omplex Numbe

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 Prior Knowledge Check
1) Simplify each of the 3) Find the solutions of ,
following: in the form
a) b) c)
𝟒 ± √ 𝟏𝟎
𝟓√𝟐 𝟔√𝟑 𝟔√𝟓
4) Write in the form
2) Determine the number where and are rational
of real roots of each numbers
equation.
a)
𝟎
𝟐 𝟐𝟖 𝟕 √ 𝟑
b) +
c)
𝟏 𝟏𝟑 𝟏𝟑
Teachings for
Exercise 1A/B
 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 ± √ 𝑏2 − 4 𝑎𝑐 The imaginary number ‘i’ can be
𝑥= combined with real numbers to
2𝑎 create ‘complex numbers’

The part under the square root sign is An example of a complex number
known as the ‘discriminant’, and can would be:
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/B
 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: 2) ( 2 −5 𝑖 ) −(5 −11 𝑖) ‘Multiply out’
𝑎 +𝑏𝑖 the bracket
¿ 2 −5 𝑖 −5 +11𝑖
Group terms
where: ¿ − 3+6 𝑖
𝑎∈ 𝑅 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏∈ 𝑅
3) 6 ( 1+ 3𝑖 )
Multiply out the
This means a and bracket
b are real numbers ¿ 6 +18 𝑖

1A/B
 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

√ −28 Split up into a

positive and negative

2) Write √-28 in terms of i

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

2
( 𝑥+ 3 )+16
2
¿0 the x-coefficient
𝑥 + 6 𝑥+25=0 Subtract 16
2
( 𝑥+ 3 ) =−16
Square root
 You can use one of two methods 𝑥+ 3=± √ − 16
for this Subtract 3
 Either ‘Completing the square’ 𝑥=−3 ± √− 16
or the Quadratic formula Split the root up
( 𝑥+ 3 ) 2
𝑥=−3 ± √16 √− 1
Imagine Simplify
( 𝑥+ 3)( 𝑥+ 3) squaring the 𝑥=−3 ± 4 𝑖
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,
whereas we need 25 – add 16 on! method!
1A/B
 Complex Numbers
You can use both real and The Quadratic formula
imaginary numbers to solve
equations −𝑏 ± √ 𝑏2 − 4 𝑎𝑐
𝑥=
2𝑎
Sub in
Solve
2 the equation:
𝑥 + 6 𝑥+25=0 −6 ± √ ( 6) −( 4 × 1× 25)
2 values
𝑥=
2(1) Calculate the part
under the root sign
−6 ± √ −64
 You can use one of two methods 𝑥=
for this 2
Split it up
 Either ‘Completing the square’ −6 ± √ 64 √ − 1
or the Quadratic formula 𝑥=
a=1 2 Simplify
b=6 −6 ± 8 𝑖 the roots
𝑥=
c = 25 2 Divide all
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/B
Teachings for
Exercise 1C
 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,
2 FOIL, smiley face etc)
Complex numbers can be ¿ 8 +12 𝑖+10 𝑖+15 𝑖
multiplied using the same 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 ¿ −7 +22 𝑖
𝑖=√ −1
to simplify powers of i:

2
𝑖 =−1

1C
 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
¿ 49 −56 𝑖+16 (−1) -1
You can also use the following rule Simplify
𝑖=√ −1 ¿ 33 − 56 𝑖
to simplify powers of i:

2
𝑖 =−1

1C
 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
𝑖=√ −1
to simplify powers of i:
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

1C
 Complex Numbers
You can multiply complex Simplify:
numbers and simplify powers 3
of i 1) 𝑖
Split up
2
¿ 𝑖 ×𝑖
Complex numbers can be Replace i2 with -1
multiplied using the same
techniques as used in algebra.
¿ −1 ×𝑖
Simplify
¿ −𝑖
You can also use the following rule
𝑖=√ −1
to simplify powers of i: 4
2) 𝑖
Split up
2 2 2
𝑖 =−1 ¿ 𝑖 ×𝑖
Replace the i2 terms with -1
¿ −1 ×− 1
Simplify
¿1

1C
 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
¿ 2 ×𝑖 5
Complex numbers can be 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
¿ 3 2 ×− 1× −1 ×𝑖
Simplify
You can also use the following rule
¿32𝑖
𝑖=√ −1
to simplify powers of i:

2
𝑖 =−1

1C
Teachings for
Exercise 1D
 Complex Numbers
You can find the complex conjugate Write down the complex conjugate of:
of a complex number
a) 2+3 𝑖 Reverse the sign of
You can write down the complex
conjugate of a complex number, and it ¿ 2 −3 𝑖 the imaginary term
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
¿ 5+ 2𝑖

Then the complex conjugate is: c) 1 −𝑖 √ 5 Reverse the sign of

¿ 1+𝑖 √ 5 the imaginary term

(You just reverse the sign of the imaginary

part!)

Together, these are known as a complex

conjugate pair
1D
 Complex Numbers
You can find the complex ∗
conjugate of a complex
𝑧+𝑧
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
Replace z and z*

 z* = 2 + 7i
¿ ( 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

1D
 Complex Numbers
You can find the complex ∗
conjugate of a complex
𝑧+𝑧
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
∗
𝑧𝑧
Replace z and z*
 z* = 2√2 - i√2
¿ ( 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

1D
 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
¿
Write the following in the form (1+2 𝑖)( 1− 2𝑖)
(10+ 5 𝑖) Expand both
10+5 𝑖 −20 𝑖 −10 𝑖 2 brackets
(1+ 2𝑖) ¿
1+2 𝑖− 2𝑖 − 4 𝑖 2 Group i terms, replace the
i2 terms with -1 (use
With divisions you will need to 10 −15 𝑖 −10( −1) brackets to avoid
multiply both the numerator and ¿ mistakes)
denominator by the complex 1 − 4(− 1)
conjugate of the denominator Simplify
20 −15 𝑖 terms
¿
5
(This is effectively the same as Divide by 5
rationalising when surds are
involved!)
¿ 4 − 3𝑖

1D
 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
¿
Write the following in the form ( 2− 3 𝑖)( 2+3 𝑖)
(5 +4 𝑖) Expand both
10+ 8𝑖 +15 𝑖+12 𝑖
2 brackets
(2 −3 𝑖) ¿ 2
4+ 6 𝑖− 6 𝑖 −9 𝑖 Group i terms, replace the
i2 terms with -1 (use
With divisions you will need to 10+23 𝑖+ 12(−1) brackets to avoid
multiply both the numerator and ¿ mistakes)
denominator by the complex 4 −9 (−1)
conjugate of the denominator Simplify
−2+ 23𝑖 terms
¿
13 Split into two parts (this is
(This is effectively the same as useful for later topics!)
rationalising when surds are 2 23
involved!) ¿− + 𝑖
13 13

1D
Teachings for
Exercise 1E
 Complex Numbers
You can find the complex 2
conjugate of a complex
𝑥 +7 𝑥 +10=0
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

Adding the Multiplying the

 Let us start by considering a roots gives the roots gives the
quadratic equation with real negative of the ‘c’ term
solutions…
‘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
1E
 Complex Numbers
You can find the complex 2
conjugate of a complex
𝑥 + 2 𝑥 − 24=0
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

Adding the Multiplying the

 Let us start by considering a roots gives the roots gives the
quadratic equation with real negative of the ‘c’ term
solutions…
‘b’ term

1E
 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’ term is -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’ term is 34
Now you have the b and c coefficients, you can write the
equation!
𝑇h𝑒𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑠 𝑡h𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒:
2
𝑥 −6 𝑥 +34=0 1E
Teachings for
Exercise 1F
 Complex Numbers
You can solve some types of 3 2
polynomial equation with real 𝑥 − 𝑥 +3 𝑥+ 𝑘=0
coefficients Sub in x = -1
3 2
(−1) − ( −1 ) + 3(− 1)+𝑘=0 Calculate
each part
Given that -1 is a root of the −1 −1 −3 +𝑘=0
equation: Rearrange to
3 2
𝑥 − 𝑥 +3 𝑥+ 𝑘=0 𝑘=5 fin d k

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

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

1F
 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
1F
 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:
¿6 ¿ 9 +3 𝑖 −3 𝑖 −𝑖
2
4 3 2
2 𝑥 − 3 𝑥 −39 𝑥 +120 𝑥 −50=0 𝑆𝑜 𝑡h𝑒 ❑′ 𝑏′ 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑠 −6 ¿ 9 −(− 1)
Solve the equation completely. ¿ 10
′ ′
𝑆𝑜 𝑡h𝑒 ❑𝑐 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑠10
As one root is 3 + i, we know that
another root will be 3 – i Now you know b and c you can write an
expression that will divide into the original
2 equation
 We can use these to find an 𝑥 −6 𝑥 +10
expression which will factorise
into the original equation

1F
 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
4 3 2 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

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

 We can use these to find an 0

expression which will factorise We have now factorised the original equation into
2into the original equation 2 quadratics
𝑥 −6 𝑥 +10 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 4 3 2
2 𝑥 − 3 𝑥 −39 𝑥 +120 𝑥 −50
2 2
¿ ( 𝑥 −6 𝑥 +10)(2 𝑥 + 9 𝑥 − 5)
 Divide the original equation by
this!
1F
 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
3 −𝑖 (2 𝑥 −1)( 𝑥+ 5)=0
Solve the equation completely.

1
𝑥=
As one root is 3 + i, we know that
another root will be 3 – i 2𝑜𝑟
𝑥=−5
4 3 2
 We can use these to find an
2 𝑥 − 3 𝑥 −39 𝑥 +120 𝑥 −50=0
expression which will factorise into
2
the original equation 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 :𝑥 =3+ 𝑖
𝑥 −6 𝑥 +10 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑥=3 −𝑖
All these will give
the answer 0 when 1
𝑥=
 Divide the original equation by substituted in! 2
this!
𝑥=−5 1F