Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

H2 Mathematics (9758)
Chapter 15 Complex Numbers 1:
Complex Numbers in Cartesian Form
Lecture Notes
Curriculum Objectives:
At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
• understand that i = −1 is a root of x 2 + 1 = 0 , and that a quadratic equation has two
real roots or two complex roots;
• recognise that the set of real numbers is a subset of the set of complex numbers;
• carry out addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of complex numbers
given in Cartesian form, including finding the square roots of a complex number;
• solve simple equations involving a complex variable by equating real parts and
imaginary parts;
• solve cubic equations with real coefficients when a root (real or complex) is given.
• represent complex numbers expressed in Cartesian form by points in the Argand
diagram, and interpret the terms real part, imaginary part, and conjugate
geometrically.
___________________________________________________________________________

§1 Introduction

Solve the quadratic equation z 2 + z + 1 = 0 .

Solution:

−1  12 − 4
z=
2
−1  − 3
=
2
The equation has no real roots.

When will a quadratic equation have real roots?

What does the phrase “the quadratic equation has no real roots” mean?

The quadratic equation has _______________ roots.

When will a quadratic equation have complex roots?

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

Leonhard Euler1 introduced the imaginary number i to represent −1 :

i = −1
i.e. i 2 = −1

Hence, we shall present the solution as follows:

z2 + z +1 = 0

−1  12 − 4
z=
2
−1  −3
=
2
−1  3 −1
=
2
−1  3i
=
2
(
Recall i = −1 )
1 3 1 3
z =− + i or z = − − i
2 2 2 2

Note: With the introduction of complex numbers, every quadratic equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0

has solutions, though the roots may be complex.

GC Skill:
To key the complex number i into GC, Press `.

1
Leonhard Euler was a Swiss mathematician in the 16 th century.

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

Simplification of Powers of i

1 1 1
Example 1: Simplify (a) i3 (b) i 4 (c) i15 (d) (e) (f) .
i2 i i3

Solution:
(a) i3 = (b) i4 =

(c) i15 = 1
=
(d)
i2

1 1
(e) = (f) =
i i3

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

§2 Definition of a Complex Number

§2.1 Cartesian Form of a Complex Number

The Cartesian form of a complex number is

x + y i , where x, y  .

x is known as the real part of the complex number z, and is denoted by Re(z).
y is known as the imaginary part of the complex number z, and is denoted by Im(z).

1. By convention, we usually denote a complex number by z or w . Sometimes, we use the

letter z or w with subscripts, such as z1 , z2 , z3 when dealing with several complex
numbers at a go.

Example:
z Re(z) Im(z)
1
−4 + i
3
3

– 2i

If x = 0, then z = y i , i.e. the complex number is purely imaginary.  Re ( z ) = 0

If y = 0, then z = x , i.e. the complex number is purely real.  Im ( z ) = 0

2. We denote the set of complex numbers by ,

i.e. =  z : z = x + y i , x, y  .
The set of real numbers, , is a proper subset of the set of complex numbers, , i.e.  .
In fact,    , as represented in the Venn diagram below.

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

§3 Algebraic Operations on Complex Numbers

Let z1 and z2 be two complex numbers, where

z1 = x1 + y1 i and z2 = x2 + y2 i , x1 , y1 , x2 , y2  .

§3.1 Addition, Subtraction and Multiplication

1. z1  z2 = ( x1 + y1i )  ( x2 + y2i ) = ( x1  x2 ) + ( y1  y2 ) i

a. Commutative: z1 + z2 = z2 + z1

b. Associative: z1 + ( z2 + z3 ) = ( z1 + z2 ) + z3

2. z1 z2 = ( x1 + y1 i )( x2 + y2 i )
= x1 x2 + x1 y2 i + x2 y1 i + y1 y2 i 2

= ( x1 x2 − y1 y2 ) + ( x1 y2 + x2 y1 ) i
a. Commutative: z1 z2 = z2 z1

b. Associative: z1 ( z2 z3 ) = ( z1 z2 ) z3

c. Distributive: z1 ( z2 + z3 ) = z1 z2 + z1 z3

3. z n , where n  +
, is defined as z n = z  z  ...  z
n factors
The Binomial Theorem applies to expressions containing complex numbers as well.

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

Example 2: Evaluate
(a) ( 3 + 2i ) − ( 5 − 3i ) (b) ( 3 + 2i )( 4 − 3i )
(c) (1 − 2i )(1 + 2i ) (d) (1 + 2i )
3

Solution:
(a) ( 3 + 2i ) − ( 5 − 3i ) (b) ( 3 + 2i )( 4 − 3i )

(c) (1 − 2i )(1 + 2i ) (d) (1 + 2i )

3

Self Practice 1:
Express in the form x + iy, x, y  :
(a) ( 3 + 5i )( 7 − 2i )
(b) ( −1 + i )
2

(c) (1 − i )
3

[Answer: (a) 31 + 29i (b) −2i (c) −2 − 2i ]

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

§3.2 Division

z1 x1 + y1i
= Important Idea—we
z2 x2 + y2i
are “REALISING the
=
( x1 + y1i )( x2 − y2i ) denominator” so that
( x2 + y2i )( x2 − y2i ) z1
can be written as a
z2
x1 x2 + y1 y2 x2 y1 − x1 y2
= + 2 i single complex number
x2 2 + y2 2 x2 + y2 2

2 + i ( 2 + i )(1 − i ) 2 + 1 − i 3−i 3 1
E.g. = = 2 = = − i
1+ i (1 + i )(1 − i ) (1) − ( i ) 1 − ( −1) 2 2
2

Self Practice 2:
Express in the form x + iy, x, y  :
8−i
(a)
2 + 3i
1 1
(b) −
3 + i 1 + 7i
1
(c) 1 + i +
1+ i
7 1 3 i
[Answer: (a) 1 − 2i (b) + i (c) + ]
25 25 2 2

Note:
1. All addition, subtraction, division and multiplication of complex numbers can be found
using GC. (You can try using your GC to check your answers for Example 1.) (Refer to
Annex B.)
2. For division of complex numbers using the older GC models, use the “divide” key (/)
instead of “fraction” (a!1).

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

Example 3:
z
Find the complex number z such that =1+i.
1+ z
Solution:
z
Given =1+i
1+ z Solving for z
 make z the subject

Note: We can use the GC to check the answer (LHS = RHS).

Self Practice 3:
2+i+ z
Without using a graphing calculator, find the complex number z such that = 3−i .
z −1

[Answer: 2 + i ]

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

Example 4:
Find the complex numbers z and w such that z + w = 4 + 3i and z − iw = 3 − 2i .

Solution:
z + w = 4 + 3i ------------- (1)
z – iw = 3 – 2i ------------- (2)

Note: Remember to use GC to check that the answers for w and z satisfy equations (1)
and (2).

Self Practice 4:
Solve the simultaneous equations
z + iw = 3 + 2i,
3 z − (1 + i) w = 4 − i,
where z, w .

33 13 38 1
[Answer: w = − i, z = + i]
17 17 17 17

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

§3.3 Equality

Two complex numbers are equal if and only if their real parts are equal and their imaginary
parts are equal.
z1 = x1 + y1i and z2 = x2 + y2i are equal  x1 = x2 and y1 = y2 .

Example 5: Find real numbers x, y such that x + 3i = 5 − yi .

Solution:
Comparing real and imaginary parts we get:
x = 5 and y = −3

Note: Inequalities such as a  b and a  b apply only up to the set of real numbers.
Writing 1 + i  1 − i is meaningless.

Example 6:
Without using the graphing calculator, find the square roots of 24 − 10i .
Hence, by completing the square, solve
z2 – 6z = 15 – 10i .

Solution:

Useful technique: Solving 2

unknowns in a given equation
involving complex numbers.

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

Note: Remember to use the GC to find 24 − 10i and check your answer.

Hence, by completing the square, solve

z2 – 6z = 15 – 10i .

Note: Remember to use GC to check your answers.

Substitute z = 8 – i and z = – 2 + i into z2 – 6z, and check that both give 15 − 10i
as answers.

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

Self Practice 5:
Without using a graphing calculator, find the square roots of 3 + 4i.

[Answer: 2 + i or −2 − i ]

§4 Conjugate of a Complex Number

Let z = x + y i , where x, y  .

The conjugate of z, denoted by z*, is given by:

z* = x – y i

Note: z and z* are known as conjugate pairs of complex numbers.

E.g. z z*
2–i
− 2 + 2i
– 6i
–7

You may find the conjugate of a complex number using the GC:

2+i
Eg: If z = , find the real and imaginary parts of iz* .
3−i
GC Skill:
Using the GC to obtain conjugate complex numbers.

Press m>> to call out the MATH CPX menu

and select “1: conj(”

Using GC,
Re (iz*) = 0.5 , Im (iz*) = 0.5 .

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

Important Results:
1. (z*)* = z
E.g. If z = 2 + 3i , then (z*)* = (2 − 3i) * = 2 + 3i = z

2. ( z1 + z2 )* = z1 * + z2 *
In general: ( z1 + z2 + ... + zn )* = z1 * + z2 * +... + zn * , n  +
.

3. (a) z + z* = (x + yi) + (x – yi) = 2x = 2 Re( z )

(b) z – z* = (x + yi) – (x – yi) = 2yi = 2i Im( z )

4. zz* = (x + yi)(x – yi) = x2 + y2 , is a non-negative real number.

Recall: We used this result when realising the denominator for
division of complex numbers (section 3.2).
2 + 4i ( 2 + 4i )(1 + i ) −2 + 6i
Eg: = = = −1 + 3i
1− i (1 − i )(1 + i ) 2

5. (kz )* = k z* , where k 

6. ( z1 z2 )* = z1* z2*

In general, ( z1 z2  zn )* = z1* z2 *  zn * , n  +

.

In particular, ( z n )* = ( z  z  z )* = z *  z *  z * = ( z*) n .

n n

*
 z1  z1 *
7.   =
 z2  z2 *

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

Example 7: Notice that the equation

(
Find the complex number z such that z z + 2i = 2i .
*
) contains both z and z * .

(
Hence, find a complex number w such that w w* − 2i = −2i . )
Solution:
z ( z* + 2i ) = 2i
zz* + 2iz = 2i This is used because the equation
contains both z and z * .

Useful technique: Solving 2

unknowns in a given equation
involving complex numbers.

( )
Find the complex number z such that z z* + 2i = 2i .  z = 1 + i
(
Hence, find a complex number w such that w w* − 2i = −2i . )

Note: Remember to use the GC to check your answers.

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

Self Practice 6:
The complex numbers z and w are 1 + ai and 1 + bi respectively, where a and b are real and
a is positive. Given that zw* = 3 − 4i , find the exact values of a and b .

[Answer: a = 6 − 2, b = 6 + 2 ]

§5 Polynomial Equations with Complex Roots

§5.1 Quadratic Equations
Consider the general quadratic equation az 2 + bz + c = 0 where a, b, c  .
−b  b 2 − 4ac
Using the formula, z = , we find that if the discriminant b2 − 4ac  0 , the
2a
solutions are not real. Thus, we say that the roots of the given equations are complex.

Consider the example at the beginning of the lecture:

z2 + z +1 = 0
−1  12 − 4
z=
2
−1  − 3
=
2
1 3 1 3
z =− + i or z = − − i.
2 2 2 2

If a quadratic equation with real coefficients has a complex root w , then w* is also a root.
i.e. For a quadratic equation f ( z ) = az 2 + bz + c = 0 where a, b, c  ,

if f ( w) = 0 ( w  ) , then f ( w* ) = 0.

Hence, for a quadratic equation with REAL coefficients, complex roots will occur as
conjugate pairs.
[ Refer to Section 5.3 for proof ]

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

Example 8:
(a) Using an algebraic method, find the roots of the equation 2 z 2 − 2 z + 3 = 0 .

Solution:
(a) 2z2 − 2z + 3 = 0
2  4 − 24
z=
4
2  −20
=
4
2  20 i
=
4
22 5 i
=
4
1 5 i
=
2
Note: Use the GC [PlySmlt2 APPS > Poly Root Finder] to check your answer.

GC Skill (Refer to Annex C):

Using GC to check the roots of 2 z 2 − 2 z + 3 = 0
Make sure that a + bi is selected.
Note: Default setting of Poly Root Finder is
“REAL”

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

Example 8:
(b) Obtain a quadratic equation with real coefficients which has 1 − 3 i as a root.

(b)
Since the quadratic equation has ___________ coefficients,
if z = 1 − 3 i is a root, so is

Method I: Recall ( a − b )( a + b ) = a 2 − b 2

Method II: Sum and product of roots

 z 2 − 2 z + 4 = 0 is a possible quadratic equation that is required.

Note:
In general, for a polynomial f ( z ) , if f ( w ) = 0, we say that
w is a root of the equation f ( z ) = 0 ;
( z − w) is a factor of f ( z ) .

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

Example 9:
Solve the quadratic equation 2 z 2 + iz + 1 = 0. (Note : coefficients are NOT all real)

Solution:

Note: When the coefficients are NOT ALL REAL, the complex roots may not occur as
conjugate pairs.

Self Practice 7:
Find the roots of the equation z 2 + ( −1 + 4i ) z + ( −5 + i ) = 0.

[Answer: 2 − 3i or − 1 − i ]

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

§ 5.2 Cubic Equations

Consider the general cubic equation f ( z ) = az 3 + bz 2 + cz + d = 0 , where a, b, c, d  .

Since this cubic equation has at least one real root, we can always find a real value  such that
f ( ) = 0 . Hence, ( z −  ) is a factor of f ( z ) and the remaining factor must be quadratic, which
( )
is in the form az 2 + qz + r . Thus, we have the following.
f ( z) = 0
az 3 + bz 2 + cz + d = 0
( z −  ) ( az 2 + qz + r ) = 0 ( q, r  )
z −  = 0 or az 2 + qz + r = 0
Since az 2 + qz + r = 0 has real coefficients, the roots are either both real or
a complex conjugate pair.
Thus, a cubic equation with REAL coefficients has either:
▪ 3 real roots, or
▪ 1 real root and 2 complex conjugate roots.

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

Example 10:
It is given that 1 + 2i is a root of z 3 + az 2 + bz − 10 = 0 , where a and b are real . By writing
z 3 + az 2 + bz − 10 as a product of a quadratic factor and a linear factor with real coefficients,
find the values of a and b.

Solution:
Since z 3 + az 2 + bz − 10 = 0 has real coefficients,
1 + 2i is a root  1 − 2i is a root.

Method I: ( a − b )( a + b ) = a 2 − b 2

Method II: Sum and product of roots

sum: (1 + 2i ) + (1 − 2i ) = 2
product: (1 + 2i )(1 − 2i ) = 12 + 22 = 5
 z2 − 2z + 5 = 0
z 2 − 2 z + 5 is a quadratic factor.
z 3 + az 2 + bz − 10 =
Comparing coefficient of z 3 :
Comparing the constant term:

z 3 + az 2 + bz − 10 =

Comparing coefficient of z :
Comparing coefficient of z 2 :

Note: Since this is a cubic equation, check that you have at least one real root.

Self Practice 8:
Given that 1 − i is a root of the equation z 3 − 5z 2 + 8z + p = 0, find the other two roots and the
value of p, given that p is a real number.

[Answer: 1 + i or 3 , p = −6. ]

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

§ 5.3 General Polynomial Equations

The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra states that every polynomial equation of degree n
has n roots (may be real and/or complex). These n roots are not necessarily distinct.

If a polynomial equation with real coefficients has a complex root w , then w* is also a
root.

i.e. For a polynomial equation

P( z ) = a0 z n + a1 z n −1 +  + an−1 z + an = 0 , where a0 , a1 , , an  , n +
, n 2,

if P ( w ) = 0 ( w ) , then P ( w* ) = 0 .
Hence for a polynomial equation with real coefficients, the complex roots will occur as
conjugate pairs.

[Proof]

Consider the polynomial P( z ) = a0 z n + a1 z n−1 +  + an−1 z + an , where a0 , a1 , , an  ,

+
n , n 2.
Suppose there exists a complex root w of P( z ) = 0 , that is, P( w) = 0 .

a0 wn + a1wn−1 +  + an−1w + an = 0

Taking conjugate on both sides of the above equation:

( a w + a w +  + a w + a ) = 0
n n −1 *
0 1 n −1 n

( a w ) + ( a w ) + ... + ( a w ) + ( a )
0
n *
1
n −1 *
n −1
*
n
*
=0

Since a0 , a1 , , an  ,

a0 ( w* ) + a1 ( w* )
n n −1
+ ... + an −1w* + an = 0
P ( w* ) = 0

Thus, if there exists a complex root w of P( z ) = 0 , then its complex conjugate w* is also a
root of P( z ) = 0.

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

Example 11:
One root of the equation z 4 − 2 z3 + 6 z 2 + az + b = 0 , where a and b are real, is z = 1 − 2i . Find
the values of a and b and the other roots.

Solution:
Method 1: (When GC is allowed)
Let f ( z ) = z 4 − 2 z3 + 6 z 2 + az + b

Useful strategy: If z is a root of an

equation, z will satisfy the equation.

Since z = 1 − 2i is a root, f (1 − 2i ) = 0

Useful technique: Solving 2

Comparing real and imaginary parts: unknowns in a given equation
involving complex numbers.

Using GC,
The other roots are

Note: Check that the roots are correct by substituting into LHS of equation.

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

Method 2: (When GC is NOT allowed)

Let f ( z ) = z 4 − 2 z3 + 6 z 2 + az + b

Since z 4 − 2 z3 + 6 z 2 + az + b = 0 has real coefficients,

1 − 2i is a root  1 + 2i is a root.

Method I: ( a − b )( a + b ) = a 2 − b 2

 z − (1 + 2i )   z − (1 − 2i ) 
= ( z − 1) − 2i  ( z − 1) + 2 i 
= ( z − 1) − ( 2i )
2 2

= z2 − 2z + 5

Method II: Sum and product of roots

z 2 − (1 + 2i ) + (1 − 2i )  z + (1 + 2i )(1 − 2i )
= z 2 − 2 z + (12 + 22 )
= z2 − 2z + 5

z 4 − 2 z 3 + 6 z 2 + az + b =

Comparing coefficient of z 3 : −2 = p − 2  p = 0
Comparing coefficient of z 2 : 6 = q − 2 p + 5  q = 1
Comparing coefficient of z : a = −2q + 5 p  a = −2
Comparing constant: b = 5q  b = 5
 a = −2, b = 5

z 4 − 2 z 3 + 6 z 2 + az + b = ( z 2 − 2 z + 5)( z 2 + 1)

Solving z 2 + 1 = 0
z = i or z = −i
The other roots are 1 + 2i, i and − i

Note: Check that the roots are correct by substituting into LHS of equation.
Remark: Method 2 is recommended when GC is not allowed in solving this question.

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

§6 The Argand Diagram

Real numbers can be represented geometrically on a number line:

x
0 1 2
To represent complex numbers geometrically, we use the Cartesian plane:
represent the complex number x + yi by the point ( x, y ) .

Eg: Show the roots of Example 9 on an Argand diagram.

Im
The roots are 1 − 2i, 1 + 2i, i and − i
2

Re
–2 –1 1 2
–1

–2

A Cartesian plane used to represent complex numbers is called an Argand diagram. In this
case, the x-axis is called the real axis (labelled “Re”) and the y -axis is called the imaginary
axis (labelled “Im”).

Note: With the Argand diagram, it is also obvious why we cannot compare complex numbers
using inequalities for there is no basis to say Z1  Z 2 .

Geometrical Representation of z and its conjugate z* in an Argand diagram.

The complex conjugate, z* , can be obtained by reflecting z in the real axis.

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

Example 11
Indicate on an Argand diagram the points which represent the complex numbers:
(a) z = 2 + i , −z , z * (b) w = 3 − 4i , − w , w *

Solution:
(a) z = 2 + i , −z , z * (b) w = 3 − 4i , − w , w *
Im Im

Re Re

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

Warm Up Questions

1 Express in the cartesian form x + iy, x, y  for the following complex numbers.
3 + 2i
(a) ( 2 + i ) ( 4 − 3i ) (c) ( −1 + 2i )
4
(b)
2−i
z−2
2 (a) Find the complex number z such that = 1 + i.
z
(b) N2007/I/3b
The complex number w is such that ww * +2w = 3 + 4i, where w * is the complex
conjugate of w. Find w in the form a + ib, where a and b are real. [4]

3 The complex number z and w are such that w = 1 + ai , z = −b + i , where a and b are real
and positive. Given that wz* = 3 – 4i, find the exact values of a and b.

4 [A graphic calculator is not to be used in answering this question.]

Given that ( x + yi)2 = −5 + 12i , where x and y are real, find the possible values of x + yi.
Hence solve z 2 + 4 z = −9 + 12i .

5 Given that 3 + i is a root of the equation z 3 − 3z 2 − 8z + 30 = 0, find the remaining roots

without the use of a graphing calculator.

Answer Key
4 7
1 (a) 11 − 2i (b) + i (c) −7 + 24i
5 5
2 (a) 2i (b) −1 + 2i
3 + 21 −3 + 21
3 a= , b=
2 2
4 2 + 3i or − 2 − 3i ; z = 3i or z = −4 − 3i
5 3 − i and −3

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

H2 Mathematics (9758)
Annex A: Learning Experiences

This section serves to allow students to relate the addition and subtraction of complex
numbers to addition and subtraction of vectors.

Representation of Complex Numbers by Vectors

We have seen that z = x + yi (where x, y  ) can be represented by the point Z ( x, y ) in the
Cartesian plane (see Fig. 1).

Im Im

Re Re
O O
Fig. 1 Fig. 2

 x
Since each point Z ( x, y ) in the Cartesian plane has a position vector OZ =   , we can also
 y
 x
represent the complex number z = x + yi by the position vector OZ =   (see Fig. 2).
 y

Observe that some algebraic operations on complex numbers have comparable operations in
vectors, which work in the same manner:

Operations on Complex Numbers Comparable Ideas in Vectors

a c
Let z = a + bi and w = c + di . Let OZ =   and OW =   .
b d 
a+c
(i) z + w = ( a + c ) + (b + d ) i OZ + OW =  
b + d 
a−c
(ii) z − w = ( a − c ) + (b − d ) i OZ − OW =  
b − d 
(iii) Multiplication by real number  : Multiplication by scalar  :
 z =  ( a + bi ) =  a + b i  a   a 
 OZ =    =  
 b   b 

(iv) z = a 2 + b2 OZ = a 2 + b2

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

Important Notes

1. Point (i) tells us that the addition of complex numbers is analogous to the addition of
vectors (i.e. using the parallelogram law):

Im

Re

2. Point (ii) tells us that z − w can be represented by OZ − OW , i.e. WZ .

That is,
z − w can be represented by WZ .

3. For multiplication of complex numbers, e.g. wz , there is NO comparable operation in

vectors.
Note: WZ does NOT represent wz . We have seen that WZ represents z − w .

4. Complex numbers are NOT EQUAL to vectors. NEVER write z = OZ or any equation
involving both complex numbers and vectors.

Example Question
The points A, B, C and D on the Argand diagram represent the complex numbers a, b, c and
d respectively, where a = 3 − i, b = 2 + 3i and c = −1 + 5i. Given that ABCD forms a
parallelogram, find d .

Solution:
Since ABCD is a parallelogram, we have AB = DC.
b−a =c−d
 d = c − (b − a )
= ( −1 + 5i ) − ( 2 + 3i ) − ( 3 − i )
= −1 + 5i − ( −1 + 4i )
=i

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

H2 Mathematics (9758)
Annex B: Perform Operations Involving
Complex Numbers Using GC

§A Entering Complex Numbers in the GC

§A1 Selecting the Display Format

To set the GC in complex number mode, press M
and scroll to the eighth line to select either of the two
modes:

(1) a + bi (Cartesian-Complex Mode)

By selecting cartesian-complex mode, all

answers involving complex numbers will be in
cartesian form.

(2) re ( i ) (Exponential-Complex Mode)

By selecting polar-complex mode, all answers

involving complex numbers will be in
exponential form. (We will explore this in
Chapter 12(b).)

§A2 Entering the Complex Number

To enter a complex number in cartesian form, say 2 + 3i, press 2+3`..
(`. enters the imaginary number i. )

§B Performing Common Operations Involving Complex Numbers in the GC

(1) Addition/Subtraction
To compute ( 7 + 4i ) − ( 8 − 3i ) , press
(7+4`.)-(8-
3`.)e.
(2) Multiplication
To compute ( 7 + 4i )( 8 − 3i ) , press `e
to recall the last entry. (You can also use the
arrow keys to highlight previous entries and
press e to recall the highlighted entry.)
Next, delete the − sign between the two
complex numbers (by moving the cursor over
the − sign and pressing d) and press e
to compute.

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

(3) Division
7 + 4i
To compute , press `e to recall
8 − 3i
the last entry. Move the cursor to after the first
). Then press `d/ to insert the  sign
between the two complex numbers. Press e
to compute.
Alternatively, you may press
a!17+4`.;8-
3`.e.

Note: Do check if your GC is able to compute

complex number division in fraction
mode, as not all GC operating systems
have this function.
(4) Square Roots

To compute the square roots of 3 + 4i which

comprises of 3 + 4i and − 3 + 4i, press
`q(3+4`.)e to find
3 + 4i.

3 + 4i = 2 + i is one of the answers.

Another answer should be − 3 + 4i = −2 − i.
Compute ( −2 − i ) to check the correctness of
2

the answer.

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Chapter 15: Complex Numbers 1 TMJC 2023

H2 Mathematics (9758)
Annex C: Finding Roots of Polynomial
Equations with Real Coefficients Using GC

(1) Press A and scroll down to select PlySmlt2.

(2) After pressing any key to get to the menu, select

1: Poly Root Finder.

(3) Select the order (degree) of the polynomial,

followed by the form a + bi.

It is preferable to select AUTO to obtain exact

answers where possible. Note that RADIAN
should be selected. Press % to go to the next
screen.

Example:
Find the roots of the polynomial equation
4 x3 − 16 x 2 + 21x − 10 = 0.

(1) After going through the steps listed in the previous

section, enter the coefficients of the polynomial into
the GC.
(2) Press % to solve for the equation.

1 1
The roots are x = 2, 1+ i, 1 − i.
2 2

Note:
Since the coefficients are all real, we expect the
complex roots to appear in a conjugate pair.

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