NOTE

M A T H E M A T I C S

COMPLEX NUMBERS
GEOMETRICAL INTERPRETATION OF COMPLEX
NUMBER AND CONJUGATE OF A COMPLEX
NUMBER

What you already know

• Definition of complex number • Algebraic operations on complex numbers

What you will learn

• Square root of a complex number • Conjugate of a complex number

• Geometrical representation of a • Properties of conjugate complex numbers
complex number on Argand plane

Note

The algebraic identities that we have learnt for real numbers hold true for complex numbers as
well.
• ( z1 + z2)2 = z12 + z22 + 2z1z2
• (z1 - z2)2 = z12 + z22 - 2z1z2
• z12 - z22 = (z1 - z2)(z1 + z2)
• (z1 + z2)3 = z13 + 3z12z2 + 3z1z22 + z23
• (z1 - z2)3 = z13 - 3z12z2 + 3z1z22 - z23

Solve

Simplify the following into the form a + ib.

1. 1 + i
1-i
2. 1 - i
1+i

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Solution

1. Let 1 + i be z.
1-i
On multiplying and dividing z by 1 + i, we get,

z=1+i×1+i
1-i 1+i
(1 + i)2
⇒z= [(z1 - z2)(z1 + z2) = z12 - z22]
1 - i2
1 + i2 + 2i
⇒z= [(z1 + z2)2 = z12 + z22 + 2z1z2]
1+1
1 - 1 + 2i
⇒z=
2
⇒z=i

2. Let 1 - i be z.
1+i
On multiplying and dividing z by 1 - i, we get,

z= 1-i ×1-i
1+i 1-i
(1 - i)2
⇒z= [(z1 - z2)(z1 + z2) = z12 - z22]
1 - i2
1 + i2 - 2i
⇒z= [(z1 - z2)2 = z12 + z22 - 2z1z2]
1+1
1 - 1 - 2i
⇒z=
2
⇒ z = -i

Note

i and -i can alternatively be written as 1 + i and 1 - i , respectively.

1-i 1+i

Solve

{ ( ) }
A = θ ∈ -π , π : 3 + 2i sin θ is purely imaginary . What is the sum of all the elements in A?
2 1 - 2i sin θ
(a) 3π (b) 5π (c) π (d) 2π
4 6 3

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Solution

Step 1

Let z = 3 + 2i sin θ
1 - 2i sin θ
Now, first we will convert z into a + ib form and for that, we will multiply and divide z by 1 + 2i sin θ.

⇒ z = 3 + 2i sin θ × 1 + 2i sin θ = 3 + 6i sin θ + 2i2 sin2θ + 4i sin θ

2 2

1 - 2i sin θ 1 + 2i sin θ 1 - 4i sin θ

⇒ z = 3 - 4sin θ + 8i (
sin θ = 3 - 4sin2θ + i 8sin θ
)
2

1 + 4sin θ
2
1 + 4sin2θ 1 + 4sin2θ
It is given that z is purely imaginary, which means that the real part is equal to zero.

⇒ 3 - 4sin 2θ = 0
2

1 + 4sin θ
⇒ 3 - 4sin2θ = 0

⇒ sin2θ = 3 ⇒ sin θ = ± √3
4 2

Step 2

Now, if we draw the graph of y = sin θ, y = √3 and y = sin θ, y = -√3, we can see that there will be
2 2
-π π
3 points of intersection at x = , , 2π
3 3 3
Therefore, A = -π π
, ,
3 3 3
2π
{ }
Sum of elements of A = -π + π + 2π = 2π
3 3 3 3
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Square Root of a Complex Number

Let z = a + ib be a complex number and x + iy be the square root of z, where x, y ∈ ℝ.

⇒ √a + ib = (x + iy)
On squaring both the sides, we get,
a + ib = x2 + (iy)2 + 2ixy
⇒ a + ib = (x2 - y2) + (2xy)i
On comparing the real and imaginary part, we get,
x2 - y2 = a (i)
2xy = b (ii)
Now, let us consider (x + y2)2.
2

(x2 + y2)2 = (x2)2 + (y2)2 + 2x2y2

= (x2)2 + (y2)2 + 4x2y2 - 2x2y2
= (x2 - y2)2 + (2xy)2

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On substituting the values of x2 - y2 and 2xy from equations (i) and (ii), we get,
(x2 + y2)2 = a2 + b2
⇒ x2 + y2 = √a2 + b2 (iii)
On solving equations (i) and (iii) simultaneously, we get,

2 2 √
x2 = 1 (√a2 + b2 + a) ⇒ x = ± 1 (√a2 + b2 + a)

2 2 √
y2 = 1 (√a2 + b2 - a) ⇒ y = ± 1 (√a2 + b2 - a)

Therefore,

2 √ 2 √
√a + ib = ± [ 1 (√a2 + b2 + a) + i 1 (√a2 + b2 - a)] [If b > 0]

Now, if b > 0, then the square root of a - ib is given as follows:

2 √
√a - ib = ± [ 1 (√a2 + b2 + a) - i √21(√a 2
+ b2 - a)]

Note

For a real number, its square root is a unique number. However, for a complex number, its square
roots are more than one complex number.

Solve

1 1
Find the imaginary part of (3 + 2√-54)2 - (3 - 2√-54)2.

Solution

Step 1
We have,
1 1 1 1
(3 + 2√-54)2 - (3 - 2√-54)2 = (3 + i6√6)2 - (3 - i6√6)2
1 1
Let (3 + i6√6)2 be z1 and (3 - i6√6)2 be z2.

2 √
Now, we know that √a + ib is given by ± [ 1 (√a2 + b2 + a) + i √21(√a 2
+ b2 - a)]

z1 = √3 + i6√6
= ± [√ 1 (√9 + 216 + 3) + i √ 1 (√9 + 216 - 3)]
2 2
= ± [3 + i√6]

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Step 2
Similarly,

z2 = √3 - i6√6
= ± [√ 1 (√9 + 216 + 3) - i √ 1 (√9 + 216 - 3)]
2 2
= ± [3 - i√6]

Step 3
1 1
We have to find the imaginary part of z1 - z2 = (3 + 2√-54)2 - (3 - 2√-54)2
We can see that there are four possible combinations of z1 and z2.
(1) z1 - z2 = 3 + i√6 - (3 - i√6) = i2√6
(2) z1 - z2 = 3 + i√6 - (-3 + i√6) = 6
(3) z1 - z2 = -(3 + i√6) - (3 - i√6) = -6
(4) z1 - z2 = -(3 + i√6) - (-3 + i√6) = -i2√6
Therefore, the imaginary part of z1 - z2 can be 2√6 and -2√6, 0.

Concept Check

Find the square roots of 7 - 24i.

Geometrical Representation of a Complex Number and Argand Plane

A complex number, z = a + ib, can be represented

on the cartesian plane by a unique point P(a, b).
• If a, b > 0, then the point will lie in the first
quadrant.
(0, b)
• If a < 0 and b > 0, then the point will lie in the P(a, b)
second quadrant.
• If a, b < 0, then the point will lie in the third
quadrant.
O(0, 0) (a, 0)
• If a > 0 and b < 0, then the point will lie in the
fourth quadrant.
•0
 + i0 represents the origin O(0, 0).
• A purely real number a, i.e., a + i0, is
represented by the point (a, 0) on the x-axis. All
the points on the x-axis are purely real and that
is why we call the x-axis, the real axis.

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• A purely imaginary number 0 + ib is represented by the point (0, b) on the y-axis. All the points
on the y-axis are purely imaginary and that is why we call the y-axis, the imaginary axis.
• The plane in which the complex numbers are represented is known as the complex plane or
Argand plane or Gaussian plane. Here, the x-axis is known as the real axis and the y-axis is
known as the imaginary axis.

Solve

Mark these complex numbers on an Argand plane.

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

Solution Y - Imaginary

(1) Here, the real part of the complex number 3 (3, 4)

is 3 and imaginary part is 4. So, we will be
moving 3 units in the rightward direction
from the origin on the real line and then will 4
be moving 4 units in the upward direction on
the imaginary line to reach the final point.
X - Real

(2) Here, the real part of the complex number Y - Imaginary

is 0, so we will not be moving on the real (0, 5)
line. The imaginary part is 5, so we will be
moving 5 units in the upward direction on
the imaginary line from the origin.

X - Real

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(3) Here, the imaginary part is 0, so we will not Y - Imaginary

be moving on the imaginary line. The real
part is 2, so we will be moving 2 units in the
rightward direction on the real line to reach
the final point.

X - Real
(2, 0)

Conjugate of a Complex Number

Conjugate of a complex number, z = a + ib, is Y

represented by z and is defined as z = a - ib
• Conjugate (z) of a complex number z can
be obtained by replacing i by -i in z. P(a, b)
• A complex number and its conjugate are
reflections of each other with respect to the
real axis.
• If P represents z = a + ib on the Argand X
O
plane and Q represents the conjugate of z,
then P ≡ (a, b) and Q ≡ (a, -b)
• A complex number and its conjugate are
Q(a, -b)
equidistant from the real axis.

Solve

Find the conjugate of the following numbers and plot them on a graph.
(1) z = 3 + 4i
(2) z = i - 5
(3) z = 5
(4) z = -2i

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Solution Y

(1) On replacing i by -i in z, we get,

z = 3 - 4i
(3, 4)P

X
O

(3, -4)Q

(2) First convert z into the form of a + ib, Y

so,
z = -5 + i
Now, on replacing i by -i in z, we get,
z = -5 - i
P(-5, 1)

X
O
Q(-5, -1)

(3) Here, the number is purely real. Y

z = 5 + 0i
On replacing i by -i in z, we get,
z = 5 - 0i = 5
H
 ence, we get the same number as
the conjugate.

X
O
P(5, 0)

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(4) Here, the number is purely imaginary. Y

z = 2i
On replacing i by -i in z, we get,
z = -2i
Q(0, 2)

X
O

P(0, -2)

Note

The conjugate of a purely real number is the number itself, i.e., if a number is purely real, then
z=z

Properties of Conjugate

Let z = a + ib and z = a - ib

(1) (z) = z (2) z + z = 2Re(z) = 2a

Justification Justification
z = a - ib z = a + ib and z = a - ib
Now, on replacing i by -i, we get, z + z = a + ib + a - ib = 2a
(z) = a + ib = z
Or a = z + z
2

(3) z - z = 2iIm(z) = 2bi (4) zz = [Re(z)]2 + [Im(z)]2 = a2 + b2

Justification Justification
z = a + ib and z = a - ib zz = (a + ib)(a - ib)
z - z = a + ib - (a - ib) = (a2 - (ib)2) [(A + B)(A - B) = A2 - B2]
=2bi = a2 + b2 = [Re(z)]2 + [Im(z)]2
Or b = z - z
2i

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(5) z = z ⇔ z is purely real. (6) z + z = 0 ⇔ z is purely imaginary.

Justification Justification
z=z z+z=0
⇒ a + ib = a - ib ⇒a + ib + a - ib = 0
⇒ a = a and b = -b ⇒ 2a = 0 ⇒ a = 0
⇒ 2b = 0 ⇒ b = 0 ⇒R  eal part is zero. Hence, the number is
⇒
 Imaginary part is zero. Hence, the purely imaginary.
number is purely real.

(7) z1 + z2 = z1 + z2 (8) z1 - z2 = z1 - z2
Justification Similarly, the conjugate has the
Let z1 = a + ib and z2 = p + iq ability to distribute over subtraction.
Now, z1 + z2 = (a + p) + i(b + q)
z1 + z2 = (a + p) - i(b + q)
z1 + z2 = a - ib + p - iq = (a + p) - i(b + q) = z1 + z2
Therefore, z1 + z2 = z1 + z2
The conjugate has the ability to distribute over
addition.

(9) z1z2 = z1z2 z1

Justification (10) (zz ) = z
1

2 2
(z2, z2 ≠ 0)
z1z2 = (a + ib)(p + iq)
S
 imilarly, the conjugate has the ability
= (ap - bq) + i(aq + bp)
to distribute over division.
z1z2 = (ap - bq) - i(aq + bp)
Now,
z1 = a - ib and z2 = p - iq
z1z2 = ap - iaq - ibp + i2bq
= (ap - bq) - i(aq + bp) = z1z2
The conjugate has the ability to
distribute over multiplication.

Note

The distributive property of the conjugate over addition and subtraction is applicable on any finite
number of complex numbers.
• z1 + z2 + z3 +....+ zn = z1 + z2 + z3 +....+ zn
• z1 × z2 × z3 × .... × zn = z1 × z2 × z3 × .... × zn
• z + z + z +.... n times = nz = nz
• z × z × z × .... n times = zn = (z)n

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Summary Sheet

Key Takeaways

• i and -i can alternatively be written as 1 + i and 1 - i , respectively.

1-i 1+i
• Square roots of complex number a ± ib (b > 0)

√ √
√a + ib = ± [ 1 (√a2 + b2 + a) + i 1 (√a2 + b2 - a)]
2 2

√ √
√a - ib = ± [ 1 (√a2 + b2 + a) - i 1 (√a2 + b2 - a)]
2 2
• The plane in which the complex numbers are represented is known as the complex plane or
Argand plane or Gaussian plane where the x-axis is known as the real axis and the y-axis is
known as the imaginary axis.
• Conjugate of a complex number z = a + ib is represented by z and is defined as z = a - ib
• Conjugate of a purely real number is the number itself, i.e., if a number is purely real, then z = z
• Conjugate of a purely imaginary number is negative of the number, i.e., if a number is purely
imaginary, then z = -z or z + z = 0

Mind Map

Geometrical representation of a complex

number on Argand plane

Complex numbers Square root of a complex number

Conjugate of a Properties of
complex number conjugate

Self-Assessment

Find the real values of x and y for which the complex numbers -3 + ix2y and x2 + y + 4i are the
conjugates of each other.

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Answers

Concept Check

Step 1
Let √7 - 24i = x + iy.
On squaring both the sides, we get,
7 - 24i = x2 - y2 + 2ixy
⇒ x2 - y2 = 7 (1)
And 2xy = -24 (2)

Step 2
Now,
(x2 + y2)2 = (x2 - y2)2 + 4x2y2
On substituting the values of x2 - y2 and 2xy from equations (1) and (2), we get,
(x2 + y2)2 = 72 + (-24)2 = 625
⇒ x2 + y2 = 25 [x2 + y2 > 0] (3)
On solving equations (1) and (3) simultaneously, we get,
x2 = 16 and y2 = 9
⇒ x = ± 4 and y = ± 3

Step 3
From equation (2), 2xy is negative. So, x and y are of opposite signs.
Hence, x = 4 and y = -3 or x = -4 and y = 3
Therefore, √7 - 24i = ± (4 - 3i)

Self-Assessment

Step 1 Step 2
Given that the complex numbers -3 + ix2y On substituting the value of y from (2) in (1),
and x2 + y + 4i are the conjugates of each we get,
x2 - 42 = -3
other.
⇒ -3 + ix2y = x2 + y + 4i x
⇒ -3 - ix2y = x2 + y + 4i ⇒ x + 3x2 - 4 = 0
4

⇒ x2 + y = -3 (1) ⇒ (x2 - 1)(x2 + 4) = 0

And -x y = 4
2
(2) ⇒ x2 = 1, -4
Since the square of a real number cannot be
negative, x2 = -4 is discarded.
x2 = 1 ⇒ x = ± 1
⇒ y = -4
Therefore, x = 1, y = -4 or x = -1, y = -4

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