Lecture Notes in Advanced Mathematics for Mechanical Engineering

Chapter 1: Complex Numbers

Chapter 1
Complex Numbers
Learning Outcomes
1. Define complex numbers
2. Identify the real and imaginary part of a complex number
3. Apply arithmetic operation in solving complex number
4. Simplify and solve complex conjugate problems
5. Express the complex number in Polar form

1. Definition
✓ The imaginary unit 𝑖 is a number satisfying the equation 𝑖 2 = −1 or 𝑖 = √−1 .
✓ Complex number is any number of the form 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 where a and b are real
numbers and 𝑖 is the imaginary unit.

2. Terminology
Given an equation 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦

Where:
𝑥 = the real number which is called the real part of z.
𝑖 = imaginary unit
𝑦 = the real number which is called the imaginary part of z.

➢ Note:
✓ The real and imaginary parts of a complex number z are abbreviated Re (z)
and Im (z), respectively.
✓ Two complex numbers are equal if their real and imaginary parts are equal.
✓ A complex number 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦 = 0 if 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑦 = 0.

Example 1
Identify the real and imaginary parts of the complex number 𝑧 = 4 − 9𝑖.

Solution:
𝑧 = 4 − 9𝑖
Re (z) = 4
Im (z) = -9

3. Pure Imaginary Number

✓ A real constant multiple of the imaginary unit.

4. Arithmetic Operation
✓ Complex numbers can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided.

Example 2
Find the sum, difference, product and quotient of the given complex numbers 𝑧1 =
𝑥1 + 𝑖𝑦1 and 𝑧2 = 𝑥2 + 𝑖𝑦2 .

Solution:

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Lecture Notes in Advanced Mathematics for Mechanical Engineering
Chapter 1: Complex Numbers

▪ Addition
𝑧1 + 𝑧2 = (𝑥1 + 𝑖𝑦1 ) + (𝑥2 + 𝑖𝑦2 )
𝑧1 + 𝑧2 = 𝑥1 + 𝑖𝑦1 + 𝑥2 + 𝑖𝑦2
𝑧1 + 𝑧2 = (𝑥1 + 𝑥2 ) + (𝑖𝑦1 + 𝑖𝑦2 )
∴ 𝑧1 + 𝑧2 = (𝑥1 + 𝑥2 ) + 𝑖(𝑦1 + 𝑦2 ) Answer!

▪ Subtraction
𝑧1 − 𝑧2 = (𝑥1 + 𝑖𝑦1 ) − (𝑥2 + 𝑖𝑦2 )
𝑧1 − 𝑧2 = 𝑥1 + 𝑖𝑦1 − 𝑥2 − 𝑖𝑦2
𝑧1 − 𝑧2 = (𝑥1 − 𝑥2 ) + 𝑖𝑦1 − 𝑖𝑦2
∴ 𝑧1 − 𝑧2 = (𝑥1 − 𝑥2 ) + 𝑖(𝑦1 − 𝑦2 ) Answer!

▪ Multiplication
𝑧1 ∙ 𝑧2 = (𝑥1 + 𝑖𝑦1 ) ∙ (𝑥2 + 𝑖𝑦2 )
𝑧1 ∙ 𝑧2 = 𝑥1 ∙ 𝑥2 + 𝑥1 𝑖𝑦2 + 𝑥2 𝑖𝑦1 + 𝑖 2 𝑦1 𝑦2
𝑧1 ∙ 𝑧2 = 𝑥1 𝑥2 + 𝑖𝑥1 𝑦2 + 𝑖𝑥2 𝑦1 + (−1)𝑦1 𝑦2
𝑧1 ∙ 𝑧2 = 𝑥1 𝑥2 + 𝑖𝑥1 𝑦2 + 𝑖𝑥2 𝑦1 − 𝑦1 𝑦2
∴ 𝑧1 ∙ 𝑧2 = 𝑥1 𝑥2 − 𝑦1 𝑦2 + 𝑖(𝑦1 𝑥2 + 𝑥1 𝑦2 ) Answer!

▪ Division
𝑧1 𝑥1 + 𝑖𝑦1
=
𝑧2 𝑥2 + 𝑖𝑦2

Simplify:
𝑧1 𝑥1 + 𝑖𝑦1 (𝑥2 − 𝑖𝑦2 )
= ∙
𝑧2 𝑥2 + 𝑖𝑦2 (𝑥2 − 𝑖𝑦2 )
𝑧1 𝑥1 𝑥2 + 𝑖𝑥2 𝑦1 − 𝑖𝑥1 𝑦2 − 𝑖 2 𝑦1 𝑦2
=
𝑧2 𝑥22 + 𝑖𝑥2 𝑦2 − 𝑖𝑥2 𝑦2 − 𝑖 2 𝑦22
𝑧1 𝑥1 𝑥2 + 𝑖𝑥2 𝑦1 − 𝑖𝑥1 𝑦2 − (−1)𝑦1 𝑦2
=
𝑧2 𝑥22 − (−1)𝑦22
𝑧1 𝑥1 𝑥2 + 𝑖𝑥2 𝑦1 − 𝑖𝑥1 𝑦2 + 𝑦1 𝑦2
=
𝑧2 𝑥22 + 𝑦22
𝑧1 (𝑥1 𝑥2 + 𝑦1 𝑦2 ) + 𝑖(𝑥2 𝑦1 − 𝑥1 𝑦2 )
=
𝑧2 (𝑥22 + 𝑦22 )
𝑧1 (𝑥1 𝑥2 + 𝑦1 𝑦2 ) (𝑥2 𝑦1 − 𝑥1 𝑦2 )
∴ = 2 2 +𝑖
𝑧2 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 𝑥22 + 𝑦22

➢ Commutative Law
𝑧1 + 𝑧2 = 𝑧2 + 𝑧1
𝑧1 𝑧2 = 𝑧2 𝑧1

➢ Associative Law
𝑧1 + (𝑧2 + 𝑧3 ) = (𝑧1 + 𝑧2 ) + 𝑧3
𝑧1 (𝑧2 𝑧3 ) = (𝑧1 𝑧2 )𝑧3

➢ Distributive Law
𝑧1 (𝑧2 + 𝑧3 ) = 𝑧1 𝑧2 + 𝑧1 𝑧3

Engr. Joseph M. Manzano

College of Engineering & Technology-Western Philippines University 2
Lecture Notes in Advanced Mathematics for Mechanical Engineering
Chapter 1: Complex Numbers

Example 3
Find the sum of 𝑧1 = 2 + 4𝑖 and 𝑧2 = −3 + 8𝑖.

Solution:
𝑧1 + 𝑧2 = (2 + 4𝑖 ) + (−3 + 8𝑖)
𝑧1 + 𝑧2 = [2 + (−3)] + 𝑖(4 + 8)
𝑧1 + 𝑧2 = (2 − 3) + 𝑖(4 + 8)
∴ 𝑧1 + 𝑧2 = −1 + 12𝑖 Answer!

Example 4
Find the product of 𝑧1 = 2 + 4𝑖 and 𝑧2 = −3 + 8𝑖.

Solution:
𝑧1 ∙ 𝑧2 = (2 + 4𝑖 )(−3 + 8𝑖)
𝑧1 ∙ 𝑧2 = (2)(−3) − (4)(8) + 𝑖[4(−3) + (2)(8)]
𝑧1 ∙ 𝑧2 = −6 − 32 + 𝑖(−12 + 16)
∴ 𝑧1 ∙ 𝑧2 = −38 + 4𝑖 Answer!

Example 5
Find the quotient of the complex numbers 𝑧1 = 2 − 3𝑖 and 𝑧2 = 4 + 6𝑖, and the
reciprocal of 𝑧1.

Solution:
𝑧
Solve for 1.
𝑧2

𝑧1 2 − 3𝑖
=
𝑧2 4 + 6𝑖

Multiply both numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the

denominator,
𝑧1 2 − 3𝑖 4 − 6𝑖
= ∙
𝑧2 4 + 6𝑖 4 − 6𝑖

𝑧1 (2 − 3𝑖)(4 − 6𝑖)
=
𝑧2 (4 + 6𝑖)(4 − 6𝑖)

𝑧1 8 − 12𝑖 − 12𝑖 + 18𝑖 2

=
𝑧2 16 − 24𝑖 + 24𝑖 − 36𝑖 2

𝑧1 8 − 24𝑖 + (−1)18
=
𝑧2 16 − 36(−1)

𝑧1 8 − 24𝑖 − 18
=
𝑧2 16 + 36

𝑧1 −10 − 24𝑖
=
𝑧2 52

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Lecture Notes in Advanced Mathematics for Mechanical Engineering
Chapter 1: Complex Numbers

𝑧1 −10 24𝑖
= −
𝑧2 52 52

𝑧1 5 6𝑖
∴ =− −
𝑧2 26 13
1
Solve for .
𝑧1

1 1
=
𝑧2 2 − 3𝑖

1 1 2 + 3𝑖 (1)(2 + 3𝑖) 2 + 3𝑖
= ∙ = =
𝑧2 2 − 3𝑖 2 + 3𝑖 (2 − 3𝑖)(2 + 3𝑖) 4 + 6𝑖 − 6𝑖 − 9𝑖 2
2 + 3𝑖
=
4 − 9(−1)

1 2 + 3𝑖 2 + 3𝑖 2 3
= = = + 𝑖
𝑧2 4+9 13 13 13

❖ Supplemental Problems
1) Write 2i − 3i + 5i in the form of a + bi .
3 2

Solution:
2i 3 − 3i 2 + 5i = 2i 2  i − 3i 2 + 5i
But i = −1 , then
2

2i 3 − 3i 2 + 5i = 2i 2  i − 3i 2 + 5i
= 2 ( −1) i − 3 ( −1) + 5i
= −2i + 3 + 5i
Therefore,
2i 3 − 3i 2 + 5i = 3 + 3i Answer!

2) Write ( 5 − 9i ) + ( 2 − 4i ) in the form of a + bi .

Solution:
( 5 − 9i ) + ( 2 − 4i ) = 5 − 9i + 2 − 4i
= 5 − 9i + 2 − 4i Answer!

2 − 4i
3) Write in the form of a + bi .
3 + 5i

Solution:
2 − 4i
3 + 5i

Rationalize the denominator, then

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Lecture Notes in Advanced Mathematics for Mechanical Engineering
Chapter 1: Complex Numbers

2 − 4i 2 − 4i 3 − 5i
= 
3 + 5i 3 + 5i 3 − 5i

=
( 2 − 4i )( 3 − 5i )
( 3 + 5i )( 3 − 5i )
6 − 12i − 10i + 20i 2
=
9 + 15i − 15i − 25i 2
6 − 22i + 20i 2
=
9 − 25i 2
6 − 22i + 20 ( −1)
=
9 − 25 ( −1)
6 − 22i − 20
=
9 + 25
−14 − 22i
=
34
−14 22
= − i
34 34
Therefore,
2 − 4i 7 11
= − − i Answer!
3 + 5i 17 17

5. Conjugate
✓ Also called complex conjugate.
✓ The number obtained by changing the sign of its imaginary part if z is a complex
number.

Example 1
If 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦, then its conjugate is, 𝑧̅ = 𝑥 − 𝑖𝑦.

Example 2
If z = 6 + 3i , then its conjugate is, z = 6 − 3i .

Example 3
If z = −5 − i , then its conjugate is, z = −5 + i

Example 4
If z is a real number, say z = 7 , then z = 7 .

✓ From the definition of addition, it can be readily shown that the conjugate of a sum
of two complex numbers is the sum of the conjugates.
z1 + z2 = z1 + z2
Also,
z1 − z2 = z1 − z2
z1  z2 = z1  z2

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Lecture Notes in Advanced Mathematics for Mechanical Engineering
Chapter 1: Complex Numbers

 z1  z1
 =
 z2  z2

✓ Addition and multiplication show that the sum and product of a complex number
z and its conjugate z are also real numbers
z + z = ( x + iy ) + ( x − iy )
Expand and simplify, then
z + z = x + iy + x − iy
z + z = 2x
Also,
zz = ( x + iy )( x − iy )
Expand and simplify, then
zz = x 2 + xiy − xiy − i 2 y 2
Therefore,
zz = x 2 − i 2 y 2
But,
i 2 = −1
Then,
zz = x 2 − ( −1) y 2
zz = x 2 + y 2

✓ The difference between a complex number z and its conjugate z is a pure

imaginary number.
z − z = ( x + iy ) − ( x − iy )
Expand and simplify, then
z − z = x + iy − x + iy
z − z = 2iy
Since,
x = Re ( z ) and y = Im ( z )
Then from;
z + z = 2x
Rearranging the equation,
z+z
x=
2
z+z
Re ( z ) =
2
Also,

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Lecture Notes in Advanced Mathematics for Mechanical Engineering
Chapter 1: Complex Numbers

z − z = 2iy
z−z
y=
2i
z−z
Im ( z ) =
2i
6. Geometric Interpretation
The coordinate plane shown is called complex plane or
simply the z-plane. It shows z as a position vector. The
horizontal or x-axis is called the real axis and the vertical or y-
axis is called the imaginary axis.

Things to Remember:
A complex number z = x + iy is uniquely determined
by an ordered pair of real numbers ( x, y ) . For example, from
z = 2 − 3i , the ordered pair of real numbers is ( 2, −3) . In this
manner we are able to associate a complex number z = x + iy with a point ( x, y ) in a
coordinate plane and an ordered pair of real numbers can be interpreted as the
components of a vector.

Therefore, as shown in the figure above, a complex number z = x + iy can also be

viewed as a vector whose initial point is the origin and whose terminal point is ( x, y ) .
From the figure, the length of the vector z, or the distance from the origin to the
point ( x, y ) is clearly x2 + y 2 .

7. Modulus or Absolute Value

✓ The modulus or absolute value of z = x + iy , denoted by z , is the real number

z = x 2 + y 2 = zz
Example
If z = 2 − 3i , then z = ( 2 ) + ( −3) = 4 + 9 = 13 Answer!
2 2

7.1. Sum of Vectors

The sum of the vectors z1 and z 2 is the vector z1 + z2 .

Triangular Inequality

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Lecture Notes in Advanced Mathematics for Mechanical Engineering
Chapter 1: Complex Numbers

z1 + z2  z1 + z2

Triangular Inequality in the form of finite sum

z1 + z2 + z3 + ... + zn  z1 + z2 + z3 + ... + zn

Another important Inequality

z1 + z2  z1 − z2

Note:
✓ Many of the properties of the real system hold in the complex number system, but
there are some remarkable differences as well.
✓ We cannot compare two complex numbers z1 = x1 + iy1 , y1  0 , and z2 = x2 + iy2 ,
y2  0 , by means of inequalities.
✓ Statements such as z1  z2 and z2  z1 have no meaning except in the case when
the two numbers z1 and z 2 are real.
✓ We can compare the absolute values of two complex numbers.

Example
If z1 = 3 + 4i and z2 = 5 − i
Then,
z1 = ( 3) + ( 4) = 5
2 2

z2 = ( 5) + ( −1) = 26  5.099
2 2

Consequently,
z1  z2
This last inequality means that the point (3,4) is closer to the origin than is the
point (5, -1).

8. Polar Form of Complex Number

✓ Rectangular coordinates ( x, y ) and polar coordinates ( r ,  ) are related by the
equations x = r cos  and y = r sin  .

✓ The rectangular form of a complex number is given by

z = x + yi

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Lecture Notes in Advanced Mathematics for Mechanical Engineering
Chapter 1: Complex Numbers

Substitute values of x and y, then

z = x + iy
z = r cos  + ir sin 

Therefore, the Polar form of the complex number z is

z = r ( cos  + i sin  )

Where:
r = represents absolute value or modulus, z .
 = argument of the complex number
 = arg z

Note:
✓ The angle θ of inclination of the vector z measured in radians from the positive real
axis is positive when measured counter clockwise and negative when measured
clockwise.
r = z = x2 + y 2
 y
 = tan −1  
x

Example
Express the complex number 5 + 2i in Polar Form.

Solution:
The Polar form of a complex number z = x + yi is z = r ( cos  + i sin  ) .
Solve for r:
r = z = x2 + y 2 = ( 5) + ( 2 )
2 2

= 25 + 4
= 29
Therefore,
r = z  5.385 Answer!
Solve for arg θ:
Since x  0 , then
2
 = tan −1  
5 
Thus, the value of θ measured in radian is,
 = 0.38
Therefore,
z = 5.385 cos ( 0.38 ) + i sin ( 0.38 )  Answer!

8.1. Multiplication of Polar form of Complex Number

Considering,

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Lecture Notes in Advanced Mathematics for Mechanical Engineering
Chapter 1: Complex Numbers

z1 = r1 ( cos 1 + i sin 1 )
z2 = r2 ( cos  2 + i sin  2 )

Multiply,
z1 z2 = r1 ( cos 1 + i sin 1 ) r2 ( cos  2 + i sin  2 )
z1 z2 = ( r1 cos 1 + ri
1 sin 1 )( r2 cos  2 + r2i sin  2 )

Expand and simplify,

z1 z2 = r1 cos 1r2 cos  2 + r1 cos 1r2i sin  2 + r1i sin 1r2 cos  2 + r1i 2 r2 sin 1 sin  2

But, i = −1 , then
2

1 sin 1r2 cos  2 + r1 ( −1) r2 sin 1 sin  2

z1 z2 = r1 cos 1r2 cos  2 + r1 cos 1r2i sin  2 + ri
z1 z2 = r1 cos 1r2 cos  2 + r1 cos 1r2i sin  2 + ri
1 sin 1r2 cos  2 − r1r2 sin 1 sin  2

Factor r1r2 , then

z1 z2 = r1r2 ( cos 1 cos  2 − sin 1 sin  2 ) + i ( sin 1 cos  2 + cos 1 sin  2 ) 

Therefore,
z1 z2 = r1r2 cos (1 −  2 ) + i sin (1 +  2 ) 

8.2. Division of Polar form of Complex Number

z1 r1
= ( cos 1 cos  2 + sin 1 sin  2 ) + i ( sin 1 cos  2 − cos 1 sin  2 ) 
z2 r2 
z1 r1
=  cos (1 −  2 ) + i sin (1 −  2 ) 
z2 r2 

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College of Engineering & Technology-Western Philippines University 10
Lecture Notes in Advanced Mathematics for Mechanical Engineering
Chapter 1: Complex Numbers

CHECK UP TEST

I. Identify from the given complex numbers its real part and imaginary part.
1) 𝑧 = 8 + 3𝑖 6) 𝑧 = −1 + 2𝑖
2) 𝑧 = 9 − 2𝑖 7) 𝑧 = 4 − 3𝑖
3) 𝑧 = 4 + 3𝑖
4) 𝑧 = 2 + 5𝑖
5) 𝑧 = 1 + 𝑖

II. Find the sum, difference, product and quotient of the given complex numbers.
1) 𝑧1 = 8 + 3𝑖 and 𝑧2 = 9 − 2𝑖
2) 𝑧1 = 4 + 3𝑖 and 𝑧2 = 2 + 5𝑖
3) 𝑧1 = 1 + 𝑖 and 𝑧2 = 4 − 3𝑖
4) 𝑧1 = 6 − 2𝑖 and 𝑧2 = −1 + 11𝑖

III. Show the graphical representation of the following complex numbers and determine
which is closer to the origin.
1 1 2 1
1) 𝑧1 = − 𝑖, 𝑧2 = + 𝑖
2 4 3 6

IV. Write the given number in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏.

10−5𝑖
1) 𝑖 8 12)
6+2𝑖
(3−𝑖)(2+3𝑖)
2) 𝑖11 13)
1+𝑖
(4+5𝑖)+2𝑖 3
3) 3(4 − 𝑖) − 3(5 + 2𝑖) 14)
(2+𝑖)2

4) 𝑖(5 + 7𝑖) 15) 𝑖(1 − 𝑖)(2 − 𝑖)(2 + 6𝑖)

5) 𝑖(4 − 𝑖) + 4𝑖(1 + 2𝑖) 16) (1 + 𝑖)2 (1 − 𝑖)3
1
6) (2 − 3𝑖)(4 + 𝑖) 17) (3 + 6𝑖) + (4 − 𝑖)(3 + 5𝑖) +
2−𝑖
1 1 2 5 2−𝑖 2
7) ( − 𝑖)( + 𝑖) 18) (2 + 3𝑖)( )
2 4 3 3 1+2𝑖
𝑖 1
8) (2 + 3𝑖)2 19) ( )( )
3−𝑖 2+3𝑖
1
9) (1 − 𝑖)3 20)
(1+𝑖)(1−2𝑖)(1+3𝑖)
2
10)
𝑖
(1+𝑖)(1−2𝑖)
11)
(2+𝑖)(4−3𝑖)

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College of Engineering & Technology-Western Philippines University 11
Lecture Notes in Advanced Mathematics for Mechanical Engineering
Chapter 1: Complex Numbers

SELF-TEST

I. Identify from the given complex numbers its real part and imaginary part.
1) 𝑧 = 26 − 18𝑖
2) 𝑧 = 6 − 2𝑖
3) 𝑧 = −2 + 11𝑖

II. Find the sum, difference, product and quotient of the given complex numbers.
1) 𝑧1 = 26 − 18𝑖 and 𝑧2 = 6 − 2𝑖

III. Show the graphical representation of the following complex numbers and determine
which is closer to the origin.
1) 𝑧1 = 10 + 8𝑖, 𝑧2 = 11 − 6𝑖

IV. Write the given number in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏.

1) 3𝑖 5 − 𝑖 4 + 7𝑖 3 − 10𝑖 2 − 9
(5−4𝑖)−(3+7𝑖)
2) (4+2𝑖)+(2−3𝑖)

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