CHAPTER 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this chapter, readers should be able to:
1. Define and state the rules of indices, surds and logarithms.
2. Perform the algebraic operations of indices, surds, logarithms and complex numbers.
3. Solve equations involving indices, surds, logarithms and complex numbers.

1.1 REVIEW THE REAL NUMBER SYSTEM

1.1.1 Classification of Numbers

Set is used when a collection of similar but distinct objects is to be treated as one whole.
Consider the set of single-digit numbers that consists of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. The set
can be written using either one of the following:
Table 1.1

Roster Method The symbol 𝐴 denotes the set and the braces { } are
𝐴 = {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9} used to enclose the elements in the set.

Set-builder notation This statement is read as:

𝐴 = { 𝑥 ∣ 𝑥 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑑𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑡 } “𝐴 is the set of all 𝑥, such that 𝑥 is a digit.”

It is useful for classifying the different types of numbers we deal with into sets.
Table 1.2
Notation Description Set Numbers
Natural numbers (counting numbers)
𝑁 = {1,2,3,4, … }
𝑁 - The numbers that are often used to
count things.

Whole numbers
𝑊 = {0,1,2,3,4, … }
𝑊 - Consist of the counting numbers
together with 0.

Integers 𝑍 = {… , −3, −2, −1, 0, 1, 2, 3, … }

- Consist of whole numbers and the
𝑍 negative of natural numbers. Positive integers:
𝑍 + = {1, 2, 3, … }
Negative integers:
𝑍 − = {… , −3, −2, −1}

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FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Notation Description Set Numbers

Rational Numbers
- numbers that can be expressed as a 𝑎
𝑎 𝑄 = { , 𝑎, 𝑏 ∈ 𝑍 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 ≠ 0}
quotient, of two integers. 𝑏
𝑏
Examples of rational numbers:
- The integer 𝑎 is called the numerator
and the integer 𝑏, which cannot be 0
(𝑏 ≠ 0), is called the denominator. 𝑎 3 5 2 2
form − , , ,
𝑏 4 2 3 11
- Example of rational numbers: 2
3 5 2 2 Integer =2
− , , , . 1
𝑄 4 2 3 11
3
Terminating − = 0.75
- For any integer 𝑎, it can be written as 4
𝑎 2 decimal 5
, for example = 2. Thus, the set = 2.5
1 1 2
of integers is a subset of the set of
2
rational numbers. Repeating = 0.666 …
3
decimal 2
3 5 2 2 = 0.1818 ….
- Rational numbers − , , , may 11
4 2 3 11
be represented as decimals (either
terminating or repeating).

Irrational numbers Examples of irrational numbers:

- numbers that cannot be written in
𝑎 3
the form of , where 𝑎, 𝑏 ≠ 0 are √2, √5, 𝜋
𝑏
𝑄′ or 𝑄̅ integers.

- In other words, irrational numbers

may be represented by a decimal
that neither repeats nor terminates.

Note: The three dots (…), called an ellipsis, indicate that the pattern continues indefinitely.

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The rational and irrational numbers together form the set of real numbers, 𝑅. The relationships
among the subsets can be illustrated using a Venn diagram, as shown in Figure 1.1.

𝑊 •0
𝑍
{… , −3, −2, −1}
𝑄
3 5 2 2
൜… , − , , , , … ൠ
𝑄̅ 4 2 3 11
3
൛… , −√7, √2, √3, 𝜋, … ൟ
Figure 1.1

Example 1

5
̅̅̅̅, 𝑒, 5.45,15}
Identify the numbers in the set 𝐴 = {−√9, , 0, 0.122121 … , − √7, 𝜋, 2. 23
8
that are
a) Natural numbers b) Whole numbers c) Integers
d) Rational numbers e) Irrational numbers f) Real numbers

Solution

Example 2

State whether each of the statements below is TRUE or FALSE.

a) Every decimal number is an irrational number.
b) All integers are rational numbers.
c) Every rational number is a real number.
d) 𝑁 ⊂ 𝑍
e) 𝑄 ⊂ 𝑄̅

Solution

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FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

1.1.2 Real Number Line

Real numbers can be depicted graphically as points on a straight line known as a real number
line. A specific location, the origin, represents zero. Points to the right of the origin represent
positive numbers and points to the left represent negative numbers.

Origin
Negative direction Positive direction
Real number line
-2 -1 0 1 2

Each point on the line corresponds to one real number.

−𝜋 − √2 √3 𝑒

Real number line

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

1.1.3 Statements of Inequality and Their Graphs

• Intervals of Real Numbers

Given any two real numbers a and 𝑏, the three possibilities are
a) a is less than 𝑏 , written as a  b .
b) a is equal to 𝑏, written as a = b .
c) a is greater than 𝑏, written as a  b .

Table 1.3 and 1.4 show sets of real numbers that can be written as intervals.

• Finite Intervals (Bounded Intervals)

Table 1.3
Interval Inequality Graph Type of Interval

(𝑎, 𝑏) 𝑎<𝑥<𝑏 a Open interval

b

[𝑎, 𝑏] 𝑎≤𝑥≤𝑏 a Closed interval

b

Half-open or half-closed
(𝑎, 𝑏] 𝑎<𝑥≤𝑏 a b interval

Half-open or half-closed
[𝑎, 𝑏) 𝑎≤𝑥<𝑏 a b interval
𝑄

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Note: The points 𝑎 and 𝑏 are called the endpoints of the interval. Notice that
a) a closed interval contains both its endpoints.
b) an open interval does not include either endpoint.
c) a half-open interval contains only one of its endpoints.

• Infinite Intervals (Unbounded Intervals)

If 𝑎 is a real number, then the set of all real numbers 𝑥 satisfying the conditions
𝑥 < 𝑎 , 𝑥 ≤ 𝑎, 𝑥 > 𝑎 or 𝑥 ≥ 𝑎 is called an infinite interval.

Table 1.4
Interval Inequality Graph Type of Interval
(−∞, 𝑎) 𝑥<𝑎 a An open infinite interval

(−∞, 𝑎] 𝑥≤𝑎 a A closed infinite interval

(𝑎, ∞) 𝑥>𝑎 a An open infinite interval

[𝑎, ∞) 𝑥≥𝑎 a A closed infinite interval

Example 3

Rewrite each of the following inequalities using interval notation and illustrate them on the
real number line.

a) −4 < 𝑥 < −1 b) −2 ≤ 𝑥 < 1 c) 𝑥 ≤ −3 d) 𝑥 > 5

Solution

Example 4

Write each of the following intervals as inequalities. Use 𝑥 as the variable.

a) (−6, ∞) b) (−∞, −1] c) [3,7] d) [−2, 4)

Solution

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Exercise 1.1

1. Consider the numbers in the table below. Tick the right box to classify the number.
Numbers 0.43 2 5.3576… −√15 3 𝜋 −2𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜋
√64 4 − √8
5 4
𝑁
𝑊
𝑍
𝑄
𝑄̅
𝑅

2. State whether each of the statement is true or false.

a) 𝑁 ⊂ 𝑄
b) 𝑍 ⊂ 𝑄̅
c) 𝑄 ⊂ 𝑅
d) −√4 is an irrational number.
e) All numbers are real numbers.
f) Every irrational number is an integer.

1
3. ̅̅̅̅, 𝑒 , −2.35 on a real number line.
Locate the numbers 2 , 0.34, − √3, 3. 25
4 2

4. Write the following statement in interval notation and represent it on a real number line.
a) The real numbers greater than 8.
b) The real numbers less than and equal to −4.
c) The real numbers between and including −3 and 3.
d) The real numbers greater than −10 but less than and equal to 5.
e) The real numbers between 2 and 11.

1.2 INDICES, SURDS AND LOGARITHMS

1.2.1 Indices

An index number is a number that is raised to a power. The power (also known as the index or
exponent) indicates how many times a specified number is to be multiplied by itself.

If 𝑎 is any real number, 𝑎 ∈ 𝑅 (𝑎 > 0) and 𝑛 is a positive integer, then

𝑎𝑛 = ᇣᇧ
𝑎 ×ᇧᇧ
𝑎ᇧᇤᇧ
× 𝑎ᇧ
…ᇧ×
ᇧᇥ𝑎
𝑛 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠

where 𝑎 is the base and the integer 𝑛 is called the index or exponent.

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index
𝑛
base
𝑎
𝑎𝑛 is read as ‘𝑎 to the nth power’.
For examples:
26 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 64

1 3 1 1 1 1
( ) = × × =
3 3 3 3 27

• Properties of Indices

For any 𝑎, 𝑏 ∈ 𝑅, (𝑎, 𝑏 > 0), and 𝑚, 𝑛 ∈ 𝑍, we have

Table 1.5
Properties of Indices Examples

𝑎𝑚 × 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚+𝑛 25 × 27 = 25+7 = 212

𝑎𝑚 𝑝9
= 𝑎𝑚−𝑛 = 𝑝9−3 = 𝑝6
𝑎𝑛 𝑝3

(𝑎𝑚 )𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚𝑛 (37 )5 = 37×5 = 335

(𝑎𝑏)𝑚 = 𝑎𝑚 𝑏 𝑛 (2 ∙ 3)3 = 23 ∙ 33 = 216

𝑎 𝑚 𝑎𝑚 5 4 54 625
( ) = 𝑚 , 𝑏≠0 ( ) = 4=
𝑏 𝑏 3 3 81
1 1 1
𝑎−𝑛 = 2−4 = =
𝑎𝑛 2 4 16
𝑚 𝑛
5 5
𝑛
𝑎 𝑛 = √𝑎𝑚 = ( √𝑎)𝑚 𝑞 2 = √𝑞 5 = (√𝑞)

𝑎0 = 1 , 𝑎 ≠ 0 70 = 1

Example 5

Simplify:

1 5
𝑥𝑦 2
a) (𝑟 −7 3
) b) −2 3 5
(𝑝 𝑦 ) c) (√9𝑡) 4 d) (25)2 e) ( 3)
16 𝑥

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Solution

Example 6
Simplify the following.

a) (2𝑥 7 )(5𝑥 −9 ) b) (𝑥𝑦 3 )5 (𝑥 3 𝑦)2

1 3
𝑥5
c) ( −2 3 ) d) √16𝑥√𝑥
𝑥 𝑦

Solution

Example 7

Simplify:
1 3 1 1 3
5 1
a) 81−4 b) 162 c) 5𝑏 4 ÷ 15𝑏 3 ∙ 𝑏 2 d) 3
√𝑥 ∙ √𝑥 2𝑛 ÷ (𝑥 −6 )2

Solution

1 17 50+6𝑛
Ans: a) b) 64 c) 𝑏 12 d) 𝑥 15
3
3

Example 8

Simplify:

a) 16−4𝑥 ∙ 8𝑥+7 ÷ 23−𝑥

b) 184𝑥+2 ∙ 66−2𝑥 ∙ 275𝑥−3
2
−4 3 1 3 3
c) √𝑢 𝑣 8 × (𝑢 𝑣 ) ÷ (𝑢2 𝑣 4 )
3 4 2

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Solution

3 𝑣
Ans: a) 2−12𝑥+18 b) 22𝑥+8 ∙ 321𝑥+1 c) √
𝑢5

• Exponential (Index) Equations

Exponential or index equations are those in which the variable index is involved. For
2
example, 3𝑥 = 92𝑥 and 2𝑥 − 43𝑥−4 = 0. When the index is unknown, the index
property of equality can be used to solve exponential equations.

Index Property of Equality

If 𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑎 𝑦 ; then 𝑥 = 𝑦, where 𝑎 ≠ 1 for all positive real numbers 𝑎.

Solving such equations requires expressing each term as a power of the same base.

Example 9
Solve the following equations:

a) (2𝑥 )5 = 1024 b) 76𝑥 = 343𝑥+1

2 28
c) 5𝑥 − 254−𝑥 = 0 d) 3𝑥 + 31−𝑥 =
3
Solution

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FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Example 10

Determine whether 3𝑛+1 + 3𝑛 − 3𝑛+2 is divisible by 5 if 𝑛 is a positive integer.

Solution

1.2.2 Surd

Surd is a number that contains one or more root sign; √ (or radical sign) which cannot be
𝑎
simplified into a fraction of two integers; , 𝑏 ≠ 0. For example, √2 is a surd but √4 is not a
𝑏
surd since √4 = 2. Thus, surd is an irrational number, and expressed in its simplest form.

Examples:
a) √3 b) 4√5 c) 2 − √7 d) √2 + 4
3 12 √4(3) 2√3
e) √3 + √5 f) √9 g) √8 = √4(2) = 2√2 h) √ = =
25 √25 5

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• Properties of Surd

Properties of surd follow the properties of indices.

Let, 𝑎, 𝑏 > 0 , 𝑚, 𝑛 𝜖 𝑁 and 𝛽, 𝛾 ∈ 𝑅, then

Table 1.6
Properties of Surd Examples

𝑛
𝑚 3
√𝑎𝑚 = 𝑎 𝑛 √ 33 = 32

𝑚 𝑚 𝑚 3 3 3 3
√𝑎 √𝑏 = √𝑎𝑏 √5 √4 = √5(4) = √20

𝑚 5
√𝑎 𝑚 𝑎 √4 5 4
5
𝑚 = √ = √ = √2
√𝑏 𝑏 5
√2 2

𝑛 𝑚 𝑚𝑛 3 2(3) 6
√ √𝑎 = √𝑎 √√5 = √5 = √5

𝑚 𝑚 𝑚
𝛽 √𝑎 + 𝛾 √𝑎 = (𝛽 + 𝛾) √𝑎 √2 + 2√2 = 3√2

𝑚 𝑚 𝑚
𝛽 √𝑎 − 𝛾 √𝑎 = (𝛽 − 𝛾) √𝑎 √2 − 2√2 = −√2

CAUTION:
➢ √𝑎√𝑎 = 𝑎

➢ √4 ≠ ±2 but √4 = 2 and −√4 = −2

➢ √𝑎 ± 𝑏 ≠ √𝑎 ± √𝑏

➢ √𝑎2 ± 𝑏2 ≠ 𝑎 ± 𝑏

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FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Example 11

Identify which of the followings are surd.

3 3
a) √6 b) √8 c) √25 d) √48 e) √ √64

Solution

Example 12

Simplify:
5 3
a) ( √3) √216 b) 3√11 + 6√44 c) (3√40 + 2√5)(5√2 − 1)
2

Solution

Example 13

Simplify:
√𝑥𝑦 3 3
a) √9𝑥 4 𝑦 3 b) c) √27𝑥 6 𝑦 3 √3𝑥 2 𝑦 4
√81𝑥 3 𝑦

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Solution

• Conjugate of Surd

Conjugate of surd is formed by changing the sign between terms of a surd expression.
Examples of pair of conjugates are as follows:

Table 1.7
Surd Conjugate Example (Pair of Conjugates)
√𝑎 ± √𝑏 √𝑎 ∓ √𝑏 √2 + √7 ↔ √2 − √7
√𝑎 ± 𝑏 √𝑎 ∓ 𝑏 √2 + 7 ↔ √2 − 7
𝑎 ± √𝑏 𝑎 ∓ √𝑏 2 + √7 ↔ 2 − √7

• Rationalizing Denominator

Rationalizing denominator is a process of eliminating surd in denominator so that the

denominator is a rational number. In order to rationalize the denominator (with one
term), multiply both numerator and denominator by the surd in the denominator. For
rationalizing denominator that consists of two terms, multiply both numerator and
denominator by the conjugate of the denominator.

Multiplication between conjugates will result in a rational number (no surd expression
exists):

(√𝑎 + √𝑏)(√𝑎 − √𝑏) = 𝑎 − 𝑏

(√𝑎 + 𝑏)(√𝑎 − 𝑏) = 𝑎 − 𝑏 2
(𝑎 + √𝑏)(𝑎 − √𝑏) = 𝑎2 − 𝑏

Example 14

Rationalize the denominator and simplify the expressions where possible:

−10 2
2 3 − 2√7 7 + √21
a) b) ( ) c) +
√5𝑟 √2 − 2√3 √7 − √3 2

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FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Solution

Example 15

3 1−√3
a) Rationalize the denominator and simplify − .
√2+√3 √3+2

√𝑝+√𝑞 4√𝑝+√𝑞
b) Given = and 𝑝 > 1, find the value of √𝑝 + √𝑞.
1−√𝑝 1−𝑝

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Solution

Ans: a) 6√3 − 3√2 − 5 b) 3

• Surd Equation

The equation of surd may exist in three ways; equation consists of one surd, two surds
or three surds. It is important to check the validity of the answer with the original
equation.

1 SURD 2 SURDS 3 SURDS

1 surd at 1 surd at one

1 surd at
one side side, 2 surds at
each side
the other side

1. Square both sides and simplify.

2. Square both sides again (if there is a remaining surd)
3. Solve the equation.
4. Check the validity.

Figure 1.2

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FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Example 16

Solve the equations:

a) √𝑥 − 45 + 20 = 25 b) √3 − 𝑥 = √1 + 𝑥 − 2

Solution

Example 17

Find the value(s) of 𝑥 for √3𝑥 + 4 − √𝑥 − 3 = 3.

Solution

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Ans: 𝑥 = 4 ,7

1.2.3 Logarithm

A number which is in index form can be written in a logarithmic form. 𝑥 is the logarithm of 𝑏
to the base 𝑎 is written as 𝑥 = log 𝑎 𝑏 and it is equivalent to 𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑏.

𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑏 ⇔ 𝑥 = log 𝑎 𝑏,
where 𝑎, 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑎 ≠ 1.

𝑏>0
log 𝑎 𝑏 = 𝑥

𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1

The following examples show how index and logarithm can be interchanged.

Table 1.8
Index Form Logarithmic Form
32 = 9 log 3 9 = 2
91 = 9 log 9 9 = 1
5𝑥𝑦 = 𝑧 − 1 log 5 (𝑧 − 1) = 𝑥𝑦
𝑥
√2 = 4 log √2 4 = 𝑥

Note:
➢ Logarithm with base 10 is called common logarithm and it can be written without the
base 10:
log10 𝑥 = log 𝑥

➢ Logarithm with base 𝑒 is called natural logarithm and it can be written as ln:
log 𝑒 𝑥 = ln 𝑥

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• Properties of Logarithm

Let 𝑎, 𝑥, 𝑦 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1 and 𝑛 ∈ 𝑅

Table 1.9
Properties of Logarithm Examples

𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 4𝑥 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 4 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 𝑥

𝑥 2
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 = log 𝑎 𝑥 − log 𝑎 𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑔 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 2 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔 3
𝑦 3
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 𝑛 = 𝑛 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 𝑙𝑜𝑔7 𝑝3 = 3 𝑙𝑜𝑔7 𝑝

𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑎 = 1 ln 𝑒 = 1

𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 1 = 0 𝑙𝑜𝑔6 1 = 0

𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑥 10𝑙𝑜𝑔 8 = 8

CAUTION:

𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 (𝑥 ± 𝑦) ≠ 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 ± 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑦

𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 (𝑥𝑦) ≠ 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 × 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑦
𝑥 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 ≠
𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑦
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 𝑛 ≠ (𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥)𝑛

Example 18

Without using calculator, evaluate the following using the properties of logarithm:

3 1 4 +2ln3)
a) log 4 16( √64) b) log 3 √27 + log 5 + log 1000 c) 𝑒 (ln 4−ln 2
125

Solution

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Example 19

Expand the following expressions using the properties of logarithm.

𝑥 2𝑦 𝑦−𝑥 𝑥3𝑦
a) log ( ) b) log 3 c) ln√
√10 𝑥𝑦 𝑧

Solution

Example 20

Rewrite the following expressions in a single logarithmic expression.

a) log 𝑥 − 2 log 𝑦 + 3
1
b) log 2 (𝑥 + 𝑦) + log 2 𝑦 − log 2 𝑥
3
c) log 5 2𝑥 − log 5 3 − 5 log 5 𝑥

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Solution

• Change of Base

Let 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 > 0, then

log 𝑐 𝑏
log 𝑎 𝑏 =
log 𝑐 𝑎

1
Note: log 𝑎 𝑏 =
log𝑏 𝑎

Example 21

Evaluate log √3 35 by converting into ln. Leave the answer in four decimal places.

Solution

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• Logarithmic Equation

One of these methods can be used in solving logarithmic equation:

➢ Apply properties of logarithm
➢ Change the base of the logarithm
The answer needs to be verified with the initial equation since logarithmic expression
is undefined for negative number.

Index equation with different bases and cannot be converted into common base can
be solved by applying 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟏𝟎 or 𝐥𝐧 to both sides of the equation.

Example 22

Solve the following equations:

1
a) log 8 (35 − 𝑟 2 ) − log 8 (1 − 4𝑟) = b) log 2 (𝑟 + 1) = 1 + 6 log (𝑟+1) 2
3

Solution

21
FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Example 23

Solve 22𝑥 − 2𝑥+2 = 12.

Solution

Example 24

Solve the equations below and leave the answers correct to three significant figures.
2 −3
a) (2𝑒)𝑥 = 𝑒9
b) log 4 (3 + 𝑥) = 2 + log 4 (𝑥 + 1)

22
 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

Solution

Ans: a) 𝑥 = −2.88 , 2.88 b) 𝑥 = −0.867

Example 25

Solve the simultaneous equations below.

a) 3𝑥 + 3𝑦 =
82 b) (−2)𝑥 − (−2)𝑦+2 = 0
9 𝑦
2𝑦+1 log 𝑥 (125)𝑥 − =6
2𝑥+2 = log125 𝑥
8

Solution

23
FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Example 26

Solve the simultaneous equations below:

81𝑎
= 3−2𝑏
9
2 2
52𝑏 ⋅ 25𝑏+2𝑎 = 5𝑎
Solution

24
 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

2 1
Ans: 𝑎= ,𝑏 = − and 𝑎 = 2 , 𝑏 = −3
3 3

Exercise 1.2

1. Determine the value of each of the following:

1 2
a) 162 b) 729−3
1
c) 81 4 d) 360
( )
625

2. Simplify the following expressions:

𝑚 𝑚 𝑚
a) 24 4 × 96 2 ÷ 36 8 b) 3𝑥 + 3𝑥 + 3𝑥
3 5𝑛+1 − 10(5𝑛−1 )
c) (4√4𝑎6 ) ( √𝑎6 𝑏 9 ) d)
3(5𝑛 )
𝑛
e) 243 4 × 32𝑛+1 ÷ (9𝑛 × 3𝑛−1 )

3. Solve the following equations:

1
a) 5−𝑥 = 25 b) 16𝑥 = 256 c) 3𝑥−1 =
81
5 1 3 36𝑚
d) 𝑝−2 = e) 9 (𝑟 4 ) = 243 f) 2162𝑚 =
32 √6
𝑥2 (272𝑥 )𝑥 𝑥−1
g) 5 − 1256+3𝑥 = 0 h) =9 × 81

4. Solve the following equations:

a) 4𝑥+1 − 15(2𝑥 ) = 4 b) 5(22𝑥 ) − 15(2𝑥+1 ) + 40 = 0
c) 32𝑥+1 = 28(3𝑥 ) − 9 d) 52𝑥+1 − 6(5𝑥 ) + 1 = 0
1 1
5. Suppose 𝑝2 + 𝑝−2 = −2 , show that 𝑝 + 𝑝−1 = 2.
1 1 1
6. If 𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 = 𝑏 2 , show that (𝑎 − 𝑏 + 𝑐)2 = 4𝑎𝑐.

25
FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

7. Simplify the following:

2 √𝑥−2
a) b)
√7+√5 5−√𝑥
√8 3+√2 √5 √2
c) 2 d) + −
(√3−√2) 1−√2 √5+1 2+√2

8. Solve the equations below:

a) √5𝑥 + 4 − 1 = 2𝑥 b) √3𝑥 2 − 2 = 2𝑥 − 1
c) √𝑦 + 5 − 1 = √𝑦 − 2 d) √2𝑦 + 1 − √4 − 𝑦 = √𝑦 + 5

9. Simplify into a single log expression.

1
a) log 𝑝 6 + log 𝑝 − 2 log 𝑝 𝑞 b) 2 − log 3 𝑚 + log 9 𝑛 − 2 log 3 𝑚
3
1
c) (log 𝑟 − (log 𝑠 − 2 log 𝑟) + log 𝑡) d) ln 3𝑣 − ln(𝑣 − 1) + 3 − ln 3
2

10. Solve the following equations:

a) log√𝑎 − log √5 𝑎 = 2 b) 2 log 3 𝑏 = log 𝑏 9
c) ln(𝑐 + 3) + ln(4 − 𝑐) = ln(2 − 2𝑐) d) log 2 𝑑 + 21 log 𝑑 2 = 10

11. Determine the values of 𝑥 and 𝑦 from the following set of equations, where 𝑦 ∈ 𝑍.
a) 5𝑥 − 7𝑦 = 618 b) log 4 𝑥𝑦 = −2
3 5
5𝑥−2 + = 46 log 1 2 + log 4 𝑦 =
7𝑦−2 𝑥𝑦 4

1.3 COMPLEX NUMBERS

1.3.1 Imaginary Number

When we encountered an equation such as 𝑥 2 = −1 , we have stated that there are “no real
solutions” as the solutions are 𝑥 = ±√−1 which are not real numbers. To solve this issue,
mathematicians have introduced the imaginary number, which is denoted by 𝑖 .

√−1 = 𝑖
𝑖 2 = −1
We can use the rules for manipulating surds to manipulate imaginary numbers. We can do
this by rewriting surds to be a multiple of √−1 using the fact that √𝑎𝑏 = √𝑎 × √𝑏 . Thus,

√−4 = √4 × √−1 = 2𝑖

√−3 = √3 × √−1 = √3 𝑖

26
 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

Example 27
Write the following imaginary numbers in terms of 𝑖 .
1
a) √−25 b) √−8 c) √−7 d) √(− )
4

Solution

• Algebraic Operations on Imaginary Numbers (where 𝒂 and 𝒃 are real numbers)

Table 1.10
Operation Expression Example
1. Addition 𝑎𝑖 + 𝑏𝑖 = (𝑎 + 𝑏)𝑖 2𝑖 + 5𝑖 = (2 + 5)𝑖 = 7𝑖

2. Subtraction 𝑎𝑖 − 𝑏𝑖 = (𝑎 − 𝑏)𝑖 2𝑖 − 5𝑖 = (2 − 5)𝑖 = −3𝑖

3. Multiplication (𝑎𝑖)(𝑏𝑖) = 𝑎𝑏𝑖 2 = −𝑎𝑏 (2𝑖)(5𝑖) = (2 × 5)𝑖 2 = −10

4. Quotient 𝑎𝑖 𝑎 2𝑖 2
= =
𝑏𝑖 𝑏 5𝑖 5
5. Power 𝑖 2 = −1 2𝑖 8 = 2(𝑖 2 )4 = 2(−1)4 = 2
𝑖 3 = (𝑖 2 )𝑖 = (−1)𝑖 = −𝑖 𝑖13 = (𝑖12 )𝑖1
𝑖 4 = (𝑖 2 )(𝑖 2 ) = (−1)(−1) = 1 = (𝑖 2 )6 𝑖1
⋮ = (−1)6 𝑖 = 𝑖

1.3.2 Complex Numbers

Complex numbers are numbers that consist of two parts, a real part, and an imaginary part.
The standard form of the complex number is 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖, where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real numbers and
𝑖 is an imaginary number. The set of complex numbers is denoted by 𝐶:

𝐶 = {𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 ; 𝑎, 𝑏 ∈ 𝑅}

27
FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖
real part imaginary part

For a complex number 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖,

𝑅𝑒(𝑧) = 𝑎 is the real part of 𝑧,
𝐼𝑚(𝑧) = 𝑏 is the imaginary part of 𝑧 .

Some examples of complex numbers are:

Table 1.11
Complex Number Real Part Imaginary Part Note

2 + 3𝑖 2 3 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real numbers

4 4
−𝑖 −1 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real numbers
5 5
0 + 0𝑖 0 0 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real numbers

5 5 0 Purely real number

−√2 𝑖 0 −√2 Purely imaginary

• Conjugate of Complex Numbers

A conjugate of a complex number (also known as complex conjugate) can be found by

changing the sign of the imaginary part of the complex number as follows:

𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖

conjugate conjugate

𝑎 − 𝑏𝑖

A conjugate of complex number 𝑧 is denoted by 𝑧̅ or 𝑧 ∗ . If 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖, then the

conjugate of 𝑧 is 𝑧̅ = 𝑎 − 𝑏𝑖.

Some examples of complex numbers and their conjugates are presented in Table 1.12.

28
 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

Table 1.12
Complex Number Conjugate
5 + 3𝑖 5 − 3𝑖
2 3 2 3
− 𝑖 + 𝑖
5 2 5 2
−3 − 7𝑖 −3 + 7𝑖
4 4
−6𝑖 6𝑖

Note: The conjugate of a real number is the number itself.

1.3.3 Algebraic Operations of Complex Numbers

The operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) with complex numbers can
be carried out in the same way as those with surd numbers. Use 𝑖 2 = −1 when necessary.

• Equality of Complex Numbers

Two complex numbers are equal when their real parts are equal, and their imaginary
parts are equal. The two complex numbers must be in standard form in order to do
this comparison.

Equality of Complex Numbers:

𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 = 𝑐 + 𝑑𝑖 if and only if 𝑎 = 𝑐 and 𝑏 = 𝑑

Example 28

Determine the values of 𝑥 and 𝑦 for 2𝑥 + 3𝑦𝑖 = −10 − 6𝑖.

Solution

29
FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

• Addition and Subtraction

Let 𝑧1 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 and 𝑧2 = 𝑐 + 𝑑𝑖, then

𝑧1 ± 𝑧2 = (𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖) ± (𝑐 + 𝑑𝑖)
= (𝑎 ± 𝑐) + (𝑏 ± 𝑑)𝑖

➢ add or subtract the real numbers, and

➢ add or subtract the imaginary numbers.

Example 29

Given 𝑧1 = 2 + 3𝑖, 𝑧2 = 3 − 𝑖. Determine

a) 𝑧1 + 𝑧2 b) 𝑧1 − 𝑧2 c) 𝑧1 + 𝑧̅1

Solution

Sum of Pair of Conjugates

If 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖, then
𝑧 + 𝑧̅ = 2𝑎
Note that Example 29 c) can also be solved using this property:
𝑧1 + 𝑧̅1 = 2(2) = 4

30
 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

Example 30

Find the following:

a) (5 + 3𝑖) + (2 − 2𝑖) b) (√3 + 2𝑖) − (−2√3 + 6𝑖)

Solution:

Ans: a) 𝑥 =7+𝑖 b) 𝑥 = 3√3 − 4𝑖

• Multiplication

Let 𝑧1 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 and 𝑧2 = 𝑐 + 𝑑𝑖, then

𝑧1 ∙ 𝑧2 = (𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖)(𝑐 + 𝑑𝑖)
= 𝑎𝑐 + 𝑎𝑑𝑖 + 𝑏𝑐𝑖 + 𝑏𝑑𝑖 2
= 𝑎𝑐 + 𝑎𝑑𝑖 + 𝑏𝑐𝑖 + 𝑏𝑑(−1)
= (𝑎𝑐 − 𝑏𝑑) + (𝑎𝑑 + 𝑏𝑐)𝑖

Just use "FOIL" method, which stands for "Firsts, Outers, Inners, Lasts" pairs
to multiply the complex numbers.

Firsts Lasts Firsts: 𝑎 × 𝑏𝑖

(𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖)(𝑐 + 𝑑𝑖) Outers: 𝑎 × 𝑑𝑖

Inners Inners: 𝑏𝑖 × 𝑐

Outers Lasts: 𝑏𝑖 × 𝑑𝑖

Example 31

Let 𝑧1 = 2 − 4𝑖 , 𝑧2 = 7𝑖 , 𝑧3 = 5 + 3𝑖. Find the following:

a) 𝑧1 ⋅ 𝑧2 b) 𝑧1 ⋅ 𝑧3 c) 𝑧1 ⋅ 𝑧̅1

31
FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Solution

Product of Conjugates

If 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖, then
𝑧 ∙ 𝑧̅ = 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2
Note that Example 31 c) can also be solved using this property:
𝑧1 ∙ 𝑧̅1 = 22 + (−4)2 = 20

Example 32

Compute:

a) (−4 + 7𝑖) 2𝑖 b) (2 + 3𝑖)(4 + 2𝑖)

c) (3 + 𝑖) (3 − 𝑖) d) (−7 + 2𝑖)(−7 − 2𝑖)

Solution

Ans: a) −14 − 8𝑖 b) 2 + 16𝑖 c) 10 d) 53

32
 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

• Division (Quotient):

The division of two complex numbers can be accomplished by multiplying the

numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator as follows:

𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 𝑐 − 𝑑𝑖 𝑎𝑐 − 𝑎𝑑𝑖 + 𝑏𝑐𝑖 − 𝑏𝑑𝑖 2

= ∙ =
𝑐 + 𝑑𝑖 𝑐 + 𝑑𝑖 𝑐 − 𝑑𝑖 𝑐 2 + 𝑑2

Note:
When dividing two complex numbers, the goal is to express them in standard form,
𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 .

CAUTION:
Direct division of complex numbers cannot be carried out when there is
imaginary number in the denominator.

Example 33

𝑧
Find in the form 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 , where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real numbers.
𝑤

a) 𝑧 = 3 + 2𝑖 and 𝑤 = 4 − 𝑖 b) 𝑧 = 5𝑖 and 𝑤 = 4𝑖 − 3

Solution

33
FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Example 34

Determine a complex number 𝑤 from the following equation:

𝑤(4 − 3𝑖) − 5𝑖 = 1 − 6𝑖

Solution

Example 35

Express the following in the form of 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖.

6 1+5𝑖 1−4𝑖
a) b) c)
3+𝑖 1−2𝑖 2𝑖

Solution

34
 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

9 3 9 7 1
Ans: a) − 𝑖 b) − + 𝑖 c) −2 − 𝑖
5 5 5 5 2

1.3.4 Argand Diagram

Complex numbers can be represented graphically in 𝑥𝑦-plane called as complex number

plane. This plane is also known as Argand diagram. The complex number, 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 is
represented by the point with Cartesian coordinate (𝑥, 𝑦). The real part is represented by the
point on the real axis (𝑥-axis). The imaginary part is represented by the point on the imaginary
axis (𝑦-axis).

Complex numbers are often represented as vectors. A line segment is drawn from the origin
to the Cartesian coordinate point. An arrow is added in the direction away from the origin.
This allows for geometrical representations of complex numbers.

Pair of conjugates are the reflection image of each other about the real axis. The
representation of the complex number 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 and its conjugate on an Argand diagram is
shown in the Figure 1.3.

𝐼𝑚(𝑧)
(𝑎, 𝑏)
𝑏
𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖

𝑎
𝑅𝑒(𝑧)
𝑧̅ = 𝑎 − 𝑏𝑖
−𝑏 (𝑎, −𝑏)

Figure 1.3

35
FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Example 36

Plot the following complex numbers on an Argand diagram.

a) 4 + 2𝑖 b) 2 − 5𝑖 c) −3 − 4𝑖 d) 3 + 0𝑖 e) 0 − 3𝑖

Solution

Im (z)
6
5
4
3
2
1
–4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4
–1 Re (z)
–2
–3
–4
–5
–6

1.3.5 Complex Roots of Quadratic Equation

If a quadratic equation, 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0 has discriminant, 𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐 < 0, then the

equation has no real solutions. The solutions are complex numbers. The complex
numbers must be expressed in the form of 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 .

QUADRATIC FORMULA
If 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0 and 𝑎 ≠ 0, then
−𝑏 ± √𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐
𝑥=
2𝑎

36
 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

Figure 1.4

Example 37

Solve the following equations in complex number system:

a) 𝑥 2 + 25 = 0 b) 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 13 = 0

Solution

Example 38

Solve the equation 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 5 = 0 in the complex number system.

Solution

Ans: 1 + 2𝑖 , 1 − 2𝑖

37
FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

EXERCISE 1.3

1. Express each of the following complex numbers in the form of 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 :

6−√−12 1
a) 3 + √−36 b) 3 − √−27 c) d) √−
−2 4

2. Simplify:
a) 𝑖 3 b) 𝑖 23 c) 1
𝑖8
d) −4 e) 𝑖2 + 𝑖4 + 𝑖8 f) 𝑖 4𝑛+3 , 𝑛 ∈ 𝑁
𝑖9

3. If 𝑧1 = 3 + 2𝑖 and 𝑧2 = 4 − 𝑖 , find:
a) 𝑧1 + 𝑧2 b) 𝑧1 − 𝑧2 c) 𝑧1 ∙ 𝑧2

4. Express the following in the form of 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖:

𝑖 2−𝑖 11 − 3𝑖
a) b) c)
1 − 2𝑖 3𝑖 3 − 5𝑖
̅̅̅
2𝑧1 −𝑧 2
5. If 𝑧1 = 3 − 2𝑖 and 𝑧2 = 5 + 3𝑖 , evaluate in the form of 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖.
̅̅̅
𝑧1

6. Find the real numbers 𝑎 and 𝑏 in each of the following cases:

a) (𝑎 + 2𝑖)(1 − 𝑖) = 5 + 𝑏𝑖
2+𝑖
b) = 𝑖(𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖)
1−𝑖
c) 2𝑎𝑖 32 + 3𝑏𝑖 70 − 4𝑎𝑖 21 − 𝑏𝑖 47 = −27 + 4𝑖

d) √3 + 2𝑖 + 𝑎(3𝑖 − 2√3) = (𝑏 + √3𝑖)(√3 − 5𝑖)

e) √6 + 8𝑖 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖

7. Find the complex number 𝑧 for the following equations:

a) 𝑧(2 − 𝑖) = −𝑖

b) 2 + 5𝑖 = 2𝑖 − 3 + 𝑧(1 + 𝑖)

7 + 5𝑖
c) + 4 + 4𝑖 = 2(1 + 3𝑖)
𝑧

8. If 𝑧 is the complex number where 𝑧 = 3 + 𝑖, show on an argand diagram:

a) 𝑧 b) −2𝑧 c) 𝑧 + 2𝑖 d) 𝑖𝑧

9. Solve the following equations:

a) 4𝑥 2 − 9 = 0
b) 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 25 = 0
c) 𝑥 4 + 𝑥 2 = 6

38