Complex

Variables &
Transforms
MATH- 232

Instructor: Dr. Naila Amir

Complex numbers
▪ Complex Numbers and Their Properties
▪ Complex Plane
▪ Polar Form of Complex Numbers
▪ Powers of Complex Numbers
▪ Roots of Complex Numbers
▪ Sets of Points in the Complex Plane
▪ Applications
Complex Numbers and Their Properties
 Complex Numbers
Book: A First Course in Complex Analysis with Applications by
Dennis G. Zill and Patrick D. Shanahan.

• Chapter: 1

• Sections: 1.1
Equality
Complex numbers 𝑧1 = 𝑎1 + 𝑖𝑏1 and 𝑧2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑖𝑏2 are equal, i.e., 𝑧1 = 𝑧2 , if
𝑎1 = 𝑎2 and 𝑏1 = 𝑏2 .
In terms of the symbols Re(𝑧) and Im(𝑧), we say that 𝑧1 = 𝑧2 if
Re 𝑧1 = Re 𝑧2 and Im(𝑧1 ) = Im(𝑧2 ).
Complex Conjugate
For a complex number 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖, the complex conjugate is given as:
𝑧ҧ = (𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖) = 𝑎 − 𝑏𝑖.

This is useful when we wish to carry out a division.

Note that:
(𝑧)ҧ = (𝑎 − 𝑏𝑖) = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 = 𝑧.
Examples:
1. 𝑧 = 4 − 8𝑖 ⟹ 𝑧ҧ = 4 + 8𝑖.
2. 𝑧 = −2 + 3𝑖 ⟹ 𝑧ҧ = −2 − 3𝑖.
3. 𝑧 = −1 − 4𝑖 ⟹ 𝑧ҧ = −1 + 4𝑖.
Algebra of complex numbers

Simplify: 3𝑖 + 7 + (4𝑖 − 6).

3𝑖 + 7 + (4𝑖 − 6) = 7 − 6 + 𝑖 3 + 4 = 1 + 7𝑖.

Evaluate: 3𝑖 + 7 − (4𝑖 − 6).

3𝑖 + 7 − 4𝑖 − 6 = 7 + 6 + 𝑖 3 − 4 = 13 − 𝑖.
Algebra of complex numbers

Evaluate: (3𝑖) × (−4𝑖)

3𝑖 × −4𝑖 = −12𝑖 2 = −12 −1 = 12.

Simplify: 3𝑖 + 7 (3𝑖 − 7).

3𝑖 + 7 3𝑖 − 7 = (3𝑖)2 − 7 2 = 9𝑖 2 − 49 = −9 − 49 = −58.

Evaluate: 3𝑖 + 7 (−2𝑖 + 1).

3𝑖 + 7 −2𝑖 + 1 = −6𝑖 2 + 3𝑖 − 14𝑖 + 7 = 6 + 7 + 𝑖 3 − 14 = 13 − 11𝑖.

Algebra of complex numbers
Algebra of complex numbers
Useful Rules
Useful Rules
 Practice Problems
1. 16 + 9𝑖 + 6 − 2𝑖

2. 8 + 3𝑖 − 16 − 21𝑖

3. 16 + 9𝑖 × 6 − 2𝑖

4. 8 + 3𝑖 ÷ 8 − 2𝑖

9 − 𝑖 4 + 2𝑖
5. +
4 2+𝑖
 Laws of Complex Numbers
Like real numbers, following laws are valid for complex numbers as well:
1. Commutative law:
𝑧1 + 𝑧2 = 𝑧2 + 𝑧1 .
𝑧1 𝑧2 = 𝑧2 𝑧1 .
2. Associative law:
𝑧1 + (𝑧2 + 𝑧3 ) = (𝑧1 + 𝑧2 ) + 𝑧3 .
𝑧1 (𝑧2 𝑧3 ) = (𝑧1 𝑧2 )𝑧3 .
3. Distributive law:
𝑧1 (𝑧2 + 𝑧3 ) = 𝑧1 𝑧2 + 𝑧1 𝑧3 .
 Zero and Unity of Complex numbers
The zero in the complex number system is the number 0 + 0𝑖 and the unity is
1 + 0𝑖.The zero and unity are denoted by 0 and 1, respectively. The zero is the
additive identity in the complex number system since, for any complex
number 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏, we have 𝑧 + 0 = 𝑧. To see this, we use the definition of
addition:
𝑧 + 0 = (𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏) + (0 + 0𝑖) = (𝑎 + 0) + 𝑖(𝑏 + 0) = 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 = 𝑧.
Similarly, the unity is the multiplicative identity of the system since, for any
complex number 𝑧, we have:
𝑧 · 1 = 𝑧 · (1 + 0𝑖) = 𝑧.
 Inverses of Complex numbers
In the complex number system, every number 𝑧 has a unique additive inverse.
As in the real number system, the additive inverse of 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 is its negative,
− 𝑧, where −𝑧 = −𝑎 − 𝑖𝑏. For any complex number 𝑧, we have 𝑧 + (−𝑧) = 0.
Similarly, every nonzero complex number 𝑧 has a multiplicative inverse. For 𝑧
≠ 0 there exists one and only one nonzero complex number 𝑧 −1 such that
𝑧𝑧 −1 = 1. The multiplicative inverse 𝑧 −1 is the same as the reciprocal 1/𝑧.
Thus, for 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏, the multiplicative inverse is given as:

−1
1 1 𝑎 𝑏
𝑧 = = = 2 2
−𝑖 2 2
.
𝑧 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 𝑎 + 𝑏 𝑎 +𝑏
 Inverses of Complex numbers
Example: Find the reciprocal of 𝑧 = 2 − 3𝑖.
Solution: By the definition of division, we obtain:

1 1
=
𝑧 2 − 3𝑖

1 2 + 3𝑖
= .
2 − 3𝑖 2 + 3𝑖

2 + 3𝑖
=
4+9

2 3
= + 𝑖.
13 13
 Practice Questions
Book: A First Course in Complex Analysis with Applications by
Dennis G. Zill and Patrick D. Shanahan.

Chapter: 1
Exercise: 1.1
Q # 1 – 20, 25 – 34, 37 – 44.
Complex Plane
 Complex Numbers
Book: A First Course in Complex Analysis with Applications by
Dennis G. Zill and Patrick D. Shanahan.

• Chapter: 1

• Sections: 1.2
 Complex Plane
• A complex number 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏; 𝑎, 𝑏 ∈ ℝ is uniquely determined by an ordered pair of real numbers
(𝑎, 𝑏). The first and second entries of the ordered pairs correspond, in turn, with the real and imaginary
parts of the complex number. For example, the ordered pair (2, −3) corresponds to the complex
number 𝑧 = 2 − 3𝑖. Conversely, 𝑧 = 2 − 3𝑖 determines the ordered pair (2, −3). In this manner we
are able to associate a complex number 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 with a point (𝑎, 𝑏) in a coordinate plane.

• Due to the correspondence between a complex number 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 and

one and only one point (𝑎, 𝑏) in a coordinate plane, we use the terms
complex number and point interchangeably.

• The coordinate plane illustrated in the accompanying figure is called the

complex plane or simply the 𝒛 −plane. The horizontal or 𝑥 −axis is
called the real axis because each point on that axis represents a real
number. The vertical or 𝑦 −axis is called the imaginary axis because a
point on that axis represents a pure imaginary number. A complex plane
is also referred to as an Argand diagram or the Argand plane.
 Argand Diagram
▪ Argand diagram is used to visualize complex
numbers.

▪ It also shows how to calculate the modulus (length)

and argument (angle/phase) of a complex number.

▪ Moreover, Argand diagrams plays an important role

in writing polar form of a complex number and how
to convert between Cartesian and polar forms.
Argand Diagram
y 2 + 3i
3

x
1 2 3

We can represent complex numbers as

a point.
Argand Diagram
y
3

2
𝑧 = 2 + 𝑖 = 𝑂𝐴
1
𝐴

O
x
1 2 3

We can represent complex numbers as

a vector.
Argand Diagram
y 𝑧2 = 2 + 3𝑖 = 𝑂𝐵

3 𝐵

1
𝐴 𝑧1 = 2 + 𝑖 = 𝑂𝐴

O
x
1 2 3
Argand Diagram
y 𝑧 = 2 + 3𝑖 = 𝑂𝐵 𝐶
2
𝐵 𝑧3 = 4 + 4𝑖 = 𝑂𝐶
3

1
𝐴 𝑧1 = 2 + 𝑖 = 𝑂𝐴
x
O
1 2 3
 Argand Diagram
Addition of y
𝑧2 = 2 + 3𝑖 = 𝑂𝐵 𝐶
Complex numbers 𝐵 𝑧3 = 4 + 4𝑖 = 𝑂𝐶
3

1
𝐴 𝑧1 = 2 + 𝑖 = 𝑂𝐴

O
x
1 2 3

𝑧1 + 𝑧2 = 𝑂𝐴 + 𝐴𝐶
= 𝑂𝐶
Argand Diagram
𝑧2 = 2 + 3𝑖 = 𝑂𝐵 𝐶
y
𝐵 𝑧3 = 4 + 4𝑖 = 𝑂𝐶
3

1
𝐴 𝑧1 = 2 + 𝑖 = 𝑂𝐴

O
x
1 2 3

𝐵𝐴 =?
Argand Diagram
y 𝐶
𝑧2 = 2 + 3𝑖 = 𝑂𝐵
𝐵 𝑧3 = 4 + 4𝑖 = 𝑂𝐶
3

1
𝐴 𝑧1 = 2 + 𝑖 = 𝑂𝐴

O
x
1 2 3

𝐵𝐴 =?
 Argand Diagram
y 𝑧 = 2 + 3𝑖 = 𝑂𝐵 𝐶
2

𝐵 𝑧3 = 4 + 4𝑖 = 𝑂𝐶
3

1
𝐴 𝑧1 = 2 + 𝑖 = 𝑂𝐴

O
x
1 2 3

𝑂𝐵 + 𝐵𝐴 = 𝑂𝐴
 Argand Diagram
y 𝑧 = 2 + 3𝑖 = 𝑂𝐵 𝐶
2

𝐵 𝑧3 = 4 + 4𝑖 = 𝑂𝐶
3

1
𝐴 𝑧1 = 2 + 𝑖 = 𝑂𝐴

O
x
1 2 3

𝑂𝐵 + 𝐵𝐴 = 𝑂𝐴
𝐵𝐴 = 𝑂𝐴 − 𝑂𝐵
 Argand Diagram
Subtraction of y 𝑧2 = 2 + 3𝑖 = 𝑂𝐵 𝐶
Complex numbers 𝐵 𝑧3 = 4 + 4𝑖 = 𝑂𝐶
3

1
𝐴 𝑧1 = 2 + 𝑖 = 𝑂𝐴

O
x
1 2 3

𝑂𝐵 + 𝐵𝐴 = 𝑂𝐴
𝐵𝐴 = 𝑂𝐴 − 𝑂𝐵
= 𝑧1 − 𝑧2
The modulus and argument of a complex number
▪ From figure we see that the coordinate 𝑟 can be
interpreted as the distance from the origin to the
point (𝑎, 𝑏).In other words, we shall adopt the
convention that 𝑟 is never negative so that we can
take 𝑟 to be the modulus of 𝑧, that is, 𝑟 = 𝑧 .

▪ The angle 𝜃 of inclination of the vector 𝑧, which will

always be measured in radians from the positive
real axis, is positive when measured
counterclockwise and negative when measured
clockwise. The angle 𝜃 is called an argument of 𝑧
and is denoted by 𝜃 = arg 𝑧 .
Mod-Arg Form
Modulus:
The modulus (or absolute value) of a complex number is the length
of the vector 𝑜𝑧:
𝑟 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 = 𝑧 2

𝑟= 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 = 𝑧 .
Argument:
The argument (or amplitude) of a complex number is the angle the
vector 𝑜𝑧 makes with the positive real axis. An argument 𝜃 of a
complex number must satisfy the equation:
𝑏
tan 𝜃 = .
𝑎
𝑏
Note: there is an infinite set of numbers 𝜃 whose tangent is , so there exist an infinite set
𝑎
of arguments for 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏.
The modulus and argument of a complex number
▪ Thus, the modulus and argument of a complex number 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 are respectively
given as:
𝑏
𝑟 = 𝑧 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 and 𝜃 = arg 𝑧 = arctan ,
𝑎
where 𝑏/𝑎 is the slope, and arctan converts slope to angle. But this is correct only
when 𝑥 > 0, so the quotient is defined, and the angle lies between −𝜋/2 and 𝜋/2.
We need to extend this definition to cases where 𝑥 is not positive.

𝜋 𝑏 𝜋
▪ A calculator will give only angles satisfying:
− < arctan ≤ that is, angles in
,
2 𝑎 2
the first and fourth quadrants. We have to choose 𝜃 consistent with the quadrant
in which 𝑧 is located; this may require adding or subtracting 𝜋 to arctan(𝑏/𝑎)
when appropriate.
The modulus and argument of a complex number
▪ An argument 𝜃 of a complex number must satisfy the equations:
cos 𝜃 = 𝑎/|𝑧| and sin 𝜃 = 𝑏/ 𝑧 .
An argument of a complex number 𝑧 is not unique because sin 𝜃 and cos 𝜃 are
2𝜋 −periodic and any integer multiple of 2𝜋 may be added to 𝜃 to produce
another value of the argument.

▪ In other words, if 𝜃 is an argument of 𝑧, then necessarily the angles:𝜃 ± 2𝜋,

𝜃 ± 4𝜋, … . . are also arguments of 𝑧.

▪ Note: The argument of additive identity, i.e., 𝑧 = 0 + 0𝑖 is not defined.

 Principal Argument
▪ For 𝑧 ≠ 0, arg(𝑧) represents an infinite set of arguments.
However, for −𝜋 < 𝜃 ≤ 𝜋, there exist a one-to-one
correspondence between 𝑂𝑃 and 𝑟, 𝜃 . This value of 𝜃 is
called the principal value of 𝑧 or the principal argument of 𝑧.
▪ The principal argument of 𝑧 is unique and is represented by
the symbol Arg(𝑧), that is,
−𝜋 < Arg(𝑧) ≤ 𝜋.
▪ Note that any other interval of length 2𝜋 can also be used for principal argument. For
example, we can consider 0 < 𝜃 ≤ 2𝜋.
▪ Relationship between the argument of the complex number 𝑧, denoted by arg(𝑧), and
the principal argument of 𝑧, denoted by Arg(𝑧) is defined as:
Principal argument = Arg 𝑧 = 𝜃 ∈ −𝜋, 𝜋
Argument = arg 𝑧 = Arg 𝑧 + 2𝑛𝜋, 𝑛 ∈ ℤ.
Principal Argument: 0 < Arg(𝑧) ≤ 2𝜋
For any given complex number 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏, we ignore all of its signs and find the
angle
𝛼 = arctan 𝑏/𝑎 , such that 𝑎 ≥ 0, 𝑏 ≥ 0,
Then we determine actual angle by first identifying the quadrant in which 𝑧 resides
and find 𝜃 ∈ (0,2𝜋] by using the following diagram:
𝑏
1st Quadrant : 𝜃 = arctan
𝑎

𝑏
2nd Quadrant : 𝜃 = 𝜋 − arctan
𝑎

𝑏
3rd Quadrant : 𝜃 = 𝜋 + arctan
𝑎

𝑏
4th Quadrant : 𝜃 = 2𝜋 − arctan
𝑎
Principal Argument: −𝜋 < Arg(𝑧) ≤ 𝜋
For any given complex number 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏, we ignore all of its signs and find the
angle:
𝛼 = arctan 𝑏/𝑎 , such that 𝑎 ≥ 0, 𝑏 ≥ 0,
Then we determine actual angle by first identifying the quadrant in which 𝑧 resides
and find 𝜃 ∈ (−𝜋, 𝜋] by using the following diagram:
An alternate way to determine principal argument
▪ Complex numbers either on the real axis or in the upper half of the
complex plane have a positive argument measured anti-clockwise
from the real axis.

▪ Complex numbers in the lower half of the complex plane have a

negative argument measured clockwise from the real axis.

▪ This can be confusing, and the table below is designed for help. It is
a very good idea to sketch complex number before trying to
calculate its argument.
 The function Arg(𝑧): ℂ ∖ {0} → (−𝜋, 𝜋] is defined as follows:
𝑏
tan−1 if 𝑎 > 0, 𝑏 > 0
𝑎
𝑏
tan−1 + 𝜋 if 𝑎 < 0, 𝑏 ≥ 0
𝑎
𝑏
tan−1 − 𝜋 if 𝑎 < 0, 𝑏 < 0
Arg(𝑧) = 𝑎
𝑏
tan−1 if 𝑎 > 0, 𝑏 < 0
𝑎
𝜋
if 𝑎 = 0, 𝑏 > 0
2
−𝜋
if 𝑎 = 0, 𝑏 < 0
Note: 2
The real axis is part of quadrants 1 and 2 (not quadrants 3 and 4). Given this:
• Positive real numbers are in quadrant 1 and have an argument of 0.
• Negative real numbers are in quadrant 2 and have an argument of π.
Example:
For 𝜃 ∈ (−𝜋, 𝜋]

𝑏
tan−1 if 𝑎 > 0, 𝑏 > 0
𝑎
𝑏
tan−1 + 𝜋 if 𝑎 < 0, 𝑏 ≥ 0
𝑎
𝑏
tan−1 − 𝜋 if 𝑎 < 0, 𝑏 < 0
Arg(𝑧) = 𝑎
𝑏
tan−1 if 𝑎 > 0, 𝑏 < 0
𝑎
𝜋
if 𝑎 = 0, 𝑏 > 0
2
−𝜋
if 𝑎 = 0, 𝑏 < 0
2
Example: Modulus and Argument of a Complex Number
If 𝑧 = − 3 − 𝑖, then determine modulus and argument of 𝑧.
Solution:
If 𝑧 = − 3 − 𝑖 then we find the modulus of the number to be:

𝑧 = (− 3)2 +(−1)2 = 4 = 2.
Note that 𝑧 = − 3 − 𝑖 lies in the 3th quadrant so, principal argument of 𝑧 is given as:
−1
𝑏
𝜃 = tan −𝜋
𝑎
−1
−1
= tan −𝜋
− 3
𝜋
= −𝜋
6
5𝜋
=− .
6
Example:
If 𝑧 = −5𝑖, then determine modulus and argument of 𝑧.
Solution:
If 𝑧 = −5𝑖 then we find the modulus of the number to be:

𝑧 = (0)2 +(−5)2 = 5.
Note that 𝑧 = −5𝑖 lies on the negative imaginary axis, principal argument of 𝑧 is given as:
𝜋
𝜃=− .
2
 Some Properties of Modulus
For any complex number 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 the product:
𝑧𝑧ҧ = 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 𝑎 − 𝑖𝑏
= 𝑎2 + 𝑏2
= 𝑧 2,
is a real number; specifically, 𝑧𝑧ҧ is the sum of the squares of the real and imaginary
parts of 𝑧. Thus, we have:
𝑧 2 = 𝑧𝑧ҧ ⟹ 𝑧 = 𝑧𝑧.ҧ
From this we can easily deduce that
𝑧2 = 𝑧 2
For any two complex numbers 𝑧1 and 𝑧2 following properties hold:
1. 𝑧1 𝑧2 = 𝑧1 𝑧2

𝑧1 𝑧1
2. =
𝑧2 𝑧2