Complex Variable, Laplace and Z-Transformation Spring 24-25

Lecture 4
Complex Numbers
A complex number is the form a+ ib where a and b are real numbers andi is called the
imaginary unit, has the property that i 2=−1 or i=√ −1. In general, if c is any positive
number, we would write:
√−c=i √ c
If z=a+ib, then a is called the real part of z and b is called the imaginary part of z and are
denoted by ℜ { z }=a and ℑ { z }=b respectively. From this, it is obvious that two complex
numbersa+ ib andc +id are equal if and only if a=c andb=d , that is, the real and imaginary
components are equal. If a=0 the number z=ib is said to be purely imaginary, if b=0 the
number z=a is real.
The standard rectangular form of a complex number is z=a+ib. The symbol z , which
can stand for any complex numbers, is called a complex variable.

Graphical Representation of Complex Number/ Argand Diagram:

Since a complex number a+ ib can be considered as an ordered pair of real numbers, we
can represent such numbers by points in a xy plane called the complex plane or
Argand diagram. Mathematician Argand represented a complex number in a diagram
known as Argand diagram.

Figure1: Complex number on the Argand diagram

A complex number a+ ib can be represented by point P whose co-ordinates are (a ,b) .The
horizontal axis is called the real axis, and the vertical axis is called the imaginary axis.
To each complex number there corresponds one and only one point in the plane, and
conversely to each point in the plane there corresponds one and only one complex
number. Because of this we often refer to the complex number z as the point. This is
shown in Figure1.

Fundamental operations with complex numbers:

Addition and Subtraction:
The sum and difference of complex numbers is defined by adding or subtracting their real
components where a , b ∈ R i.e.:
( a+ bi )+ ( c+ di )=( a+ c )+ ( b+d ) i( a−bi ) + ( c−di )=( a−c ) + ( b−d ) i
For instance: ( 3+i ) + ( 1−7 i )= ( 3+ 1 )+ ( 1−7 ) i=( 4−6 i ) (like vector addition)
Product:
The commutative and distributive properties hold for the product of complex numbers i.e.,
( a+ bi )( c +di ) =a ( c +di ) +bi ( c+ di )=ac +adi+bci+bd i 2
2
We know: i =−1
Therefore, giving us: ( a+ bi )( c +di ) =( ac−bd ) +i ( ad +bc ) .

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 Complex Variable, Laplace and Z-Transformation Spring 24-25

Division:
( a+bi ) ( a+bi ) ( c−di ) ( ac +bd ) ( bc−ad )
= . = +i 2 2 .
( c +di ) ( c +di ) ( c−di ) ( c 2 +d 2 ) (c + d )
Basically, when dividing two complex numbers we are rationalizing the denominator of a
rational expression multiplying the numerator and denominator by the conjugation of the
denominator.

Example 4.1
-3 +i
Express in the form a+ ib .
7-3i
Solution: We must multiply the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of 7−3 i i.e.,
7+3 i .
-3 +i -3 +i 7+3 i (-21 − 3) (7 −9) −12 1
= . = +i = −i .
7-3i 7-3i 7 +3i (49 + 9) ( 49 + 9) 29 29

Conjugates
The complex conjugate, or briefly conjugate, of a complex number z=a+ib is z ⥂⥂=a−ib.
The complex conjugate of a complex number z is often indicated by z ⥂⥂. The
geometric interpretation of a complex conjugate is the reflection along the real axis. This can
be seen in the Figure 2 below where z=a+ib is a complex number. Listed below are also
several properties of conjugates.

Some Properties:
1) ź=z
2) z +w=z +w
3) zw=z w
4) ( )
z z
= , w ≠ 0.
w w

Figure 2: Complex Conjugate

Absolute value/Modulus
The distance from the origin to any complex number is the absolute value or modulus.
Looking at Figure 3 below we can see that Pythagoras' Theorem gives us a formula to
calculate the absolute value of a complex number z=a+bi denoted by mod z or |z|.

i.e. mod z=| z|=√ a2 +b 2

Example 4.2
If z 1=1−i , z2 =−2−3 iand z 3=2 i, then evaluate|3 z 13+ 2 z 2−5 z 3|.
Solution:
Given, z 1=1−i , z2 =−2−3 i , z 3=2 i
∴|3 z 13 +2 z 2−5 z 3|=|3 (1−i)3 +2(−2+ 3i)−5(2i)|
¿|( 3−9−4 )+ i(−9+3+6−10)|
¿|(−10 )+i(−10)|
¿ √(−10)2 +(−10)2 ¿ 10 √ 2.

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 Complex Variable, Laplace and Z-Transformation Spring 24-25

Powers of imaginary unit i

Power of imaginary unit i are given below:
0 1 −2 3 2
i =1 ; i =i; i =−1 ; i =i . i=−i ;
4 3 5 4 6 5 7 6
i =i . i=1; i =i . i=i ;i =i . i=−1 ;i =i . i=−i
One can prove by induction that for any positive integer n
4n 4 n +1 4 n+2 4 n+3
i =1 ; i =i; i =−1 ; i =−i
Hencei n ∈ {−1 ,1 ,−i, i }for all integern ≥ 0. If n is a negative integer, we have

()
−n
−1 −n 1
i =( i ) =
n −n
=(−i )
i

Example 4.3
105 23 20 34 4 ×26 +1 4 ×5+3 4× 5 4 × 8+2
i +i +i −i =i +i +i −i =i−i+1+1=2

Figure 3: Modulus of a complex number

Polar form of Complex Number and Argument:

It is often useful to exchange Cartesian co-ordinates (x , y ) to polar coordinates (r , θ).

Figure 4: Polar form of complex number

If P is a point in the complex plane corresponding to the complex number (a ,b) ora+ ib,
then we see from Figure 4 that
a=r cos θ , b=r sin θ (1)
where, r =√ a2 +b2 is the distance of the point(a ,b) from the origin and called the modulus
or absolute value of z=a+ib, denoted by mod z or |z| .
On the other hand, if z ≠ 0 , then any number θ satisfying the equations (1) is called an
amplitude or argument of z , and denoted by arg z . Hence, we can write z in polar form as

z=r (cos θ+i sin θ)

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 Complex Variable, Laplace and Z-Transformation Spring 24-25

Note that, for a given complex number z , arg z is not unique. Since adding or subtracting
multiples of 2 π from θ will result in the arm in Fig. 01 being in the same position, the
argument can have many values.
Any choice of length 2 π , decided upon in advance, is called the principal range and the
value of θ is called its principle value.

In our study, we will consider the real number θ the principal argument of z if θ satisfies the
equations 0 ≤ θ < 2π and−π <θ ≤ π . The principal argument of z is usually denoted by Arg z .
Generally, we use the formula for arguments that is

arg z=θ=Arg z+ 2n π ,(n=0 , ±1 , ± 2 ,…)

where Arg z may be calculated by the following formula where the quadrant containing the
point corresponding to z must be specified,
Arg z=tan−1
b
a
. ()
N.B. Angles measured in an anticlockwise sense are regarded as positive while those
measured in a clockwise sense are regarded as negative.
It follows that
z=a+ib=r (cos θ+isin θ), which is called the polar form of the complex number, and r and
θare called the polar coordinates.
From the Euler’s formula we know, e iθ =cos θ+i sin θ.
Hence, the standard polar form of a complex number is z=r e iθ.
Some important properties of modulus:
|z 1 . z 2|=| z1||z 2|
2
|z| =z . z

||z 1 |z 1|
=
z 2 |z 2|
.

Some important properties of argument

arg ( z 1 z 2 )=arg ( z1 ) + arg ⁡(z 2)

arg
z1
z2 ( )
=arg ( z 1 ) −arg ( z 2)

arg ( z n )=n arg ( z ) .

Example 4.4
2
(1−i)
Find ℑ { z } , where z= . Hence convert the number from rectangular form to polar
1+i
form.
Solution:
(1−i) (1−i) (1−i) ( 1−2 i−1 ) (1−i)
2 2
Given, z= ¿ ¿ 2
1+i ( 1+ i ) (1−i) 1−i
2
−2i+2 i
¿ =−1−i.
1+1

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 Complex Variable, Laplace and Z-Transformation Spring 24-25

∴ ℑ { z }=−1 and ℜ { z }=−1 .

Now, r =√ (−1 )2+ (−1 )2 =√ 2 .
−1 1 −1 π
α =tan =tan 1=
1 4

π 5π
θ=π + α =π + = .
4 4
5π
i
Therefore, the polar form of z=√ 2 e 4
.
Example 4.5
π
Find the rectangular form of z=√ 2 ei 4 .
Solution:
π
Given, z=√ 2 ei 4
π
Here r =√ 2 and θ=
4
π
We know that a=r cos θ=√ 2cos =¿ 1 ¿
4
π
And b=r sin θ= √ 2 sin =¿ 1 ¿
4
Hence z=a+ib=1+i.

Example 4.6
12
(−1−i)
Find the principal argument of z= 6 3
.
(3+ √3 i) (−2+2 √3 i)
Solution:
12
z1
Let, z= 6 3 , where
z2 z3
5π
z 1=−1−i =√ 2 e
i
4 [r =√ (−1 )2+ (−1 )2 =√ 2∧¿
−1 1 π 5π
θ=π + α =π + tan =¿ π + = ¿]
1 4 4
π
i
z 2=3+ √ 3 i=2 √ 3 e 6 [r =√ 12=2 √ 3∧¿

θ=tan−1 √ = ]
3 π
3 6
2π
z 3=−2+2 √ 3i =2 e
2
i
3
√
[r = (−2 )2+ ( 2 √ 3 )2=2 2∧¿
π 2π
θ=π −α =π− = ]
3 3
(√2 e ) = 2 e
5 π 12
i
4 6
i ( 15 π −π −2 π ) 1 i 12 π
Therefore, z= = e .
( 2 √3 e ) ( 2 e ) 2 .3 . 2
π 6 2π 3 6 3 6
i
6 2
i
3
3 . 26
3

arg z=12 π =2 π + 10 π
Arg z=2 π∨ Arg z=0

Example 4.7

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 Complex Variable, Laplace and Z-Transformation Spring 24-25

π 15 π
−i i
Find the Principal argument of z =2 e 6 and z =15 e 2
1 2
Solution:
−π −π 11π
Given, arg z 1= or, +2 π=
6 6 6
11π
Arg z 1= .
6
15 π 3 π
arg z 2= = +6 π
2 2
3π
Arg z 2= .
2

De Moivre's Theorem
De Moivre's Theorem is a generalized formula to compute powers of a complex number in its
polar form.
Looking at z=r (cos θ+i sin θ) we can find ( z ) .(z) easily:
2 2
z =( z ) . ( z )=r (cos 2 θ+isin 2θ)
z 3=( z 2 ) . ( z ) =r 3 ( cos 3 θ+isin 3 θ )
Which brings us to De Moivre's Theorem:
If z=r ( cosθ+i sinθ) and n are positive integers then
iθ n
z =r ( cos nθ+ i sinnθ )=( r e ) =r e
n n n inθ

Basically, to find the nth power of a complex number we take the nth power of the absolute
value or length and multiply the argument byn .

For finding m-th roots of a complex number:

m m
z =( cosθ+isinθ ) =cos ( mθ )+ i sin ( mθ )
We can also write, cosθ +isinθ=cos ( θ+2 nπ )+i sin ( θ+2 nπ ) ,
m
z =( cosθ+isinθ ) =[ cos (θ +2 nπ ) +i sin ( θ+2 nπ ) ]
m m

¿ cos { m ( θ+2 nπ ) }+ isin { m ( θ+2 nπ ) }

Similarly,
1 1 1 1
z m =( cis θ ) m =( cosθ +isin θ )m =[ cos ( θ+2 nπ )+i sin ( θ+2 nπ ) ]
m

[ (
¿ cos
θ+2 nπ
m
+i sin )θ+2 nπ
m ( )]
where, n=0 , 1, 2 , ..., m−1

Euler's Form:
We can also define this formula according to Euler’s formulae as
m m mθi
z =r e
1 1 θ
i
z m =r m e m .

Example 4.8
Find all values of z for which z 3 +2−i 2 √ 3=0 and also locate these values in the
complex plane.

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 Complex Variable, Laplace and Z-Transformation Spring 24-25

Solution: Given, z 3 +2−i 2 √ 3=0 .

Here the numbers of roots are 3.

z +2−i 2 √ 3=0
3

1
or, z=(−2+i 2 √ 3 ) 3
1

( )
2π
or, z= 22 e i 3
3

z=( 2 e
or, (
2
i
2π
3
+2 nπ )) 3 [As θ=θ+2 nπ ]

or, z =2 3 e ( )
2 π +6 nπ
2 i
9
Fi
n ; n=0 , 1 ,2 gure 6
when n=0 , z =2 e
2
3
i ( 29π )
0

when n=1 , z =2 3 e ( 9 )
2 8π
i
1

when n=2 , z =2 3 e ( 9 )
2 14 π
i
2
The distance of each root from the origin is
2 2π
same as 2 3 and the angular distance of
3
two consecutive roots are same.

Example 4.9
Describe and graph the locus represented by 1<|z +i|≤2.
Solution:
Given, 1<|z +i|≤2 .
or, 1<|x +iy+i|≤ 2
or, 1<¿ x +i ( y +1 ) ∨≤2
1< √ x 2+ ( y+1 ) ≤ 2
2
or,
2 2 2
or, 1< ( x−0 ) +( y− (−1 )) ≤2

Exercise Set 4.1

1. Answer the following questions based on the topic discussed

( 1+ i )2
a. Express in the form a+ ib.
1−i
b. Evaluate each of the following:
(a) ℜ
1+ √ 3 i
1−i {, (b)
z
z
, (c) ℑ
z
z
. } || {}
c. Convert the following numbers into polar form:
i. z=−1+i ,
ii. z=−3−√ 3i ,

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 Complex Variable, Laplace and Z-Transformation Spring 24-25

( 1−i )2
iii. z= ,
1+i

( )
18
1−i
iv. z= .
1+ i
d. Convert the following numbers into rectangular form:
π π
i i
3 and
z=√ 3 e z=2 e 4 .
e. Find the principal argument of the followings:
4
i. z=(−1−i ) ,
3
ii. z=(−2+ 2 √ 3 i ) ,
iii. z=¿ ¿

f. Find all values of z for the following equations and also locate these values in the
complex plane:
2
i. z + 9=0 ,
z −√ 3−i=0.
3
ii.
3
iii. z =−i .
4
iv. z −1=0.

g. Describe and graph the locus represented by each of the following:

i. |z +2 i|>4.
ii. 1<|z−2+i|≤ 3.
iii. ℑ { z2 } =9.
iv. |z−1|≤ 1.
v. ℜ { z 2 } < 4.
π π
vi. ≤ arg z ≤ .
6 3

2. Problems from Book(Complex Analysis with Applications – Dennis G. Zill)

a. If z 1=2+ 4 i, z 2=−3+8 i , z 3=2−3i and z 4 =−4−6 i , then find

i. Locate z 1 , z 2 , z 3 and z 4 in Argand Diagram ii. z1 z2

iii. z 1+ z 2 iv. |z 1 z 2−z 3|

v. z3 z1 vi. 1
+ 3
+ z1
z4 z2 ( z 2)

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

i. (5−9 i)+(2−4 i) ii. i ( 4−i )+ 4 i ( 1+ 2i )

iii. 3(4−i)−3(5+2 i) iv. i(5+7 i)

v. i vi. (3−i)(2+3 i)
1+ i 1+ i

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Complex Variable, Laplace and Z-Transformation Spring 24-25

vii. 1 viii. ( 4+5 i)+2 i 3

3 i+
2−i ¿¿
ix. 10−5 i x. 2−4 i
6+2 i 3+5 i
xi. ( 5−4 i )−( 3+7 i )
( 4 +2 i )+ ( 2−3 i ) (
xii. 1 1 2 5
− i
2 4 3 3 )(
+ i )
xiii. 2−3 i xiv. (1+i)(1−2i)
( 4+i) (2+i)(4−3 i)

c. Let z=−6−5 i. Find

i. ℜ⁡ ( 1z ) ii. ℜ ⁡(iz)
iii. iv.
ℜ ⁡( z 2 ) |z|
v. vi.
ℑ ⁡(2 z+ 4 ź−4 i) (1+i)z
vii. viii.
ℑ ⁡( ź 2+ z 2 ) ℑ ⁡(iz).

d. Find the modulus of the following Complex number:

i. ii. 2i
z=¿ z=
3−4 i
iii. z=i(2−i)−4 1+ 1 i
4 ( ) iv. z= 1−2 i + 2−i
1+i 1−i

e. Find the principal argument for the following Complex numbers:

i. 1−i
z=1+i ii. z=
( 1+i )2
iii. iv.
z=−1+ √ 3 i z=−5+5 i

f. Convert the following Complex numbers into polar form:

i. z=2 ii. z=− √ 3+i

iii. z=−1 iv. z=1+i

v. z=−3 i vi. z=−2−2 √ 3 i

vii. z=1+i viii. 1+i

z=
( 1−i )2

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 Complex Variable, Laplace and Z-Transformation Spring 24-25

g. For the following equations, find all values of z and also locate these values in the
complex plane:
i. 1
4
ii. 1
5
z=(−1 ) z=(−1+i )
iii. 1
5
iv. 1
2
z=( 1+i ) z=(−1+ √ 3 i )
v. 1
3
vi. 1
4
z=( 8 ) z=(−1−√ 3 i )

h. Describe and graph the locus represented by each of the following:

i. |z +3 i|>4 , ii. 1¿|z−5+i|≤ 2 ,

iii. |z−1+2 i|>5 , iv. |z|≤ 4.

Mappings
Geometrical Representation:
To draw curve of complex variable ( x , y ) we take two axes i.e., one real axis and the other
imaginary axis. A number of points ( x , y ) are plotted on z -plane, by taking different value of
z (different value of x and y). The curve C is drawn by joining the plotted points. The
diagram obtained is called Argand diagram.

Transformation:
For every point ( x , y ) in the z-plane, the relation w=f (z) defines a corresponding point ( u , v )
in the w -plane. We call this “transformation or mapping of z -plane into w -plane”. If a point
z 0 maps into the pointw 0, w 0is known as the image of z 0.
If the point P(x , y) moves along a curve C in z -plane, the point P' (u , v ) will move along a
corresponding curve C 1 in the w -plane. We, then, say that a curve C in the z -plane is mapped
into the corresponding curve C 1 in the w - plane by the relation w=f (z) .

Translation, Rotation and reflection are the standard transformations. Terms such as
translation, rotation and reflection are used to convey dominant geometric characteristics
of certain mappings.

Translation
w=z +C ,
where,
C=a+ ib
z=x +iy
w=u+iv
Hence, u+iv=x +iy+a+ ib
So, u=x+ a and v= y +b
x=u−a and y=v−b
On substituting the values of x and y in the equation of the curve to be transformed, we get
the equation of the image in the w -pane.

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 Complex Variable, Laplace and Z-Transformation Spring 24-25

As an example, the mapping w=z +1 where z=x +iy , can be thought of as a translation of
each point of z one unit to the right.

Example 4.10
Let the rectangular region R in z-plane which is bounded by the lines
x=0 , y=0 , x=2 , y=1.
Determine the region R ' of the w-plane into which R is mapped under the transformation
w=z +1.

Solution: when x=0 , u=1,

Given w=z +1 y=0 , v=0
or, u+iv=( x +1 )+ iy. x=2 , u=3 ,
Hence u=x+1 and v= y . y=1 , v =1

Rotation:
π
The mapping w=iz where z=r e iθand i=e i 2 , can be thought of as a rotation of the radius
vector for each non-zero point z through a right angle about the origin in the
counterclockwise direction.

Example 4.11
Let the rectangular region R in z-plane which is bounded by the lines
x=0 , y=0 , x=2 , y=1.
Determine the region R ' of the w-plane into which R is mapped under the transformation
w=iz .
Solution: when x=0 , v=0,
Given w=iz y=0 ,u=0
or, u+iv=− y +ix . x=2 , v=2,
Hence u=− y and v=x . y=1 , u=−1

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 Complex Variable, Laplace and Z-Transformation Spring 24-25

Reflection:
The mapping w=z transforms each point of z=x +iy into its reflection in the real axis.

Example 4.12
Let the rectangular region R in z-plane which is bounded by the lines
x=0 , y=0 , x=2 , y=1.
Determine the region R ' of the w-plane into which R is mapped under the transformation
w=z .
Solution:
Given w=z when x=0 , u=0,
or, u+iv=x−iy . y=0 , v=0
Hence u=x and v=− y . x=2 , u=2,
y=1 , v =−1

Example 4.13
Given triangle T in the z-plane with vertices at −1+2 i, 1−2 i∧1+2 i. Determine the triangle
πi
T ' of the w-plane into which T is mapped under the transformation w=√ 2 e 4 z .

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 Complex Variable, Laplace and Z-Transformation Spring 24-25

Solution:
πi
Given w=√ 2 e 4 z=( 1+i ) ( x+iy ) The vertices of the triangle are
−1+2 i, 1−2 i ,1+2 i. Hence the sides are
or, u+iv=( x− y ) +i ( x + y ) . x=1 , y=2 and y=−2 x .
Hence u=x− y and v=x+ y .

When u=1− y , v=1+ y =¿ u+v =2

x=1 , u=x−2 , v=x +2=¿ u−v =−4
y=2 u=3 x , v=−x=¿ u+3 v =0
y=−2 x

Exercise Set 4.2

1. Answer the following questions based on the topics studied above:
a. Let the rectangular region R in z-plane which is bounded by the lines
x=2 , y=0 , x=5∧ y=4. Determine the region R ' of the w-plane into which R is
mapped under the following transformations:
πi
i. w=2 z−(2+ 3i) ii. 1
w= e 2 z +2 i
2
πi iπ
iii. iv. w=e z+ 3+i
w=√ 2 e 4 z−( 1−i )
πi
v. 1 4
w= e z +1−3 i
√2
b. Given triangle T in the z -plane with vertices at 1 ,1−3 i∧3−i . Determine the
triangle T ' of the w-plane into which T is mapped under the following
transformations:

(i) w=3 z +1−3 i, (ii) w=iz+3+ 2i ,

πi
w=( 1+2 i ) z−i , 1 2
(iii) (iv) w= e z −4.
2

2. Problems from book (A first course in complex analysis with applications, Dennis G.
Zill)

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Complex Variable, Laplace and Z-Transformation Spring 24-25

a. Find the image S ’ of the square S with vertices at 1+i ,2+i , 2+ 2i , and 1+2 i under the
linear mapping T ( z )=z +2 – i
b. Find the image of the real axis y=0 under the linear mapping-

(
R ( z )= √ + √ i z
2
2
2
2
)
c. Find the image of the rectangle with vertices −1+i ,1+i ,1+ 2i , and −1+2 i under the
linear mapping f ( z )=4 i ⋅ z+2+3 i
d. Find the image of the triangle with vertices 0, 1, and i under the given linear mapping
w=f ( z ) :

𝑓(𝑧) = 𝑧 + 3𝑖 𝑓(z) = 𝑧 + 2 − 𝑖
𝑓(𝑧) = 3𝑖𝑧 𝑓(𝑧) = 1 + 𝑖𝑧
i. ii.

𝑓(𝑧) = 2𝑧 − 𝑖 𝑓(𝑧) = 6 − 5𝑖𝑧 + 1 − 3𝑖

iii. iv.
v. vi.
vii. f (z)=3iz+ 4 viii. i
π
5
f ( z )=5 e z +7 i
ix. f (z)=−12 z +1− √ 3 i x. f (z)=(3−2i)z +12

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