Chapter 4

Complex Numbers

Rotating points about a circle generate sinusoidal functions. These are related to complex numbers!

Complex Numbers – Slide 1

Contents
4.1 Definition and Notation
4.2 Complex Number Operations in Rectangular Form
4.3 Complex Number Operations in Polar Form
4.4 Phasors and Applications

Complex Numbers – Slide 2

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, students should be able to

1. Define complex numbers and their conjugates

2. Plot complex numbers on the Argand Diagram

3. Convert complex number representations between rectangular and polar forms

4. Perform addition, subtraction, product and quotient of two complex numbers

5. Find complex number solutions of a polynomial/rational equation

6. Express the sum of sine/cosine of the same frequency as a single sine function
using complex numbers as phasors

Complex Numbers – Slide 3

Preliminaries

Imaginary numbers? Are they really there?

What are complex numbers?

A video by Welch Labs

https://youtu.be/T647CGsuOVU

Complex Numbers – Slide 4

Preliminaries
So far we mainly talked about quadratic equations with real solutions.

Now, 𝑥𝑥 2 + 1 = 0 ⇒ 𝑥𝑥 2 = −1
⇒ 𝑥𝑥 = ± −1

The equation 𝑥𝑥 2 + 1 = 0 has no real solutions.

However, it has imaginary solutions.

We need some notation to deal with square roots of negative numbers. We use 𝑗𝑗.

Complex Numbers – Slide 5

Preliminaries

The square root of a negative number is called an imaginary number.

The number 𝑗𝑗 = −1 is called an imaginary unit.

NOTES:
• The solutions of 𝑥𝑥 2 + 1 = 0 are 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑗𝑗 or 𝑥𝑥 = −𝑗𝑗

• For 𝑎𝑎 > 0, we have −𝑎𝑎 = 𝑎𝑎 −1 = 𝑎𝑎 𝑗𝑗

Complex Numbers – Slide 6

4.1 Definition and Notation
Complex numbers are numbers of the form
𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
where 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑏𝑏 are real numbers, and 𝑗𝑗 the imaginary unit.

For a complex number 𝑧𝑧 = 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 𝑗𝑗,

Real part Imaginary part

Re 𝑧𝑧 = 𝑎𝑎 Im(𝑧𝑧) = 𝑏𝑏

The conjugate of 𝑧𝑧 = 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 is

𝑧𝑧̅ = 𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏.

Complex Numbers – Slide 7

4.1 Definition and Notation
EXAMPLE 4.1.1
Express the following in the form 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 and find their conjugates.

(a) 𝑧𝑧1 = −25

SOLUTION: 𝑧𝑧1 = −25 = 25 𝑗𝑗 = 0 + 5𝑗𝑗 , 𝑧𝑧�1 = 0 − 5𝑗𝑗

(b) 𝑧𝑧2 = 2 − −9 = 2 − 3𝑗𝑗

SOLUTION: 𝑧𝑧2 = 2 − −9 = 2 − 3𝑗𝑗 , 𝑧𝑧�2 = 2 + 3𝑗𝑗

(c) 𝑧𝑧3 = 𝑗𝑗 2 + 𝑗𝑗 3 + 𝑗𝑗 4

SOLUTION: 𝑧𝑧3 = 𝑗𝑗 2 + 𝑗𝑗 3 + 𝑗𝑗 4 = −1 + −1 𝑗𝑗 + −1 −1 = −𝑗𝑗 ,

𝑧𝑧�3 = 𝑗𝑗
Complex Numbers – Slide 8
4.1 Definition and Notation
Uniqueness of Complex Numbers

𝑧𝑧1 = 𝑧𝑧2 ⇔ Re 𝑧𝑧1 = Re 𝑧𝑧2 and Im(𝑧𝑧1 ) = Im(𝑧𝑧2 )

EXAMPLE 4.1.2
Determine the values of 𝐴𝐴 and 𝐵𝐵 in the following equations.
(a) 𝐴𝐴 + 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = 10 − 7𝑗𝑗
SOLUTION: 𝐴𝐴 = 10 and 𝐵𝐵 = −7
(b) 𝐴𝐴 + 2𝑗𝑗 = 5 + 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵
SOLUTION: 𝐴𝐴 = 5 and 𝐵𝐵 = 2
(c) 2 1 − 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = 𝐵𝐵 + 6𝑗𝑗
SOLUTION: −2𝐴𝐴 = 6 and 𝐵𝐵 = 2 ⇒ 𝐴𝐴 = −3 and 𝐵𝐵 = 2

Complex Numbers – Slide 9

4.1 Definition and Notation
FUNDAMENTAL THEOREM OF ALGEBRA
Every polynomial of degree 𝑛𝑛 has exactly 𝑛𝑛 zeros (possibly repeated) in the complex
number system.

Since real numbers are a subset of complex numbers, a quadratic equation always has
solutions in the complex number system.

Discriminant Type of solution

𝑏𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 > 0 Two real solutions
𝑏𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 0 One real solution
𝑏𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 < 0 Two complex solutions

Complex Numbers – Slide 10

4.1 Definition and Notation
EXAMPLE 4.1.3
Solve the following quadratic equations.

(a) 4𝑥𝑥 2 + 25 = 0
0 ± 0 − 4 4 25 ± −400 20𝑗𝑗
SOLUTION: 𝑥𝑥 = = =±
2 4 8 8
5 5
⇒ 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑗𝑗 or 𝑥𝑥 = − 𝑗𝑗
2 2

(b) 𝑥𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑥 + 5 = 0
2± 4−4 1 5 2 ± −16 2 ± 4𝑗𝑗
SOLUTION: 𝑥𝑥 = = =
2 1 2 2
⇒ 𝑥𝑥 = 1 + 2𝑗𝑗 or 𝑥𝑥 = 1 − 2𝑗𝑗

Complex Numbers – Slide 11

4.2 Complex Number Operations in Rectangular Form
A complex number 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 is in rectangular form.

The Argand Diagram

Im
5
The Argand Diagram helps us visualize complex
4 4j
numbers as points in the rectangular coordinate
3 2 + 3j
system.
2
1
Re
-2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
A complex number 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 is represented by
-1 1−j the point 𝑎𝑎, 𝑏𝑏 .
-2

Complex Numbers – Slide 12

4.2 Complex Number Operations in Rectangular Form
Addition/Subtraction in Rectangular Form

Given complex numbers 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 and 𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑, we add and subtract them by combining
real and imaginary parts separately:
𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 ± 𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑎𝑎 ± 𝑐𝑐 + 𝑏𝑏 ± 𝑑𝑑 𝑗𝑗
EXAMPLE 4.2.1
Given 𝑧𝑧1 = 1 + 7𝑗𝑗 and 𝑧𝑧2 = 3 − 2𝑗𝑗, calculate:
(a) 𝑧𝑧1 + 𝑧𝑧2
SOLUTION: 𝑧𝑧1 + 𝑧𝑧2 = 1 + 7𝑗𝑗 + 3 − 2𝑗𝑗 = 1 + 3 + 7𝑗𝑗 − 2𝑗𝑗 = 4 + 5𝑗𝑗
(b) 𝑧𝑧1 − 𝑧𝑧2
SOLUTION: 𝑧𝑧1 − 𝑧𝑧2 = 1 + 7𝑗𝑗 − 3 − 2𝑗𝑗 = 1 − 3 + 7𝑗𝑗 − −2𝑗𝑗 = −2 + 9𝑗𝑗

Complex Numbers – Slide 13

4.2 Complex Number Operations in Rectangular Form
Multiplication in Rectangular Form

Given complex numbers 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 and 𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑, we multiply them in the usual algebraic
way and apply 𝑗𝑗 2 = −1:
𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑐𝑐 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑗𝑗 2 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 + 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑗𝑗

EXAMPLE 4.2.2
Given 𝑧𝑧1 = 2 + 𝑗𝑗 and 𝑧𝑧2 = 1 − 3𝑗𝑗, calculate 𝑧𝑧1 𝑧𝑧2 .
SOLUTION: 𝑧𝑧1 𝑧𝑧2 = 2 + 𝑗𝑗 1 − 3𝑗𝑗 = 2 + 2 −3𝑗𝑗 + 𝑗𝑗 + 𝑗𝑗 −3𝑗𝑗
= 2 − 6𝑗𝑗 + 𝑗𝑗 − 3𝑗𝑗 2
= 2 − 5𝑗𝑗 − 3 −1
= 5 − 5𝑗𝑗
Complex Numbers – Slide 14
4.2 Complex Number Operations in Rectangular Form
Division in Rectangular Form

Given complex numbers 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 and 𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑, we divide them by multiplying the
numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator:
𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑐𝑐 − 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑐𝑐 − 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= =
𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑐𝑐 + 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑐𝑐 − 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑐𝑐 2 + 𝑑𝑑 2

EXAMPLE 4.2.3
𝑧𝑧1
Given 𝑧𝑧1 = 2 + 𝑗𝑗 and 𝑧𝑧2 = 1 − 3𝑗𝑗, calculate .
𝑧𝑧2
SOLUTION:
𝑧𝑧1 2 + 𝑗𝑗 1 + 3𝑗𝑗 1 + 6𝑗𝑗 + 𝑗𝑗 + 3𝑗𝑗 2 1 + 7𝑗𝑗 − 3 −2 + 7𝑗𝑗
= ⋅ = 2
= = = −0.2 + 0.7𝑗𝑗
𝑧𝑧2 1 − 3𝑗𝑗 1 + 3𝑗𝑗 1 − 9𝑗𝑗 1+9 10

Complex Numbers – Slide 15

4.3 Complex Number Operations in Polar Form
In rectangular form, complex numbers can be added, subtracted, multiplied and divided.

However, operations in other forms can be more efficient when it comes to multiplication
and division.

Here is the same complex number in different forms:

1 + 3𝑗𝑗 ……….Rectangular Form
𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
= 2 cos + 𝑗𝑗 sin
3 3
𝜋𝜋
𝑗𝑗
= 2𝑒𝑒 3

𝜋𝜋
= 2∠ ……….Polar Form
3

Complex Numbers – Slide 16

4.3 Complex Number Operations in Polar Form
The complex number 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 is in The complex number 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 is in
rectangular form. polar form.

𝑧𝑧 = 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟

𝑟𝑟 = 𝑧𝑧 is the modulus of 𝑧𝑧, given by 𝑟𝑟 = 𝑎𝑎2 + 𝑏𝑏2

𝑏𝑏
𝜃𝜃 = arg 𝑧𝑧 is the argument of 𝑧𝑧, given by tan 𝜃𝜃 = (for 𝑎𝑎 ≠ 0)
𝑎𝑎

Complex Numbers – Slide 17

4.3 Complex Number Operations in Polar Form

𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏

Converting a complex number from the polar to rectangular form is easy.

Simply equate 𝑎𝑎 = 𝑟𝑟 cos 𝜃𝜃 and 𝑏𝑏 = 𝑟𝑟 sin 𝜃𝜃 .
𝜋𝜋 𝑧𝑧 = 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟
So, 2∠
3
𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
= 2 cos + 2 sin 𝑗𝑗
3 3
= 1 + 3𝑗𝑗

Alternatively, use the calculator function Rec( .

Complex Numbers – Slide 18

4.3 Complex Number Operations in Polar Form

𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟

Converting a complex number from the rectangular polar form is messy.

We have to find the modulus 𝑟𝑟 and argument 𝜃𝜃, taking into account which quadrant 𝜃𝜃 is
in from the Argand diagram…
tan−1 𝑏𝑏𝑎𝑎 if 𝑎𝑎 > 0
𝜋𝜋 + tan−1 𝑏𝑏
if 𝑎𝑎 < 0
𝑟𝑟 = 𝑎𝑎2 + 𝑏𝑏2 𝜃𝜃 = 𝜋𝜋
𝑎𝑎

2
if 𝑎𝑎 = 0, 𝑏𝑏 > 0
𝜋𝜋
−
2
if 𝑎𝑎 = 0, 𝑏𝑏 < 0

To save us the trouble, we simply use the calculator function Pol( .

Complex Numbers – Slide 19

4.3 Complex Number Operations in Polar Form
EXAMPLE 4.3.1
Using the calculator function Rec( , or otherwise, express the following in rectangular
form.
𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
(a) 4 ∠ SOLUTION: 4 ∠ = 4 cos + 4 sin 𝑗𝑗
6 6 6 6
1 1
= 4 3 + 4 𝑗𝑗
2 2

= 2 3 + 2𝑗𝑗

𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
(b) 2∠ − SOLUTION: 2∠ − = 2 cos − + 2 sin − 𝑗𝑗
4 4 4 4
1 1
= 2 2 + 2 − 2 𝑗𝑗
2 2
= 1 − 𝑗𝑗

Complex Numbers – Slide 20

4.3 Complex Number Operations in Polar Form
EXAMPLE 4.3.2
Using the calculator function Pol( , express the following in polar form.
Im
(a) −2𝑗𝑗 2
1
Re
SOLUTION: Pol(0,-2) -2 -1 1 2 3
-1

𝜋𝜋 -2
−2𝑗𝑗 = 2 ∠ − -3
2

Im
(b) −2 + 2 3𝑗𝑗 4
3

SOLUTION: Pol(-2,2√3)
2
1
Re

−2 + 2 3𝑗𝑗 = 4 ∠2𝜋𝜋
3
-3 -2 -1
-1
1 2

Complex Numbers – Slide 21

4.3 Complex Number Operations in Polar Form
An interesting equality
Since 𝑒𝑒 𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 = cos 𝜋𝜋 + 𝑗𝑗 sin 𝜋𝜋 = −1,
we have this interesting statement:
𝑒𝑒 𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 + 1 = 0
𝑒𝑒 ≈ 2.71828 is the natural base of logarithm
𝜋𝜋 ≈ 3.14159 is the ratio circumference:diameter of a circle
𝑗𝑗 = −1 is the imaginary unit
1 is the multiplicative identity
0 is the additive identity

All the interesting numbers in mathematics are related in this statement!!

Complex Numbers – Slide 22
4.3 Complex Number Operations in Polar Form
Do you know, the polar form 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 is actually the short form of 𝑟𝑟 𝑒𝑒 𝜃𝜃𝜃𝜃 ?

This makes multiplication and division in polar forms very easy,

because the laws of exponents apply!

For complex numbers 𝑟𝑟 𝑒𝑒 𝛼𝛼𝛼𝛼 and 𝑠𝑠 𝑒𝑒 𝛽𝛽𝛽𝛽 , note that:

• 𝑟𝑟 𝑒𝑒 𝛼𝛼𝛼𝛼 𝑠𝑠 𝑒𝑒 𝛽𝛽𝛽𝛽 = 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑒𝑒 𝛼𝛼+𝛽𝛽 𝑗𝑗

𝑟𝑟 𝑒𝑒 𝛼𝛼𝛼𝛼 𝑟𝑟 𝛼𝛼−𝛽𝛽 𝑗𝑗
• = 𝑒𝑒
𝑠𝑠 𝑒𝑒 𝛽𝛽𝛽𝛽 𝑠𝑠

Complex Numbers – Slide 23

4.3 Complex Number Operations in Polar Form
Multiplication in Polar Form

Given complex numbers 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 and 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠,

𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 ∠ 𝛼𝛼 + 𝛽𝛽

EXAMPLE 4.3.4
𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
Given 𝑧𝑧1 = 2∠ and 𝑧𝑧2 = 3∠ , calculate 𝑧𝑧1 𝑧𝑧2 .
4 3
SOLUTION:
(𝜋𝜋/4)𝑗𝑗 (𝜋𝜋/3)𝑗𝑗 (𝜋𝜋/4 + 𝜋𝜋/3)𝑗𝑗 (7𝜋𝜋/12)𝑗𝑗
7𝜋𝜋
𝑧𝑧1 𝑧𝑧2 = 2 𝑒𝑒 3 𝑒𝑒 = 6 𝑒𝑒 = 6𝑒𝑒 = 6∠
12

Complex Numbers – Slide 24

4.3 Complex Number Operations in Polar Form
Division in Polar Form

Given complex numbers 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 and 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠,

𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑟𝑟
= ∠ 𝛼𝛼 − 𝛽𝛽
𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑠𝑠

EXAMPLE 4.3.5
𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋 𝑧𝑧
Given 𝑧𝑧1 = 2∠ and 𝑧𝑧2 = 3∠ , calculate 1.
4 3 𝑧𝑧2
SOLUTION:
𝑧𝑧1 2 𝑒𝑒 (𝜋𝜋/4)𝑗𝑗 2 (𝜋𝜋/4−𝜋𝜋/3)𝑗𝑗 2 (−𝜋𝜋/12)𝑗𝑗 2 𝜋𝜋
= (𝜋𝜋/3)𝑗𝑗
= 𝑒𝑒 = 𝑒𝑒 = ∠ −
𝑧𝑧2 3 𝑒𝑒 3 3 3 12

Complex Numbers – Slide 25

4.3 Complex Number Operations in Polar Form
Addition/Subtraction in Polar Form

Complex numbers in polar form are not suitable for addition and subtraction.
So we need to convert them to the rectangular form first, do the operation, and
convert the answer back to polar form if necessary.

EXAMPLE 4.3.6
𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
Given 𝑧𝑧1 = 2∠ and 𝑧𝑧2 = 3∠ , calculate 𝑧𝑧1 + 𝑧𝑧2 . Express your answer in polar form.
4 3
SOLUTION: 𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
𝑧𝑧1 + 𝑧𝑧2 = 2∠ + 3∠ = 1.414 + 1.414𝑗𝑗 + 1.5 + 2.598𝑗𝑗
4 3
= 2.914 + 4.012𝑗𝑗
= 4.959∠0.943

Complex Numbers – Slide 26

4.4 Phasors and Applications
Consider 𝑌𝑌 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 and 𝑦𝑦 𝑡𝑡 = 𝑎𝑎 sin 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝜙𝜙 .

The 𝑦𝑦-coordinate of the phasor 𝑌𝑌 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 is where the sine wave 𝑦𝑦 𝑡𝑡 = 𝑎𝑎 sin 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝜙𝜙
begins. Rotating the phasor generates the graph of 𝑦𝑦 𝑡𝑡 = 𝑎𝑎 sin 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝜙𝜙 .

Complex Numbers – Slide 27

 4.4 Phasors and Applications
Phasors are complex numbers with the specific role of representing sine functions.

We call 𝑌𝑌 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 the phasor of 𝑦𝑦 𝑡𝑡 = 𝑎𝑎 sin 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝜙𝜙 .

Which parameters of the sine function appear in its phasor?

Amplitude 𝑎𝑎 Phase Angle 𝜙𝜙 Angular Frequency 𝜔𝜔

Phasors are used to add sine functions of the same frequency to a single sine function.

Complex Numbers – Slide 28

4.4 Phasors and Applications

ADDING TWO SINE FUNCTIONS INTO ONE USING PHASORS

Given 𝑦𝑦1 = 𝑎𝑎1 sin 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝜙𝜙1 and 𝑦𝑦2 = 𝑎𝑎2 sin 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝜙𝜙2 , we want to express
𝑦𝑦1 + 𝑦𝑦2 = 𝑎𝑎 sin 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝜙𝜙 .
Step 1. Find the phasor of 𝑦𝑦1 and 𝑦𝑦2 :
𝑌𝑌1 =𝑎𝑎1 ∠𝜙𝜙1 and 𝑌𝑌2 = 𝑎𝑎2 ∠𝜙𝜙2

Step 2. Compute 𝑌𝑌1 + 𝑌𝑌2 as complex numbers: 𝑌𝑌1 + 𝑌𝑌2 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎

Step 3. Write the resultant sine function:

𝑦𝑦1 + 𝑦𝑦2 = 𝑎𝑎 sin 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝜙𝜙

Complex Numbers – Slide 29

4.4 Phasors and Applications
EXAMPLE 4.4.1
Express the following as a single sine function: 3 sin 𝑡𝑡 + 4 cos 𝑡𝑡.
SOLUTION:
Phasor of 3 sin 𝑡𝑡 is 3∠0
𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
Phasor of 4 cos 𝑡𝑡 = 4 sin 𝑡𝑡 + is 4∠
2 2

𝜋𝜋
3∠0 + 4∠ = 3 + 0𝑗𝑗 + 0 + 4𝑗𝑗 = 3 + 4𝑗𝑗 = 5∠0.927
2

∴ 3 sin 𝑡𝑡 + 4 cos 𝑡𝑡 = 5 sin 𝑡𝑡 + 0.927

Complex Numbers – Slide 30

4.4 Phasors and Applications
EXAMPLE 4.4.2
𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
Express the following as a single sine function: 2 sin 3𝑡𝑡 − − 5 sin 3𝑡𝑡 + .
5 3
SOLUTION:
𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
Phasor of 2 sin 3𝑡𝑡 − is 2∠ −
5 5
𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
Phasor of 5 sin 3𝑡𝑡 + is 5∠
3 3

2∠ −𝜋𝜋5 − 5∠𝜋𝜋3 = 1.618 − 1.176𝑗𝑗 − 2.5 + 4.330𝑗𝑗

= −0.882 − 5.506𝑗𝑗
= 5.576∠ −1.730

∴ 2 sin 3𝑡𝑡 − 𝜋𝜋5 − 5 sin 3𝑡𝑡 + 𝜋𝜋3 = 5.576 sin 3𝑡𝑡 − 1.730

Complex Numbers – Slide 31

4.4 Phasors and Applications
EXAMPLE 4.4.3
𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
Express the following as a single sine function: 2 sin 𝜔𝜔𝑡𝑡 + + cos 𝜔𝜔𝑡𝑡 − .
3 6
SOLUTION:
𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
Phasor of 2 sin 𝜔𝜔𝑡𝑡 + is 2∠
3 3
𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
Phasor of cos 𝜔𝜔𝑡𝑡 − is 1∠ − + or 1∠
6 6 2 3

𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
2∠ + 1∠
3 3
= 1 + 1.732𝑗𝑗 + 0.5 + 0.866𝑗𝑗
= 1.5 + 2.598𝑗𝑗
= 3∠ 1.047

𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
∴ 2 sin 𝜔𝜔𝑡𝑡 + + cos 𝜔𝜔𝑡𝑡 − = 3 sin 𝜔𝜔𝑡𝑡 + 1.047
3 6

Complex Numbers – Slide 32

4.4 Phasors and Applications
EXAMPLE 4.4.4
The total impedance 𝑍𝑍 of the circuit below is given by
1 1 1 1
= + −
𝑍𝑍 𝑅𝑅 𝑗𝑗𝑋𝑋𝐿𝐿 𝑗𝑗𝑋𝑋𝐶𝐶

where 𝑅𝑅, 𝑋𝑋𝐿𝐿 and 𝑋𝑋𝐶𝐶 denotes the resistance, inductive reactance and capacitive
reactance, respectively. Find the total impedance 𝑍𝑍 of given that 𝑅𝑅 = 0.6𝑘𝑘Ω ,
𝑋𝑋𝐿𝐿 = 0.3𝑘𝑘Ω and 𝑋𝑋𝐶𝐶 = 0.2𝑘𝑘Ω.

1 1 1 1 𝑗𝑗+2−3 −1+𝑗𝑗
SOLUTION: = + − = =
𝑍𝑍 600 300𝑗𝑗 200𝑗𝑗 600𝑗𝑗 600𝑗𝑗
600𝑗𝑗 −1−𝑗𝑗 −600𝑗𝑗−600𝑗𝑗 2 600−600𝑗𝑗
⇒ 𝑍𝑍 = ⋅ = = = 300 − 300𝑗𝑗
−1+𝑗𝑗 −1−𝑗𝑗 1−𝑗𝑗 2 1− −1

Complex Numbers – Slide 33

Summary

 A complex number 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 (𝑗𝑗 = −1) is represented on an Argand diagram as the

point (𝑎𝑎, 𝑏𝑏)

 The complex conjugate: 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏

 Complex numbers take two main forms: 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 (rectangular)

or 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 = 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝜃𝜃𝜃𝜃 (polar)

 Operations on complex numbers may require conversion of forms since

addition/subtraction is only possible in rectangular form, and multiplication/division is
easier in polar form.

 The phasor of a sine function 𝑦𝑦 𝑡𝑡 = 𝑎𝑎 sin 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝜙𝜙 is the complex number 𝑌𝑌 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎.

Complex Numbers – Slide 34

Reference

Sullivan, M. (2014). Precalculus (ninth edition): Chapter 9.

London, England: Pearson.​

Complex Numbers – Slide 35