Complex Numbers

Introduction
• The first chapter of FP1 introduces you to imaginary and
complex numbers

• You will have seen at GCSE level that some quadratic

equations cannot be solved

• Imaginary and complex numbers will allow us to actually

solve these equations!

• We will also see how to represent them on an Argand

diagram

• We will also see how to use complex numbers to solve cubic

and quartic equations
 Teachings
for Exercise
1A
 Complex Numbers
You can use both real and To solve these equations, we can
imaginary numbers to solve use the imaginary number ‘i’
equations
𝑖=√ −1
At GCSE level you met the
Quadratic formula:
−𝑏 ± √ 𝑏 − 4 𝑎𝑐
2 The imaginary number ‘i’ can be
𝑥= combined with real numbers to
2𝑎 create ‘complex numbers’

The part under the square root An example of a complex number

sign is known as the ‘discriminant’, would be:
and can be used to determine how
many solutions the equation has: 5+ 2𝑖
𝑏 − 4 𝑎𝑐 >0−→2𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑠
2
Complex numbers can be added,
𝑏 − 4 𝑎𝑐=0−→1𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡
2 subtracted, multiplied and divided
in the same way you would with an
𝑏 − 4 𝑎𝑐 <0−→0𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑠
2
algebraic expression

The problem is that we cannot

square root a negative number,
hence the lack of real roots in the
3rd case above 1A
 Complex Numbers
This sign
You can use both real and
imaginary numbers to solve
means the
positive
√ −36 Split up using surd
manipulation
equations square root
√ 36 √ −1 Simplify each part
 √-1 = i
1) Write √-36 in terms of i ¿6𝑖

2) Write √-28 in terms of i

√ −28 Split up into a
positive and negative
√ 28 √ −1 part
Split up the 28
further…
√ 4 √ 7 √ −1 Simplify each
¿2 √7 𝑖 part
This is usually
¿2 𝑖√7 written in this
way

1A
 Complex Numbers
2
You can use both real and 𝑥 + 9= 0
imaginary numbers to solve Subtract 9
equations 2
𝑥 =− 9 Square root – we need to
consider both positive and

𝑥=± √ −9
Solve2the equation: negative as we are solving an
𝑥 + 9= 0 Split up
equation

𝑥=± √ 9 √ −1
Write in terms of i
𝑥=± 3 𝑖

You should ensure you write full

workings – once you have had a lot
of practice you can do more in your
head!

1A
 Complex Numbers
You can use both real and Completing the square
imaginary numbers to solve 2
equations 𝑥 + 6 𝑥+25=0 Write a squared bracket, with
the number inside being half
Solve
2 the equation: ( 𝑥+ 3 )+16
2
¿0 the x-coefficient
𝑥 + 6 𝑥+25=0 Subtract 16
2
( 𝑥+ 3 ) =−16
 You can use one of two Square root
methods for this 𝑥+ 3=± √ − 16
Subtract 3
 Either ‘Completing the square’ 𝑥=−3 ± √− 16
or the Quadratic formula Split the root up
𝑥=−3 ± √16 √− 1
( 𝑥+ 3 )2 Imagine Simplify
squaring the
𝑥=−3 ± 4 𝑖
( 𝑥+ 3)( 𝑥+ 3) bracket
This is the
answer we get
2
𝑥 + 6 𝑥+ 9 If the x term is even, and there is only
The squared bracket gives us both a single x2, then completing the
the x2 term and the 6x term square will probably be the quickest
 It only gives us a number of 9, method!
whereas we need 25 – add 16 on! 1A
 Complex Numbers
You can use both real and The Quadratic formula
imaginary numbers to solve
−𝑏 ± √ 𝑏2 − 4 𝑎𝑐
equations 𝑥=
2𝑎
Sub in
Solve the equation:
2
𝑥 + 6 𝑥+25=0 −6 ± √ ( 6) −( 4 × 1× 25)
2 values
𝑥=
2(1) Calculate the part
 You can use one of two under the root sign
−6 ± √ −64
methods for this 𝑥=
2
 Either ‘Completing the square’ Split it up
−6 ± √ 64 √ − 1
or the Quadratic formula 𝑥=
a=1 2 Simplify
−6 ± 8 𝑖 the roots
b=6
𝑥=
2 Divide all
c = 25
by 2
𝑥=−3 ± 4 𝑖
If the x2 coefficient is greater than 1, or
the x term is odd, the Quadratic formula
will probably be the easiest method! 1A
 Complex Numbers
You can use both real and 1) ( 2+5 𝑖 ) +(7 +3 𝑖) Group terms
imaginary numbers to solve together
equations ¿ 9 +8 𝑖
Simplify each of the following,
giving your answers in the form:
𝑎 +𝑏𝑖 2) ( 2 −5 𝑖 ) −(5 −11 𝑖) ‘Multiply out’
the bracket
¿ 2 −5 𝑖 −5 +11𝑖
𝑎∈ 𝑅where:
𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏∈ 𝑅 ¿ − 3+6 𝑖
Group terms

This means a and

b are real numbers 3) 6 ( 1+ 3𝑖 )
Multiply out the
bracket
¿ 6 +18 𝑖

1A
 Teachings
for Exercise
1B
 Complex Numbers
You can multiply complex Multiply out the following bracket
numbers and simplify powers
of I (2+ 3 𝑖)(4 +5 𝑖) Multiply put like you would
algebraically (eg) grid method,
Complex numbers can be 2 FOIL, smiley face etc)
multiplied using the same ¿ 8 +12 𝑖+10 𝑖+15 𝑖
Group i terms, write i2 as -1
techniques as used in algebra.
¿ 8 +22 𝑖+15( −1)
Simplify
You can also use the following rule
to simplify powers of i: ¿ −7 +22 𝑖
𝑖=√ −1
2
𝑖 =−1

1B
 Complex Numbers
You can multiply complex Express the following in the form a + bi
numbers and simplify powers
of I 2
(7 − 4 𝑖)
Write as a double bracket
Complex numbers can be ¿ (7 − 4 𝑖)(7 − 4 𝑖)
multiplied using the same Multiply out
2
techniques as used in algebra. ¿ 49 −28 𝑖 −28 𝑖+16 𝑖
Group i terms, write i2 as
You can also use the following rule ¿ 49 −56 𝑖+16 (−1) -1
to simplify powers of i: Simplify
𝑖=√ −1 ¿ 33 − 56 𝑖
2
𝑖 =−1

1B
 Complex Numbers
You can multiply complex Simplify the following:
numbers and simplify powers
of I (2 −3 𝑖)(4 − 5𝑖)(1+3 𝑖)
Start with the first 2 brackets
(2 −3 𝑖)(4 − 5𝑖)
Complex numbers can be Multiply
2
multiplied using the same ¿ 8 − 12𝑖 −10 𝑖+ 15 𝑖 out
Group i terms,
techniques as used in algebra. replace i2 with -1
¿ 8 − 22𝑖 +15(− 1)
Simplify
You can also use the following rule ¿ −7 −22 𝑖
to simplify powers of i:
𝑖=√ −1 Now multiply this by the 3rd bracket
2
𝑖 =−1
(−7 −22 𝑖)(1+3 𝑖)
Multiply out the brackets
2
¿ −7 −22 𝑖− 21𝑖 − 66 𝑖 Group i terms and
replace i2 with -1
¿ −7 − 43𝑖 − 66(− 1)
Simplify
¿ 59 − 43 𝑖

1B
 Complex Numbers
You can multiply complex Simplify:
numbers and simplify powers 3
of I
1) 𝑖
Split up
2
Complex numbers can be
¿ 𝑖 ×𝑖
Replace i2 with -1
multiplied using the same
techniques as used in algebra.
¿ −1 ×𝑖
Simplify

You can also use the following rule

¿ −𝑖
to simplify powers of i:
𝑖=√ −1
4
2) 𝑖
Split up
2 2 2
𝑖 =−1 ¿ 𝑖 ×𝑖
Replace the i2 terms with -1
¿ −1 ×− 1
Simplify
¿1

1B
 Complex Numbers
You can multiply complex Simplify:
numbers and simplify powers 5
of I 3) (2 𝑖)
Write both as a power of
5 5
Complex numbers can be
¿ 2 ×𝑖 5
Split up the i terms
multiplied using the same
techniques as used in algebra. ¿ 25 ×𝑖 2 ×𝑖 2 ×𝑖 Work out 25 and
replace the i2 terms
You can also use the following rule
¿ 3 2 ×− 1× −1 ×𝑖
Simplify
to simplify powers of i:
¿32𝑖
𝑖=√ −1
2
𝑖 =−1

1B
 Teachings
for Exercise
1C
 Complex Numbers
You can find the complex Write down the complex conjugate of:
conjugate of a complex number
a) 2+3 𝑖 Reverse the sign of
You can write down the complex
conjugate of a complex number, and ¿ 2 −3 𝑖 the imaginary term

it helps you divide one complex

number by another

If a complex number is given by:

b) 5 −2 𝑖 Reverse the sign of
the imaginary term
a + bi ¿ 5+ 2𝑖
Then the complex conjugate is:
a – bi c) 1 −𝑖 √ 5 Reverse the sign of

(You just reverse the sign of the ¿ 1+𝑖 √ 5 the imaginary term

imaginary part!)

Together, these are known as a

complex conjugate pair

The complex conjugate of z is written

as z*
1C
 Complex Numbers
∗
You can find the complex 𝑧+𝑧
conjugate of a complex Replace z and z*
number ¿ ( 2 −7 𝑖 )+(2+ 7 𝑖)
Group terms
Find z + z*, and zz*, given that: ¿4
z = 2 – 7i
∗
𝑧𝑧
 z* = 2 + 7i Replace z and z*
¿ ( 2 −7 𝑖 ) (2+7 𝑖)
Multiply out
2
¿ 4+ 14 𝑖 −14 𝑖 − 49 𝑖 The i terms cancel
out, replace i2 with -1
¿ 4 − 49(− 1)
Simplify
¿ 53

1C
 Complex Numbers
∗
You can find the complex 𝑧+𝑧
conjugate of a complex Replace z and z*
number
¿ ( 2 √2+𝑖 √2 )+(2 √ 2 −𝑖 √ 2)
Group terms
Find z + z*, and zz*, given that: ¿ 4 √2
z = 2√2 + i√2
∗
 z* = 2√2 - i√2 𝑧𝑧
Replace z and z*
¿ ( 2 √2+𝑖 √2 ) (2 √ 2− 𝑖 √2) Multiply out
¿ 4 √ 4+2𝑖 √ 4 −2 𝑖 √ 4 − 𝑖 √ 4
2
Some terms cancel
out, replace i2 with -
¿ 8 −(− 1)( 2) 1
Simplify
¿ 10

1C
 Complex Numbers
You can find the complex 10+5 𝑖 1 − 2 𝑖
×
conjugate of a complex 1+2 𝑖 1 − 2 𝑖 Multiply by the complex
number
conjugate of the
(10 +5 𝑖)(1− 2𝑖) denominator
¿
Simplify: (1+2 𝑖)( 1− 2𝑖)
(10+ 5 𝑖)÷(1+ 2𝑖) Expand both
10+5 𝑖 −20 𝑖 −10 𝑖 2 brackets
¿
With divisions you will need to 1+2 𝑖− 2𝑖 − 4 𝑖 2 Group i terms, replace the
write it as a fraction, then multiply i2 terms with -1 (use
both the numerator and 10 −15 𝑖 −10( −1) brackets to avoid
¿ mistakes)
denominator by the complex 1 − 4(− 1)
conjugate of the denominator Simplify
20 −15 𝑖 terms
¿
(This is effectively the same as 5
Divide by 5
rationalising when surds are
involved!) ¿ 4 − 3𝑖

1C
 Complex Numbers
You can find the complex 5 + 4 𝑖 2+3 𝑖
×
conjugate of a complex 2− 3 𝑖 2+3 𝑖 Multiply by the complex
number
conjugate of the
(5 +4 𝑖)( 2+3 𝑖) denominator
¿
Simplify: ( 2− 3 𝑖)( 2+3 𝑖)
(5+ 4 𝑖)÷(2 − 3 𝑖) Expand both
10+ 8𝑖 +15 𝑖+12 𝑖
2 brackets
¿ 2
With divisions you will need to 4+ 6 𝑖− 6 𝑖 −9 𝑖 Group i terms, replace the
write it as a fraction, then multiply i2 terms with -1 (use
both the numerator and 10+23 𝑖+ 12(−1) brackets to avoid
¿ mistakes)
denominator by the complex 4 −9 (−1)
conjugate of the denominator Simplify
−2+ 23𝑖 terms
¿
(This is effectively the same as 13 Split into two parts (this is
rationalising when surds are useful for later topics!)
involved!) 2 23
¿− + 𝑖
13 13

1C
 Complex Numbers
2
You can find the complex 𝑥 +7 𝑥 +10=0
conjugate of a complex Factorise
number ( 𝑥+ 5)( 𝑥+ 2)=0
Solve
If the roots a and b of a quadratic 𝑅𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 −5 𝑎𝑛𝑑− 2
equation are complex, a and b will
always be a complex conjugate Add the roots together Multiply the roots
pair
( −5 ) +(− 2) ( −5 ) ×(− 2)
 You can find what a quadratic ¿ −7 ¿ 10
equation was by using its roots

 Let us start by considering a

Adding the Multiplying the
quadratic equation with real
roots gives the roots gives the
solutions…
negative of the ‘c’ term
‘b’ term

This will work every time!

 If you have the roots of a quadratic equation:
 Add them and reverse the sign to find the ‘b’ term
 Multiply them to find the ‘c’ term
1C
 Complex Numbers
2
You can find the complex 𝑥 + 2 𝑥 − 24=0
conjugate of a complex Factorise
number (𝑥+ 6)(𝑥 − 4)=0
Solve
If the roots a and b of a quadratic 𝑅𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑠𝑎𝑟𝑒 −6𝑎𝑛𝑑 4
equation are complex, a and b will
always be a complex conjugate Add the roots together Multiply the roots
pair
( −6 ) +(4 ) ( −6 ) ×( 4)
 You can find what a quadratic ¿−2 ¿ − 24
equation was by using its roots

 Let us start by considering a

Adding the Multiplying the
quadratic equation with real
roots gives the roots gives the
solutions…
negative of the ‘c’ term
‘b’ term

1C
 Complex Numbers
You can find the complex Add the roots together
conjugate of a complex
number
( 3+ 5 𝑖 ) +( 3 −5 𝑖) Group
¿6 terms
Find the quadratic equation that ′ ′
has roots 3 + 5i and 3 – 5i 𝑆𝑜 𝑡h𝑒 ❑𝑏 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑠 −6

Multiply the roots

( 3+ 5 𝑖 ) (3 −5 𝑖) Multiply out brackets

2
¿ 9 +15 𝑖− 15 𝑖− 25 𝑖 Group the ‘i’ terms,
replace i2 with -1
¿ 9 − 25(− 1)
Simplify
¿ 34
′ ′
𝑆𝑜 𝑡h𝑒 ❑𝑐 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑠34
Now you have the b and c coefficients, you can write the
equation!
𝑇h𝑒𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑠 𝑡h𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒:
2
𝑥 −6 𝑥 +34=0 1C
 Teachings
for Exercise
1D
 Complex Numbers
You can represent complex
numbers on an Argand
diagram

A grid where values for x and y

can be plotted is known as a
Cartesian set of axes (after Rene
Descartes)

An Argand diagram is very

similar, but the x-axis represents
real numbers and the y-axis
represents imaginary numbers.

Complex numbers can be plotted

on an Argand diagram, by
considering the real and
imaginary parts as coordinates

1D
 Complex Numbers y (Imaginary)
z1
5i
You can represent complex
numbers on an Argand √29
diagram
5
z3 √17
Represent the following complex
numbers on an Argand diagram: 1 2 x (Real)
𝑧 1 =2+5 𝑖 -5 4 3 5
4
𝑧 2=3 − 4 𝑖
5
𝑧 3=− 4 +𝑖
z2
-5i
Find the magnitude of |OA|, |OB|
and |OC|, where O is the origin of
the Argand diagram, and A, B |𝑂𝐴|= √2 2+ 52
and C are z1, z2 and z3 |𝑂𝐴|= √29 |𝑂𝐶|= √ 4 2 +12
respectively

|𝑂𝐵|=√ 32 + 4 2 |𝑂𝐶|= √17

 You can use Pythagoras’
Theorem to find the magnitude |𝑂𝐵|=5
of the distances
1D
 Complex Numbers y (Imaginary)
10i
You can represent complex
numbers on an Argand
diagram z1+z2
𝑧 1 =4 +𝑖 𝑧 2=3+ 3 𝑖 z2

z1
x (Real)
Show z1, z2 and z1 + z2 on an -10 10
Argand diagram
𝑧1 + 𝑧 2
( 4+𝑖 )+(3 +3 𝑖)
¿ 7 +4 𝑖 -10i

Notice that vector z1 + z2 is effectively

the diagonal of a parallelogram

1D
 Complex Numbers y (Imaginary)
z1
5i
You can represent complex z1-z2
numbers on an Argand
diagram z2
𝑧 1 =2+5 𝑖 𝑧 2=4+ 2𝑖
x (Real)
Show z1, z2 and z1 - z2 on an -5 5
Argand diagram
𝑧1 − 𝑧 2 -z2

( 2+5 𝑖 ) −( 4+ 2𝑖)
¿ − 2+3 𝑖 -5i

Vector z1 – z2 is still the diagram of a

parallelogram

 One side is z1 and the other side is –z2

(shown on the diagram)

1D
 Teachings
for Exercise
1E
 Complex Numbers
You can find the value of r, the
modulus of a complex number z,
and the value of θ, which is the
argument of z

The modulus of a complex number is its

magnitude – you have already seen how
to calculate it by using Pythagoras’
Theorem

 It is usually represented by the letter

r

The argument of a complex number is

the angle it makes with the positive real
axis

 The argument is usually measured in

radians
 It will be negative if the complex
number is plotted below the
horizontal axis
1E
 Complex Numbers
You can find the value of r, the Use Pythagoras’ Theorem to find r
modulus of a complex number z,
and the value of θ, which is the 𝑟 =√ 4 2 +5 2
argument of z Calculate
𝑟 =√ 41 Work out as a
Find, to two decimal places, the
modulus and argument of z = 4 + 5i 𝑟 =6.40(2 𝑑𝑝) decimal (if needed)
y (Imaginary) z
5i
Use Trigonometry to find arg z

𝑂
5 𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝜃=
𝐴
Sub in
5 values
θ
x (Real)
𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝜃=
-5 4 5
4 Calculate in
radians
𝜃=0.90 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑠(2 𝑑𝑝)

-5i
1E
 Complex Numbers
You can find the value of r, the Use Pythagoras’ Theorem to find r
modulus of a complex number z,
and the value of θ, which is the 𝑟 = √ 22 + 4 2
argument of z Calculate
𝑟 =√ 20 Work out as a
Find, to two decimal places, the
modulus and argument of z = -2 + 4i 𝑟 =4.47(2 𝑑𝑝) decimal (if needed)
y (Imaginary)
5i
z
Use Trigonometry to find arg z

𝑂
4 𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝜃=
𝐴
Sub in
4 values
θ 2.03
x (Real)
𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝜃=
-5 2 5
2 Calculate in radians
𝜃=1.11𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑠 (2 𝑑𝑝) Subtract from π to find the
required angle (remember
𝜋 − 1.11=2.03𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑠 π radians = 180°)

arg 𝑧=2.03
-5i
1E
 Complex Numbers
Use Pythagoras’ Theorem to find r
You can find the value of r, the
modulus of a complex number z,
and the value of θ, which is the
𝑟 =√ 32 + 32
Calculate
argument of z
𝑟 =√ 18 Work out as a
Find, to two decimal places, the 𝑟 =4.24(2 𝑑𝑝) decimal (if needed)
modulus and argument of z = -3 - 3i
y (Imaginary)
5i Use Trigonometry to find arg z

𝑂
𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝜃=
𝐴
Sub in
3 values
𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝜃=
3
3 Calculate in
x (Real) radians
-5 θ 𝟑𝝅 5 𝜋
𝟒 𝜃= 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑠 (2 𝑑𝑝) Subtract from π to find the
3 4 required angle (remember
𝜋 3𝜋 π radians = 180°)
𝜋− = 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑠
z
4 4 As the angle is below the
x-axis, its written as
3𝜋 negative
-5i
arg 𝑧 =−
4 1E
 Teachings
for Exercise
1F
 Complex Numbers
y (Imaginary)
You can find the modulus- z
argument form of the complex
number z Hyp
r rsinθ Opp
You have seen up to this point that a
complex number z will usually be
written in the form: θ
x (Real)
𝑧=𝑥+ 𝑖𝑦 rcosθ
Adj
The modulus-argument form is an
alternative way of writing a complex
number, and it includes the modulus
of the number as well as its
argument.
By GCSE Trigonometry:
The modulus-argument form looks O
𝑧=𝑟 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃+𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃)
like this: S H
𝑂𝑝𝑝=𝐻𝑦𝑝×𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝜃¿ 𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃
A
C H
𝐴𝑑𝑗=𝐻𝑦𝑝× 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝜃¿ 𝑟𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃
r is the modulus of the number
θ is the argument of the number 𝑧=𝑟𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃+𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃
Factorise
𝑧=𝑟 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃+𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃) 1F
𝑧=𝑟 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃+𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃)

Complex Numbers
y (Imaginary)

You can find the modulus-

argument form of the complex
number z
z1
Express the numbers following
numbers in the modulus argument √3
𝑧 1 =1+𝑖
form: 3√ 3
θ
θ
1
x (Real)

𝑧 2=−3 − 3 𝑖 3

(
𝑧 1 =2 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝜋
3
+𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝜋
3 ) z2

Modulus for z1 Argument for z1

√ 1 +√ 3
2 2
𝑇𝑎 𝑛− 1 (1) √3
𝜋
¿2 ¿
3
𝑧 1 =𝑟 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃+𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃)
𝑧 1 =2 𝑐𝑜𝑠( 𝜋
3
+𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝜋
3 ) 1F
𝑧=𝑟 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃+𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃)

Complex Numbers
y (Imaginary)

You can find the modulus-

argument form of the complex
number z
z1
Express the numbers following
numbers in the modulus argument √3
𝑧 1 =1+𝑖
form: 3√ 3
θ
θ
1
x (Real)

𝑧 2=−3 − 3 𝑖 3

(
𝑧 1 =2 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝜋
3
+𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝜋
3 ) z2

( ( ) ( ))
𝑧 2=3 √ 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −
3𝜋
4
+𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 −
3𝜋
4 Modulus for z2 Argument for z2

√ 3 2 + 32 𝑇𝑎 𝑛− 1 ()
3
3
Remember the
angle you
¿ √ 18 𝜋
actually want!
3𝜋
¿ ¿−
¿ 3 √2 4 4
𝑧 2=𝑟 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃+𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃)
𝑧 2=3 √ 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −
( ( ) ( ))
3𝜋
4
+𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 −
3𝜋
4 1F
𝑧=𝑟 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃+𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃)

Complex Numbers
y (Imaginary)

You can find the modulus-

argument form of the complex
number z
z1
Express the numbers following
numbers in the modulus argument √3
𝑧 1 =1+𝑖
form: 3 √ 3
θ
θ
1
x (Real)

𝑧 2=−3 − 3 𝑖 3

(
𝑧 1 =2 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝜋
3
+𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝜋
3 ) z2

( ( ) ( ))
𝑧 2=3 √ 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −
3𝜋
4
+𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 −
3𝜋
4

|
Write𝑧down
𝑧 ¿the
1 || 1
𝑧 ¿∨𝑧 2|
value of |z1z2|
2

¿ 2 ×3 √ 2
¿ 6 √2
1F
𝑧=𝑟 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃+𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃)

Complex Numbers
y (Imaginary)

You can find the modulus- z

argument form of the complex
number z
4
A complex number is represented in y
the modulus-argument form as: π
( 𝜋
𝑧 =4 𝑐𝑜𝑠 +𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛
6
𝜋
6 ) 6
x
x (Real)

Write the number in the form:

𝑧=𝑥+ 𝑖𝑦
Start by sketching the number on an
Argand diagram

 The modulus is 4
 The angle is positive and less
𝑥=𝑟𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 𝑦 =𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃
than π/2, so the point is 𝜋 𝜋
𝑥=4 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑦 =4 𝑠𝑖𝑛
somewhere in the top right 6 6
section 𝑥=2 √ 3 𝑦 =2
 Work out x and y using 𝑆𝑜 : 𝑧=2 √ 3+2 𝑖
Trigonometry… Your sketch will help you decide whether answers are negative or
positive! 1F
 Teachings
for Exercise
1G
 Complex Numbers
You can solve problems 3+ 5 𝑖=(𝑎+𝑖𝑏)(1+𝑖) Multiply out
involving complex numbers the bracket
2
3+ 5 𝑖=𝑎+ 𝑎𝑖+ 𝑏𝑖+𝑖 𝑏
Problems can be solved by equating Replace i2
the real and imaginary parts of a 3+ 5 𝑖=𝑎+ 𝑎𝑖+ 𝑏𝑖+(−1)𝑏
complex equation Remove the
3+5 𝑖=𝑎+𝑎𝑖+𝑏𝑖+− 𝑏 bracket
Move the real and
 This technique can also be used
imaginary terms
to square root a number 3+5 𝑖=𝑎−𝑏+𝑎𝑖+𝑏𝑖 together
Factorise the
imaginary terms
Given that: 3+ 5 𝑖=𝑎 −𝑏+ 𝑖(𝑎+𝑏)
As the equations balance, the real and imaginary parts
3+ 5 𝑖=(𝑎+𝑖𝑏)(1+𝑖) will be the same on each side
Find the real values of a and b  Compare them and form equations
1)𝑎− 𝑏=3
2)𝑎+𝑏=5
Add the equations
2 𝑎=8 together
Solve for a
𝑎= 4
Use a to find b
𝑏=1 1G
 Complex Numbers
You can solve problems
involving complex numbers
√ 3+4 𝑖=𝑎+𝑖𝑏
Square both sides
2
3+ 4 𝑖=( 𝑎+𝑖𝑏 ) Write as a double
Problems can be solved by equating
bracket
the real and imaginary parts of a
complex equation
3+ 4 𝑖=(𝑎+𝑖𝑏)(𝑎+𝑖𝑏) Multiply out the
bracket
2 2 2
 This technique can also be used
3+ 4 𝑖=𝑎 +𝑎𝑏𝑖+ 𝑎𝑏𝑖+𝑖 𝑏 Move real terms and
imaginary terms
to square root a number 2 2
3+ 4 𝑖=𝑎 −𝑏 + 2 𝑎𝑏𝑖 together

Find the square roots of 3 + 4i As the equations balance, the real and imaginary parts
will be the same on each side
 Let the square root of 3 + 4i be  Compare them and form equations
given by a + ib 1)𝑎 2 − 𝑏2 =3

2 𝑎𝑏=4
2)
Divide by 2
𝑎𝑏=2
2 Divide by a
𝑏=
𝑎
1G
 Complex Numbers
2
You can solve problems 1)𝑎 2 2
− 𝑏 =3 2) 𝑏=
involving complex numbers
𝑎
2 2
Problems can be solved by equating 𝑎 − 𝑏 =3 Replace b from

( )
the real and imaginary parts of a 2 the second
2 2
complex equation 𝑎 − =3 equation
𝑎
 This technique can also be used Square the
2 4 bracket
to square root a number 𝑎 − 2
=3
𝑎
Multiply each term by
Find the square roots of 3 + 4i 4 2
𝑎 − 4=3 𝑎 a2
Subtract 3a2
 Let the square root of 3 + 4i be 4 2
given by a + ib
𝑎 − 3 𝑎 − 4=0 You can factorise this like
you would a quadratic
( 𝑎2 − 4 )( 𝑎 2+ 1 )=0
𝑎 +𝑖𝑏 Each bracket can
give solutions
2 2
Use each pair of a and b to find the 𝑎 =4 𝑜𝑟 𝑎 =− 1 But we want the real
square roots
one so ignore x2 = -
2+𝑖 −2 −𝑖 𝑎=2𝑜𝑟 −2 Use these 1
to find their
𝑏=1 𝑜𝑟 − 1 corresponding b values
1G
 Teachings
for Exercise
1H
 REMINDER FROM BEFORE

Complex Numbers
2
You can find the complex 𝑥 +7 𝑥 +10=0
conjugate of a complex Factorise
number ( 𝑥+ 5)( 𝑥+ 2)=0
Solve
If the roots a and b of a quadratic 𝑅𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 −5 𝑎𝑛𝑑− 2
equation are complex, a and b will
always be a complex conjugate Add the roots together Multiply the roots
pair
( −5 ) +(− 2) ( −5 ) ×(− 2)
 You can find what a quadratic ¿ −7 ¿ 10
equation was by using its roots

 Let us start by considering a

Adding the Multiplying the
quadratic equation with real
roots gives the roots gives the
solutions…
negative of the ‘c’ term
‘b’ term

This will work every time!

 If you have the roots of a quadratic equation:
 Add them and reverse the sign to find the ‘b’ term
 Multiply them to find the ‘c’ term
1H
 REMINDER FROM BEFORE

Complex Numbers
You can find the complex Add the roots together
conjugate of a complex
number
( 3+ 5 𝑖 ) +( 3 −5 𝑖) Group
¿6 terms
Find the quadratic equation that ′ ′
has roots 3 + 5i and 3 – 5i 𝑆𝑜 𝑡h𝑒 ❑𝑏 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑠 −6

Multiply the roots

( 3+ 5 𝑖 ) (3 −5 𝑖) Multiply out brackets

2
¿ 9 +15 𝑖− 15 𝑖− 25 𝑖 Group the ‘i’ terms,
replace i2 with -1
¿ 9 − 25(− 1)
Simplify
¿ 34
′ ′
𝑆𝑜 𝑡h𝑒 ❑𝑐 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑠34
Now you have the b and c coefficients, you can write the
equation!
𝑇h𝑒𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑠 𝑡h𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒:
2
𝑥 −6 𝑥 +34=0 1H
 Complex Numbers
You can solve some types of
polynomial equation with real 7+ 2𝑖 7 − 2𝑖
coefficients
Add them together Multiply them
You have seen that if the roots of an
equation are complex, they occur as ( 7+ 2𝑖 )+(7 − 2 𝑖) ( 7+ 2𝑖 ) (7 −2 𝑖)
a complex conjugate pair
¿ 14 ¿ 49+14 𝑖 −14 𝑖− 4 𝑖
2

If you know one complex root of a ′ ′

𝑆𝑜 𝑡h𝑒 ❑𝑏 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑠 −14 ¿ 49 − 4(− 1)
quadratic equation, you can find the
whole equation itself ¿ 53
′ ′
7 + 2i is one of the roots of a 𝑆𝑜 𝑡h𝑒 ❑𝑐 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑠53
quadratic equation with real
coefficients. Find the equation.
Now you know b and c you can write the equation
 You can use a method from 2
earlier in the chapter for this type 𝑥 −14 𝑥 +53=0
of question

 If 7 + 2i is one root, the other

must be 7 – 2i

1H
 Complex Numbers
You can solve some types of 3 2
polynomial equation with real 𝑥 − 6 𝑥 +21 𝑥 −26=0
Sub in x = 2
coefficients
3 2
(2) −6 ( 2 ) + 21(2)− 26=0 Calculate
Show that x = 2 is a solution of terms
the cubic equation: 8 − 24+ 42 −26=0 The equation
3 2
𝑥 − 6 𝑥 +21 𝑥 −26=0 0= 0
balances

Hence, solve the equation

completely.
As subbing in a value of 2 makes the
equation balance, x = 2 must be a
solution

1H
 Complex Numbers
𝑥− 4 𝑥+13
You can solve some types of 2
polynomial equation with real
coefficients
𝑥 −2𝑥 3 − 6 𝑥2 +21 𝑥 −26
3 2
Show that x = 2 is a solution of
the cubic equation:
Divide x3 by x 𝑥 −2𝑥 -
Multiply the
− 4 𝑥+21 𝑥 −26
3 2 2
𝑥 − 6 𝑥 +21 𝑥 −26=0 divisor by the
answer and write 2
Hence, solve the equation
completely.
it beneath − 4 𝑥 +8 𝑥 -
Subtract this from

 As x = 2 is a solution, the
the original
equation
𝑥 26
13 −
equation must have (x – 2) as
a factor
Now divide -4x2 by
x
𝑥 26
13 − -
Multiply the divisor
 Divide the expression by (x – by this and 0
2) in order to help factorise it continue these
steps until you’re 3 2
finished! 𝑥 − 6 𝑥 +21 𝑥 −26
2
¿ ( 𝑥 −2)( 𝑥 − 4 𝑥 +13)
1H
 Complex Numbers
3 2
You can solve some types of
polynomial equation with real
𝑥 − 6 𝑥 +21 𝑥 −26=0
coefficients
( 𝑥 −2 ) ( 𝑥 2 − 4 𝑥 +13 )= 0
Show that x = 2 is a solution of Either this Or this
the cubic equation: bracket is 0 bracket is 0
3 2
𝑥 − 6 𝑥 +21 𝑥 −26=0
Hence, solve the equation 𝑥 −2=0 2
𝑥 − 4 𝑥 +13=0 Use
completely. completing
𝑥=2 ( 𝑥 − 2 )+
2
¿0
9 the square
 As x = 2 is a solution, the Subtract 9
equation must have (x – 2) as
We already ( 𝑥 −2 )2=− 9 Square
knew this
a factor root
solution!
𝑥 −2=± 3 𝑖
 Divide the expression by (x – Add 2
2) in order to help factorise it
𝑥=2 ± 3 𝑖
The solutions of the equation x3 – 6x2 + 21x – 26 = 0 are
𝑥=2 𝑥=2+3 𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥=2 −3 𝑖
1H
 Complex Numbers
You can solve some types of 3 2
polynomial equation with real 𝑥 − 𝑥 +3 𝑥+ 𝑘=0
Sub in x = -1
coefficients 3 2
(−1) − ( −1 ) + 3(− 1)+𝑘=0 Calculate
each part
Given that -1 is a root of the
equation:
−1 −1 −3 +𝑘=0
Rearrange to
3 2
𝑥 − 𝑥 +3 𝑥+ 𝑘=0 𝑘=5 fin d k

Find the other two roots of the

equation. We now know the actual
equation
3 2
 If we substitute -1 in, the 𝑥 − 𝑥 +3 𝑥+ 5=0
equation will balance…
3 2
𝑥 − 𝑥 +3 𝑥+ 5=0

1H
 Complex Numbers
You can solve some types of
polynomial equation with real
𝑥
𝑥−2 +5
2

coefficients
𝑥+ 1 3 2
𝑥 − 𝑥 +3 𝑥+ 5
3 2
Given that -1 is a root of the
equation:
Divide x3 by x 𝑥 +𝑥 -
Multiply the
𝑥 𝑥 +5
−2 +3
3 2 2
𝑥 − 𝑥 +3 𝑥+ 𝑘=0 divisor by the
answer and write 2
Find the other two roots of the
equation.
it beneath −2 𝑥 − 2 𝑥 -
Subtract this from

 We can now solve the

the original
equation
𝑥 5
5+
3 2
equation
𝑥 − 𝑥 +3 𝑥+ 5=0
Now divide -2x2 by
x
𝑥 5
5+ -
Multiply the divisor
 As -1 is a root, (x + 1) will be by this and 0
a factor of the equation continue these
steps until you’re 3 2
finished! 𝑥 − 𝑥 +3 𝑥+ 5
2
¿ ( 𝑥+1)( 𝑥 − 2 𝑥 +5)
1H
 Complex Numbers
3 2
You can solve some types of
polynomial equation with real
𝑥 − 𝑥 +3 𝑥+ 5= 0
coefficients
( 𝑥+ 1 ) ( 𝑥 2 − 2 𝑥 +5 )= 0
Given that -1 is a root of the Either this Or this
equation: bracket is 0 bracket is 0
3 2
𝑥 − 𝑥 +3 𝑥+ 𝑘=0
Find the other two roots of the 𝑥+ 1=0 2
𝑥 −2 𝑥+ 5= 0 Use
equation. completing
𝑥=−1 ( 𝑥 − 1 )+
2
¿0
4 the square
 We can now solve the Subtract 4
equation
We already ( 𝑥 −1 ) 2=− 4 Square
3 2 knew this
𝑥 − 𝑥 +3 𝑥+ 5=0 root
solution!
𝑥 −1=± 2 𝑖
Add 1
 As -1 is a root, (x + 1) will be
a factor of the equation
𝑥=1 ± 2𝑖
( 𝑥+ 1 ) ( 𝑥 2 − 2 𝑥 +5 )= 0
The solutions of the equation x3 – x2 + 3x + 5 = 0 are:
𝑥=−1𝑥=1+2 𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥=1 −2 𝑖
1H
 Complex Numbers
You can solve some types of
polynomial equation with real
coefficients

In a cubic equation, either:

 All 3 solutions are real
 One solution is real and the other 2 form a complex conjugate pair

1H
 Complex Numbers
You can solve some types of
polynomial equation with real
coefficients

You can also solve a quartic

equation using this method

 A quartic equation has an x

power of 4, and will have a
total of 4 roots

For a quartic equation, either:

 All 4 roots are real

 2 roots are real and 2 are

complex, forming a complex
conjugate pair

 All 4 roots are complex and

form 2 complex conjugate
pairs
1H
 Complex Numbers
You can solve some types of
polynomial equation with real
3+ 𝑖 3 −𝑖
coefficients
Add them together Multiply them
Given that 3 + i is a root of the ( 3+ 𝑖 ) +( 3 −𝑖) ( 3+ 𝑖 ) (3 −𝑖)
quartic equation:
4 3 2
¿6 ¿ 9 +3 𝑖 −3 𝑖 −𝑖
2

2 𝑥 − 3 𝑥 −39 𝑥 +120 𝑥 −50=0 ′ ′

¿ 9 −(− 1)
𝑆𝑜 𝑡h𝑒 ❑𝑏 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑠 −6
Solve the equation completely.
¿ 10
As one root is 3 + i, we know that ′ ′
another root will be 3 – i
𝑆𝑜 𝑡h𝑒 ❑𝑐 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑠10
Now you know b and c you can write an
 We can use these to find an expression that will divide into the original
expression which will factorise equation
2
into the original equation 𝑥 −6 𝑥 +10

1H
 Complex Numbers
2 𝑥+ 9 𝑥 − 5
You can solve some types of 2
polynomial equation with real
coefficients 2 4 3 2
𝑥 −6 𝑥 +102 𝑥 − 3 𝑥 −39 𝑥 + 120 𝑥 −50
4 3 2
Given that 3 + i is a root of the 2 𝑥 −12 𝑥 +20 𝑥
quartic equation:
9 𝑥−59 𝑥 +120 𝑥− 50
3 2
4 3 2
2 𝑥 − 3 𝑥 −39 𝑥 +120 𝑥 −50=0
9 𝑥−54 𝑥 + 90 𝑥
3 2
Solve the equation completely.

−5 𝑥 +30 𝑥− 50
2
As one root is 3 + i, we know that

−5 𝑥 +30 𝑥− 50
another root will be 3 – i 2

 We can use these to find an

expression which will factorise 0
into the original equation We have now factorised the original equation into
2 quadratics
2
𝑥 −6 𝑥 +10 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 4 3 2
2 𝑥 − 3 𝑥 −39 𝑥 +120 𝑥 −50
 Divide the original equation
2 2
by this! ¿ ( 𝑥 −6 𝑥 +10)(2 𝑥 + 9 𝑥 − 5)
1H
 Complex Numbers
You can solve some types of
polynomial equation with real
( 𝑥 2
− 6 𝑥+10 ) ( 2 𝑥2
+ 9 𝑥 − 5 ) =0
coefficients We already have We need to find
the solutions for the solutions for
Given that 3 + i is a root of the this bracket! this one!
quartic equation:
4 3 2
2 𝑥 − 3 𝑥 −39 𝑥 +120 𝑥 −50=0
3+ 𝑖 2
2 𝑥 + 9 𝑥 − 5=0
Factorise
Solve the equation completely.
3 −𝑖 (2 𝑥+1)( 𝑥 − 5)=0
As one root is 3 + i, we know that 1
𝑥=−
another root will be 3 – i 2𝑜𝑟
𝑥 =5
 We can use these to find an 4 3 2
expression which will factorise
2 𝑥 − 3 𝑥 −39 𝑥 +120 𝑥 −50=0
into the original equation
𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 :𝑥 =3+ 𝑖
2
𝑥 −6 𝑥 +10 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 All these will give
𝑥=3 −𝑖
 Divide the original equation the answer 0 when 1
by this!
𝑥=−
substituted in! 2
𝑥=5 1H
 Summary
• You have been introduced to imaginary and complex
numbers

• You have seen how these finally allow all quadratic equations
to be solved

• You have learnt how to show complex numbers on an Argand

diagram

• You have seen how to write the modulus-argument form of a

complex number

• You have also seen how to solve cubic and quartic equations
using complex numbers