Complex Numbers

This module deals with complex numbers, its forms and the operations that
can be performed on complex numbers.

At the end of this module, the learner should be able to:

1. Identify the different forms of complex numbers
2. Perform operations on complex numbers namely addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division.

Complex Numbers
Recall that ../2s = 5;
But ✓-25 = {zsR_ = Si
The square root of a negative number is an imaginary number.
Complex Number z = x + iy; where xis the real part and iy is the
imaginary part. If y is equal to zero, then z is a real number.
To illustrate further
i2 = - 1; i3 = - i; and i4 = 1.
Applying the values above
i 23 = i 20 i 3 = -i. 20 is a multiple of 4.
i 32 =1 32 is a multiple of 4.
i42 = i40i2 = -1 40 is a multiple of4 but i 2 = -1.
Forms of Complex Numbers:
Polar Form: z = r(cos0 + isin0)
Algebraic Form: Z = X + iy
If z = x + iy; where xis the real part and iy is the
imaginary part. If y is equal to zero, then z is a real number.
Exponential Form: z = ei 9

From the definition of Trigonometric Functions:

. opposite side
sin 0 = - - - - - · sin 0
hypotenuse side '
= 2:'..
r
 0=
COS adjacent side . X

hypotenuse '
cos 0 = -;
r
and
tan 0 = opposite side. tan0 = Y_
adjacent side' X

It follows that x = rcos0, and y = rsin0

Where r = ✓x 2 + y 2
z = Ix + iyl is called the modulus or absolute value of z = x + iy
(denoted by mod z or lzl]; and 0 is called the amplitude or argument of z
.
=x +
iy
(denoted by arg z].
z = x + iy = ei 8 = r(cos0 + isin0)

Polar Form: z = r(cos0 + isin0)

r and 0 are called polar coordinates.
Algebraic (Rectangular) Form: z = x + iy
x and y are called rectangular coordinates

Polar Form of Complex Numbers

z = r(cos0 + isin0)
r and 0 are called polar coordinates.
It follows that x = rcos0, and y = rsin0
I. Fundamental Operations with Complex Numbers
A. Addition and Subtraction
In addition of complex numbers, the real numbers are added
while the complex numbers are also added.
For example: ( 4 + Si) + (6 + 2i)
The real numbers 4 and 6 are added while the imaginary
numbers Si and 2i are added. (4+6) + (S i + 2i) = 10 + 7i.
Observe the operations inside the grouping symbols like parentheses
or brackets. Operations inside the innermost grouping symbol should
be performed first.
Illustrative Examples:
1. (3+ 2i) + (-7 - i)
= 3 - 7 + 2i - i
=- 4 + i

+ (3 + 2i)
2. ( - 7 - i)
= - 7 + 3 - i + 2i
=- 4 + i

3. (8 - 6i) - (2i - 7)
=8- 6i- 2i +7
= 15 - 8i
 Multiplication of Complex Numbe rs
Multiplying complex numbers is similar in multiplying two binomials
using FOIL method. Recall that i 2 = -1.
7. (2 - 3i)(4 + 2i)
= 14 - 8i

w'ha.t to .foUow! 8. (2 - i){(- 3 + 2i)(5 - 4i)}

= 8 + 51i

9. {(2 - i)(-3 + 2i)}(S - 4i)

= 8 + 51i

Division of Complex Numbers

Conjugate of a complex number: 2 + 3i: 2 - 3i
-2 - 3i: - 2 + 3i

To perform division, multiply bot h numerator and the denominator by

the conjugate of the denominator to rationalize t he denominator, t hus
eliminating the complex number in the denominator.
 Illustrative Examples:

3 - 2i
11.
-l+ i
The conjugate of -1 + i = -1 - i
3 - 2i -1- i
--x--
-l+i -1-i
Wha.t to .foU.Ow! (-1 + i) (-1-i) = 1- i2 buti 2 = -1
-3 - 3i + 2i + 2i 2
1 - i2
1-i2=1-(-1)=2
-5 - i
2
Distributing the denominator in the terms in the numerator:
5 1
= ---- i
2 2
 5 + Si 20
12. - - + - -
2i - 1 4 + 3i
Using conjugates to simplify the complex numbers in the
denominator:
5 + Si + 4i 3 20 4 - 3i
3 - 4i X + 4i + 4 + 3i X
3 4 - 3i
15 + 20i + lSi + 20i 2 80 - 60i
9 - 16i2 + 16 - 9i 2
- 5 + 35i 80 - 60i
25 + 25
=3 - i

3I·30 - I·19
13.
2i - 1
3(i2)15 - (i2)9i
2i - 1
 3(- 1)15 - (-1) 9 i
-1 + 2i
-3+ i -1-2i
---x---
-1+2i -1-2i
3 + 6i - i - 2i 2
1 - 4i 2
5 + Si
5
= 1+i

Polar Form and Exponential Form of Complex Numbers

z = rei 8
Illustrative Examples:
Express in polar and exponential forms:

a) z = 2 + 2v'3i
X = 2; y = 2-v'J
T = jzz + (2-v'J)2
2v'3
r = 4·, 0 = arctan--
2
1[

0=3
z = 4cos60° + isin60°

z=2+2./3i
z = 4 e1.osi
z = 4cos60° + isin60°

b) z = -5 + Si
T = 7.07; 0 = 135°
(Recall that xis negative in the third quadrant.)
 3rr
z = 5✓2cis -
4
z = 5..fi. e2.36i

c) z = - '16 - ✓Zi
r = .Js; 0 = n: = 120°
6

7rr
z = 2✓2cis -
6
z = z ..fi.e3.66i