
2
∴ z = z + z + 1 ⇔ x 2 + y 2 = 2x + 1 ⇔
1− 2 1+ 2 ( x − 1)2 + y 2 = 2 . Hence P lies on the
circle with center (1,0) and radius 2 .
O 1 X
Problem CO1_38. z = x + iy is such
z −i
that is purely imaginary. Find the
z +1
equation of the locus of the point P
− 2 representing z and show this locus on an
Argand diagram.

Answer: x( x + 1) + y ( y − 1) = 0 .

Explanation:
 Y Let P( x , y ) represent z = x + iy . Then
1 z − i x + i( y − 1) ( x + i( y − 1))(( x + 1) − iy )
= = =
( − 12 , 12 ) z + 1 ( x + 1) + iy ( )
x + 1
2
+ y 2

x ( x + 1) + y ( y − 1) + i(( y − 1)( x + 1) − xy )
,
( x + 1)2 + y 2
z−i
-1 O X ∴ if is purely imaginary, then
z +1
2 2
 1  1
x( x + 1) + y ( y − 1) =  x +  +  y −  = 0 . This is the
 2  2
( )
equation of the circle with center − 12 , 12 and radius 1 .
2

 1
Problem CO1_39. Re z −  = 0 . Find the equation of the locus of the point P representing z
 z
on an Argand diagram and sketch this locus.

Answer: x = 0 ( y ≠ 0) or x 2 + y 2 = 1 .

Explanation:

Y Let P( x , y ) represent z = x + iy . Then

1 1 1 x − iy
z− = x + iy − = x + iy − 2 =
z x + iy x + y2
 x   y 
1 x − 2
 x +y  
2
 + i  y +
x +y 
2 2 ( )
 . Hence, if Re z − 1z = 0 , then
-1 O X
x
x− 2 = 0.
x + y2
-1 1
∴ x = 0, 1 − 2 = 0.
x + y2
Therefore the locus of the point P has Cartesian equation x = 0 ( y ≠ 0) or x 2 + y 2 = 1 .

Problem CO1_40. Indicate on an Argand diagram the locus of the point P representing z, given
that z 2 − z 2 = 4 .

Explanation:
Y Let P( x , y ) represent z = x + iy . Then
z 2 − z 2 = ( z − z )( z + z ) = (2iy ) ⋅ (2 x ) , ∴ z 2 − z 2 = 4 xy ,

∴ xy = 1 .

O X
xy = 1