Have you ever thought about it?

Can you find the solution of the equation x2 + 1 = 0 in the set of

real numbers? Let’s think about this. When you learned to count, Complex Numbers
you used the natural numbers 1, 2, 3 and so on. Your number
system has grown to include other types of numbers. You have Real Numbers

used real numbers, which include both rational numbers such as Rational Numbers
1
and irrational numbers such as ñ2. Now your number system Integers Irrational
2
will expand to include numbers such as ò–2 . Whole Numbers
Numbers

Introduction
We can find the solution sets of equations like x − 1 =0, 5x + 2 = 0, x2 − 4 =0, x2 − 2x + 1 = 0 in the set of real numbers.
x − 1 = 0; x = 1; S = {1}
2 2
5x + 2 = 0; x = − ; S = {− }
5 5
If x2 − 4 = 0, x = 2 or x = −2, S = {−2, 2}
If x2 − 2x + 1 = 0, then (x − 1)2 = 0, x − 1 = 0 or x − 1 = 0
x = 1 or x = 1
S = {1}
As seen above solutions of each equation in the set of real numbers exists.
Now let’s try to find the solution of x2 + 1 = 0 in the set of real numbers.
As there is no real number whose square is “−1”, the solution set of x2 + 1 = 0 in a set of real numbers is an empty set. To solve
such equations, we need to define a new larger set of numbers which would also include the set of real numbers. Therefore,
"imaginary number" is defined as "i" whose square is −1, ie., i2 = −1. Then we can solve the equation x2 + 1 = 0.
x2 = −1 Ş x2 = i2 Ş x = i or x = −i Ş S = {−i, i}

229
1. Introduction Powers of the imaginary number
• i=i

to Complex •
•
i2 = –1
i3 = i2 · i = (–1) · i = – i

Numbers •
•
i4 = (i2)2 = (–1)2 = 1
i4n = (i4)n = (1)n = 1, where n is an integer.

A complex number is a combination of a real number and an Example 2

imaginary number. The set of complex numbers is shown by C.
Let z be a complex number. It is in the form of z = a + bi such
Simplify i0 + i947 + i1000 + i366.
that a is the real part and shown as a = Re(z); b is the imaginary
part and shown as b = Im(z).
Solution:
Example 1 i0 + i947 + i1000 + i366 = 1 + (i4)236 · i3 + (i4)250 + (i4)91 · i2
Determine the real and imaginary parts of the following = 1 + i3 + 1 + i2
complex numbers. =1–i+1–1=1–i
a. 3i e. 4 + 5i
b. 2 − 6i f. −7i − 9 Exercise 2
c. 3ñ5 g. ñ3 + i
Simplify i23 + i75 – i1521.
i
d. −3
2

Solution:

Real Part Imaginary Part

a. 0 3
b. 2 −6
c. 3ñ5 0
1
d. −3 Example 3
2
e. 4 5
Simplify i4n+1 + i8n+2 + i12n+3 + i16n+4 , where n is an integer.
f. −9 −7
g. ñ3 1 Solution:
i4n+1 + i8n+2 + i12n+3 + i16n+4 = i4n · i + i8n · i2 + i12n · i3 + i16n · i4
Exercise 1 = i4n . i + (i4)2n . i2 + (i4)3n . i3 + (i4)4 . i4
= i + i2 + i3 + i4 = i – 1 – i + 1 = 0
Determine the real and imaginary parts of the following
complex numbers. Exercise 3
a. −5i 3
d. − 4i
5 Simplify i4n+14 + i200n + i8n+6 + i20n+18 , where n is an integer.
b. 2i − 3
5 − 8i
e.
c. iñ7 3

230
 Exercise 1
Example 4
If the complex numbers z1 = (2 – a)i + 5 – bi
Write the sum i + i2 + i3 + ... + i42 in the form of a + bi.
and z2 = (2b – 3) + 4i are equal, find the value of a · b.
Solution:
Observe that:
i=i
i2 = −1
i + i2 + i3 + i4 = i − 1 − i + 1 = 0
i3 = −i
i4 = 1 1.2. Operations with
i 4n+1
+i
4n+2
+i
4n+3
+i
4n+4
=0
Therefore, Complex Numbers
i + i2 + i3 + ... + i40 + i41 + i42 = i41 + i42
1.2.1 Addition
0 = i + i2
Let z1 = a1 + b1i and z2 = a2 + b2i be two complex numbers.
= i − 1 To add two complex numbers, we add real and imaginary
= −1 + i part separately:
z1 + z2 = (a1 + a2) + (b1 + b2)i
Exercise 4
Write the sum i + i2 + i3 + ... + i75 in the form of a + bi.
Example 1
z1 = 1 – 2i and z2 = 2 + 3i are given. Find the complex
number z1 + z2.

Solution:
z1 + z2 = (1 – 2i) + (2 + 3i) = (1 + 2) + (–2 + 3)i = 3 + i

Example 2
z1 = 2 – i and z2 = 3 + i are given. Find the complex number
1.1. Equality of Two 3z1 + 2z2.

Solution:
Complex Numbers 3z1 = 3 . (2 – i) = 6 – 3i
Two complex numbers are equal if and only if their real
2z2 = 2 · (3 + i) = 6 + 2i
parts are equal and imaginary parts are equal. Symbolically:
Let z1 = a1 + b1i and z2 = a2 + b2i be two complex numbers. 3z1 + 2z2 = 6 – 3i + 6 + 2i
z1 = z2 Û a1 = a2 and b1 = b2. = (6 + 6) + (–3i + 2i)
= 12 – i
Example 1
Exercise 1
If the complex numbers z1 = 2 + (2 – b)i and z2 = (a – 1) + 4i
are equal, find the value of a + b. z1 = 3 – 5i and z2 = i – 4 are given. Find the complex number
2z1 + 3z2.
Solution:
z1 = z2
2 + (2 – b)i = (a – 1) + 4i
2=a–1
2–b=4
a = 3 and b = –2. So, a + b = 3 – 2 = 1
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1.2.2. Subtraction Example 1
Let z1 = a1 + b1i and z2 = a2 + b2i be two complex numbers, z1 = 2 + 3i and z2 = 5 – 2i are given. Find the complex
number z1 · z2.
z1 – z2 = (a1 – a2) + (b1 – b2)i.

Solution:
Example 1
z1 · z2 = (2 + 3i)(5 – 2i)
z1 = 12 + 5i and z2 = 3 – 7i are given. Find the complex z1 · z2 = 10 – 4i + 15i – 6i2
number z1 – 2z2.
–1
= 10 + 11i – 6(–1)
Solution:
= 10 + 11i + 6
z1 – 2z2 = (12 + 5i) – 2(3 – 7i) = 16 + 11i
= 12 + 5i – 6 + 14i
= (12 – 6) + (5 + 14)i
= 6 + 19i
Attention
Let z = a + bi be a complex number.
Exercise 1 z2 = (a + bi)2
= (a + bi)(a + bi)
z1 = 7 + 2i and z2 = 3i + 6 are given. = a2 + 2abi + b2i2
Find the value of Re(4z1 – 5z2) – Im(z1 – 2z2). = (a2 – b2) + 2abi

Exercise 1
z1 = 1 – i and z2 = 1 + 2i are given. Find the complex number
z21 · z2.

1.2.3. Multiplication
Let z1 = a1 + b1i and z2 = a2 + b2i be two complex numbers. To
multiply complex numbers, each part of the first complex Example 1
number is multiplied by each part of the second complex
number. If z = (1 + i)2, find Re(z) + Im(z).

z1 · z2 = (a1 + b1i) · (a2 + b2i)

Solution:
= a1a2 + a1b2i + b1a2i + b1b2i2 z = (1 + i)2 = (1 + i)(1 + i) = 1 + i + i + i2 = 1 + 2i – 1 = 2i

–1 Re(z) = 0 and Im(z) = 2. Then Re(z) + Im(z) = 0 + 2 = 2

= a1a2 + (a1b2 + b1a2)i – b1b2

= (a1a2 – b1b2) + (a1b2 + b1a2)i Learner’s Corner
For z = 1 + i Ş z2 = 2i.
For z = 1 – i Ş z2 = – 2i.

232
Example 2 4 4
z = –3 – i and z = –3 + i
3 3
4 –5
If z = (1 – i)10, find Re(z). Hence, Re(z) + Im(z) = –3 + = .
3 3

Solution: Exercise 1
z = (1 – i)10 = [(1 – i)2]5 = [(1 – i)(1 – i)]5 = (1 – i – i + i2)5 If 3z + 3i = z – 5, find the complex number z.
= (1 – 2i – 1) = (–2i) = –32 · i = –32i
5 5 5

Re(z) = 0.

Exercise 2
z1 = (1 – i)4 and z2 = (1 + i)13 are given. Find Re(z1 + z2).

Example 3
Let z = a + bi be a complex number. Find a rule for z · z.
1.2.4. Conjugate of a Solution:
Complex Number –1
z · õz = (a + bi)(a – bi) = a – abi + abi + –bi2 = a2 + b2
2

The two complex numbers a + bi and a – bi are called

conjugates of each other and the conjugate of z = a + bi is Exercise 2
denoted by z = a – bi. In other words, to find the conjugate
of a complex number, we keep the real part the same and Let z = a + bi be a complex number. Find (z – z) · (z + z).
negate the imaginary part.

Example 1
Write the conjugate of each complex number given below.
a. z1 = 2 + 5i d. z4 = –i + 6
b. z2 = 3i – 4 e. z5 = 5
c. z3 = –7 – 8i f. z6 = –4i

Solution:
a. õzõ 1 = 2 – 5i d. z4 = 6 + i
1.2.4.1. Properties of the
b. z2 = –4 + 3i = –4 – 3i e. z5 = 5
Complex Conjugate
c. z3 = –7 + 8i f. zõ 6 = 4i
Let z = a + bi and w = c + di be two complex numbers.
Example 2 • ( õõz ) = ( õõaõõ õõ+õõ bõõ i ) = ( a – bi) = a + bi = z
• z · õz = (a + bi) (a – bi)
If z − 2z = 3 − 4i, find the value of Re(z) + Im(z).
= a2 – b2i2
Solution: = a2 + b2
Let z = x + yi • z + w = (a + bi) + (c + di)
z − 2z = 3 − 4i = (a + c) + (b + d)i
(x + yi) – 2(x – yi) = 3 – 4i
= (a+ c) – (b + d)i
–x + 3yi = 3 – 4i
4 = (a – bi) + (c – di)
x = –3 and y = –
3
=z+w
233
• z − w = (a + bi) − (c + di) Exercise 1
= (a − c) + (b − d)i
= (a – c) – (b – d)i 3i 1
Write ( + ) in the form of a + bi.
1−i 1+i
= (a – bi) – (c – d)i
=z−w
• z · w = (a + bi)(c + di)
= ac + bci + adi − bd
= (ac − bd) + (bc + ad)i
= (ac – bd) – (bc + ad)i
z · w = (a – bi)(c – di)
= ac – bci – adi – bd
= (ac – bd) – (bc + ad)i Example 2
z·w=z·w
(3 – 2i)z + 5 = 4i is given. Find the complex number z.

1.2.5. Division Solution:

Let z1 = a1 + b1i and z2 = a2 + b2i be two complex numbers. (3 – 2i)z + 5 = 4i
The conjugate is used to help division. The trick is to (3 – 2i)z = –5 + 4i
multiply both the numerator and the denominator by the
conjugate of the denominator. −5 + 4i
z=
3 − 2i
z1 a + b1i (a + b1i) (a2 − b2i) (3 + 2i)
= 1 = 1
z2 a2 + b2i (a2 + b2i) (a2 − b2i)
(−5 + 4i) (3 + 2i)
(a1a2 + b1b2) + i · (b1a2 − a1b2) z=
= 9+4
a22 + b22 −15 − 10i + 12i − 8
z=
13
23 2
z = − 13 + 13 i
Attention
Let z and w be complex numbers
Example 3
z õz
• ( )=
w w (1 + i)(1 + z) = 2iz is given. Find Im(z).

Solution:
Example 1
(1 + i)(1 + z) = 2iz
2 − 5i
z = 4 + i is given Find the value of Re(z) + Im(z). 1 + i + z + iz = 2iz
1 + i = –z + iz
Solution: 1 + i = z(–1 + i)

2 − 5i (2 − 5i)(4 − i) 8 − 2i − 20i − 5 3 − 22i 1+i

z=
z= 4+i = = 16 + 1 = −1 + i
(4 + i)(4 − i) 17
(–1 – i)
3 22
= − i (1 + i)(−1 −i)
17 17
z= 1+1
3 22
Re(z) = , Im(z) = − −2i
17 17
= = −i
3 22 19 2
Re(z) + Im(z) = − =−
17 17 17 Therefore, Im(z) = –1.

234
Exercise 2 b. (1 + i)40 · (1 – i)41

(2 + i)(1 – z) = 2iz is given. Find Re(z).

(1 – i)18
c.
(1 + i)17

1.2.6. Multiplicative
2. Simplify and express in the form of a + bi.
Inverse of a Complex 10 10
1 – 2i 2–i
( ) + i( )
Number 2+i 1 + 2i

Example 1
1
z = a + bi is given. Find in terms of a and b.
z

Solution:
1 1 a − bi a b
z
= = = −
a + bi a2 + b2 a2 + b2 a2 + b2
i Let’s test it!
(a − bi)

Exercise 1
1. Simplify:
z = 4 – 3i is given. Find z –1

a. i2009 + i2010 + i2011

b. i2 + i4 + i6 + ... + i80

Extension Activities
1. Simplify and express in the form of a + bi. 1 1 1
c. + 3 + 4
i2 i i
a. (1 + i)20

235
2. Find the values of a and b. 7. Given (2 – i)z = 3 – z, find z.

a. (a – 1) + (b – 2)i = 4 + 3i

8. (1 + i)2 + (1 + i)3 + (1 + i)4 + (1 + i)5

b. 2a – 1 + i = 4 – bi + i

9. Given z1 = 3 + 2i and z2 = 4 – 3i, find the following:

c. 4 + a + 2i – bi = 4i
a. z1 + z2

3. Given z = 3 – 2i, find z–1.

b. 5z1 – 3z2

2–i
4. Simplify (write in the form a + bi). c. z1 · z2
3+i

5. Given z = –4 + 3i, find Re(z–1). d. i · z1 + 2z2

2i – x 3 e. (z1 + 1) · (z2 – i)
6. Given z = and Re(z) = , find Im(z).
i–1 2

236
 Exercise 1
10. Simplify: (4 – 4i)6 · (4 + 4i)7
If one of the roots of a quadratic equation with real number
coefficients is 3 + 4i, find the sum of the roots of this
quadratic equation.

2. Solving
Quadratic
Equations Example 2

in the Set If z = a + bi is a complex number and (x – z)(x – k) = 0, find

k in terms of a and b.

of Complex Solution:

Numbers If a quadratic equation with real-number coefficients has

a negative discriminant, then the two solutions to the
equation are complex conjugates of each other. The other
root is x = k. Hence k = z = a – bi.
If a quadratic equation with real coefficients has a negative
discriminant, we know that real roots do not exist. Let's
remember the quadratic formula. If ax2 + bx + c =0, then
Exercise 2
–b ± ñΔ
the roots are x1,2 = , where Δ = b2 – 4ac. Then, we Roots of the quadratic equation
2a
can say that the two solutions to the equation are complex ax2 + bx + c = 0 are (m + n) – 2i and
n
numbers and they are complex conjugates of each other. If 4 + (m – n)i where a ≠ 0, b Î R. Find the value of .
m
one of the roots of a quadratic equation is a + bi, then the
other root is a – bi (when a, b, c are real coefficients).

Example 1
Solve x2 + 2x + 10 = 0.

Solution:
x2 + 2x + 1 + 9 = 0
x2 + 2x + 1 = –9 Highlights in History
(x + 1)2 = –9
The famous mathematician,
ô(x + 1õ)2 = ò–9 = ò9i2 = ±3i Leonhard Euler (Leonard Euler)
defined the number whose square
|x + 1| = ±3i
is “−1” as an imaginary number
x = –1 ± 3i and showed this number using “i” in
order to solve such equations.
S = {–1 – 3i, –1 + 3i}. Leonhard Euler
(1707-1783)

237
 Example 5
ICT Corner
Solve 2x2 + ix – 1 = 0.
Imaginary numbers are real - part1

ъ https://youtu.be/T647CGsuOVU Solution:
Δ = i2 – 4 · 2 · (–1)
= –1 + 8 = 7
Example 3
–i – ñ7 –ñ7 – i
x1 = =
Solve x2 + 9 = 0 2·2 4
–i + ñ7 ñ7 · i
x2 = =
Solution: 2·2 4
–ñ7 – i ñ7 – i
x2 + 9 = 0 S={ , }
4 4
x2 = –9
òx2 = ò–9 Exercise 4
|x| = ò–9 = ñ9 · ò–1 = 3i
Solve x2 + ix + 3 = 0.
i
x = –3i or x = 3i
S = {–3i, 3i}

Example 4
Solve x2 – 3x + 5 = 0

Solution: ICT Corner

We can determine the discriminant first. Imaginary numbers are real - part2
Δ = (–3)2 – 4 · 5 = 9 – 20 = –11. Discriminant is negative, so
–b ± i ñD
ъ https://youtu.be/2HrSG0fdxLY
the roots are in the form of x = .
2a
Therefore, there are no real roots but there are two different
imaginary roots.

x=
3 ± ò–1õ1 3 ± ó11i2
2
=
2
=
3 ± iò1õ1
2
Let’s test it!
3 – iò1õ1 3 + iò11
S={ , }
2 2
1. Determine the types of the roots without solving.
Exercise 3
a. x2 + 2x – 3 = 0
Solve the following equations and state the solution set for
each equation.
a. x2 + 64 = 0
b. x2 – 2x + 10 = 0
c. x(x – 1) + 2 = 0 b. x2 – 4x – 2 = 0

238
 c. 3x2 – 7x + 5 = 0 b. 5x2 – 30x + 100 = 0

d. x2 – 10x + 25 = 0 6. Solve the equation:

• y2
4
–
y
2
+1=0

2. If the equation x2 + 2x – m + 3 = 0 has no reel roots,

find the possible values of m.
7. Find the roots of the following equation.
• (3x – 1)2 + 16 = 0

3. If the equation mx2 + 6x + 1 = 0 has no reel roots, find

the smallest possible integer value of m.

8. One root of the equation x2 + ax + b = 0 is 2 + 3i where

a, b Î R. Find the value of a and the value of b.

4. Solve the following equations by completing the

square over the set of Complex Numbers.

a. x2 – 2x = 2 9. Solve:
• 3z2 + 5iz – 2 = 0.

b. 2x2 + 14 = 12x

10. Solve:
• z2 + (2 + i)z + i = 0.

5. Solve for x.

a. x2 + 6x + 10 = 0

239
3. Using Argand Example 1

Diagrams to
Show z1 = 2 + 3i, z2 = −2 + 3i, z3 = 3 - 2i, z4 = 2i, z5 = 3, z6
=−2 − 3i on the Argand diagram.

Represent Solution:

y (Imaginary axis)

Complex z2 = −2 + 3i 3 z1 = 2 + 3i

Numbers
z4 2
1
-3 -2 -1 z5 = 3
x (Real axis)
0 1 2 3
• As there are two components of complex numbers -1
z = a + bi as a and b, the complex number z corresponds -2
to a point on the cartesian coordinate plane. If we let z3 = 3 − 2i
z6 = −2 −3i -3
the x-axis be the real axis and y-axis be the imaginary
axis on the cartesian plane, we obtain the complex
plane. Therefore, the following diagram is called the
Argard diagram. Exercise 1
y (Imaginary axis) Show the following complex numbers on the Argand
diagram.
−a + bi b a + bi
a. z1 = 2 - 3i
b. z2 = 4 − i
x (Real axis)
–a 0 a

y (Imaginary axis)
−a − bi -b a − bi

• a − bi which is symmetric to z = a + bi with respect to

the real axis is called the conjugate of z. 0 x (Real axis)
y

b z = a + bi

Extension Activities
x
0 a
Given that z1 = 2 and z2 = 1 + ñ3i are roots of the cubic
equation z3 + bz2 + cz + d = 0 where b, c, d Î R,

-b z = a − bi
a. write down the third root, z3, of the equation:
................................................................................................
b. find the values of b, c and d;
................................................................................................
c. show all the roots on the Argand diagram.
................................................................................................

240