3

Complex numbers
EC
TE
D

3.1 Kick off with CAS

PA
G
E
PR
O
FS
O
3.2 Complex numbers in rectangular form
R

3.3 Complex numbers in polar form

R

3.4 Solving polynomial equations

O

3.5 Subsets of the complex plane: circles, lines and rays

C

3.6 Roots of complex numbers

N

3.7 Review
U

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 130 18/08/15 7:10 PM

 3.1 Kick off with CAS
Exploring complex numbers with CAS
Complex numbers will be studied in greater depth throughout this topic. Complex
numbers arise when solving quadratic equations with negative discriminants. Using
CAS syntax
csolve (equation = 0, z), solve each of the following quadratic equations, expressing
the answers as complex numbers in the form z = a + bi. Can you predict the

FS
relationship between the roots as complex numbers and the coefficients of the
quadratic equation?
a z2 − 2z + 2 = 0

O
b z2 + 2z + 5 = 0

O
c z2 − 4z + 5 = 0

PR
d z2 + 4z + 8 = 0
e z2 − 6z + 10 = 0
f z2 + 6z + 13 = 0

E
g z2 − 8z + 17 = 0
h z2 + 8z + 20 = 0
G
PA
i Determine the quadratic equation that has z = 5 ± i as its roots.
j Determine the quadratic equation that has z = −5 ± 2i as its roots.
D
TE
EC
R
R
O
C
N
U

Please refer to the Resources tab in the Prelims section of your eBookPlUs for a comprehensive
step-by-step guide on how to use your CAS technology.

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 131 18/08/15 7:10 PM

 3.2 Complex numbers in rectangular form
You may have covered complex numbers in Year 11. This section is a review of the
relevant content.
The complex number system is an extension of the real number system. Complex
numbers are numbers that involve the number i, known as the imaginary unit.
The imaginary unit i is defined as i2 = −1. This means that equations involving the
solution to x2 = −1 can now be found in terms of i.

WorKED a Find !−25.

1

FS
ExAmplE
b Solve the equation z2 + 25 = 0 for z.

THINK WRITE

O
a 1 Rewrite the surd as a product in terms of i. a !−25 = !−1 × 25

O
= "25i2

PR
2 Simplify and state the answer. Note that there !−25 = 5i
is only one solution.
z2 + 25 = 0

E
b 1 Method 1 b
We cannot factorise the sum of two squares. z2 − (−25) = 0
Rewrite the equation as the difference of
G
PA
two squares.
2 Substitute i2 = −1. z2 − 25i2 = 0
z2 − (5i)2 = 0
D

(z + 5i)(z − 5i) = 0
TE

3 Factorise as the difference of two squares.

4 Use the Null Factor Theorem to state the z = ±5i
EC

two solutions.
1 Method 2 z2 = −25
Rearrange to make z the subject. = 25i2
R

2 Take the square root of both sides. z = ±"25i2

R

3 State the two answers. z = ±5i

O
C

solving quadratic equations

N

Consider the quadratic equation az2 + bz + c = 0, where the coefficients a, b and c

U

AOS 2
are real. Recall that the roots of a quadratic equation depend upon the value of the
Topic 2
discriminant, Δ = b2 − 4ac.
Concept 1
If Δ > 0, the equation has two distinct real roots.
The complex
number system, C If Δ = 0, the equation has one real repeated root.
Concept summary
Practice questions With the introduction of complex numbers, it can now be stated that if Δ < 0, then
the equation has one pair of complex conjugate roots.

132 mAThs QuEsT 12 spECIAlIsT mAThEmATICs VCE units 3 and 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 132 18/08/15 7:10 PM

 WorKED
2 Solve for z if z2 + 4z + 13 = 0.
ExAmplE

THINK WRITE
1 Method 1 z2 + 4z + 13 = 0
Complete the square. z2 + 4z + 4 = −13 + 4
(z + 2) 2 = −9
2 Substitute i2 = −1. (z + 2) 2 = 9i2
3 Take the square root of both sides. z + 2 = ±3i

FS
4 State the two solutions. z = −2 ± 3i
1 Method 2 z2 + 4z + 13 = 0

O
Determine the coefficients for the a = 1, b = 4, c = 13
quadratic formula.

O
2 Find the discriminant. Δ = b2 − 4ac

PR
Δ = 42 − 4 × 1 × 13
= −36
3 Find the square root of the discriminant. "Δ = "−36 = "36i2

E
= 6i

4 Use the quadratic formula to solve for z. G z=

−b ± !Δ
PA
2a
−4 ± 6i
z=
2
D

5 Simplify and state the two solutions. z = −2 ± 3i

TE

Complex numbers in rectangular form

A general complex number is represented by z and defined as z = x + yi, where x and
EC

y ∈ R, and z ∈ C, where C is used to denote the set of complex numbers (in the same
AOS 2 way that R denotes the set of real numbers). Note that z = x + yi is one single number
R

Topic 2 but is composed of two parts: a real part and an imaginary complex part. The real part
Concept 3 is written as Re(z) = x and the imaginary part is written as Im(z) = y.
R

Operations using A complex number in the form z = x + yi, where both x and y are real numbers, is
O

complex numbers
Concept summary called the Cartesian form or rectangular form of a complex number. Throughout this
C

Practice questions topic, it is assumed that all equations are solved over C.
N

operations on complex numbers in rectangular form

U

Addition and subtraction

When adding or subtracting complex numbers in rectangular form, add or subtract the
real and imaginary parts separately.

multiplication by a constant
When a complex number is multiplied by a constant, both the real and imaginary
parts are multiplied by the constant.
If z = x + yi and k ∈ R, then kz = k(x + yi) = kx + kyi.

Topic 3 ComplEx numbErs 133

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 133 18/08/15 7:10 PM

 WorKED Given the complex numbers u = 2 − 5i and v = −3 + 2i, find the complex
ExAmplE 3
numbers:
a u+v b u−v c 2u − 3v.

THINK WRITE
a 1 Substitute for u and v. a u + v = (2 − 5i) + (−3 + 2i)
2 Group the real and imaginary parts. = (2 − 3) + i(−5 + 2)
3 Using the rules, state the final result. = −1 − 3i
b 1 Substitute for u and v. b u − v = (2 − 5i) − (−3 + 2i)

FS
2 Group the real and imaginary parts. = (2 + 3) + i(−5 − 2)
3 Using the rules, state the final result. = 5 − 7i

O
c 1 Substitute for u and v. c 2u − 3v = 2(2 − 5i) − 3(−3 + 2i)

O
2 Expand by multiplying by the constants. = (4 − 10i) − (−9 + 6i)

PR
3 Group the real and imaginary parts. = (4 + 9) + i(−10 − 6)
4 Using the rules, state the final result. = 13 − 16i

E
Argand diagrams
G
PA
Complex numbers cannot be represented on a traditional Im(z)
Cartesian diagram because of their imaginary part. However, 3
AOS 2 a similar plane was created by the Swiss mathematician 2
Jean-Robert Argand (1768–1822). It is called an Argand
D

Topic 2 1
Concept 2 plane or Argand diagram, and it allows complex numbers
–3 –2–1 0 1 2 3 Re(z)
TE

Argand diagrams to be represented visually. –1

Concept summary –2
Practice questions
Because a complex number has two parts, a real part and –3
EC

an imaginary part, the horizontal axis is called the real axis

and the vertical axis is called the imaginary axis. A complex number z = x + yi is
represented by the equivalent point (x, y) in a Cartesian coordinate system. Note that
R

the imaginary axis is labelled 1, 2, 3 etc., not i, 2i, 3i etc.

R

Geometrical representation of operations on

O

complex numbers
C

scalar multiplication of complex numbers

N

If z = x + yi, then kz = kx + kyi, where k ∈ R. The diagram below shows the situation
for x > 0, y > 0 and k > 1.
U

Im(z)

ky kz

y z

0 x kx Re(z)

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 Addition of complex numbers
If z1 = x1 + y1i and z2 = x2 + y2i, then Im(z)
z1 + z2 = (x1 + x2) + (y1 + y2)i. This can be y1 + y2 z1 + z2
represented by a directed line segment from the
z2
origin (the point 0 + 0i) to the points z1 and z2. The y2
addition of two complex numbers can be achieved
using the same procedure as adding two vectors. y1 z1

0 x2 x1 x1 + x2 Re(z)

FS
subtraction of complex numbers

O
If z1 = x1 + y1i and z2 = x2 + y2i, then Im(z)
z1 − z2 = z1 + (−z2)

O
z2
= (x1 + y1i) − (x2 + y2i)

PR
= (x1 − x2) + (y1 − y2)i
z1

The subtraction of two complex numbers can be

0 Re(z)

E
achieved using the same procedure as subtracting
two vectors. z1 – z2

G –z2
PA
multiplication of complex numbers
D

To multiply complex numbers in rectangular form, proceed as in conventional algebra

TE

and replace i2 with –1 when it appears.

EC

WorKED Given the complex numbers u = 2 − 5i and v = −3 + 2i, find the complex
ExAmplE 4
numbers:
R

a uv b u2.
R

THINK WRITE
O

a 1 Substitute for u and v. a uv = (2 − 5i)(−3 + 2i)

C

2 Expand the brackets using the distributive law. = −6 + 15i + 4i − 10i2

N

3 Simplify and replace i2 by −1 and group the real = −6 + 10 + i(4 + 15)

and imaginary parts.
U

4 Simplify and state the final result. uv = 4 + 19i

b 1 Substitute for u. b u2 = (2 − 5i)2
2 Expand. = 4 − 20i + 25i2
3 Replace i2 with −1. = 4 − 20i − 25
4 Simplify and state the final result. u2 = −21 − 20i

Topic 3 ComplEx numbErs 135

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 135 18/08/15 7:10 PM

 multiplication of complex numbers in general
In general, if z1 = a + bi and z2 = c + di where a, b, c and d ∈ R, then:
z1z2 = (a + bi)(c + di)
= ac + bci + adi + bdi2
= ac + (ad + bc)i − bd
= ac − bd + (ad + bc)i

WorKED Given the complex numbers u = 2 − 5i and v = 2 + 5i, find:

ExAmplE 5
a Re(uv) b Im(uv).

FS
THINK WRITE
1 Substitute for u and v. uv = (2 − 5i)(2 + 5i)

O
2 Expand the brackets. = 4 − 10i + 10i − 25i2

O
3 Simplify and replace i2 by −1. = 29

PR
a State the real part. a Re(uv) = 29
b State the imaginary part. b Im(uv) = 0

E
Complex conjugates
G
In Worked example 5, the complex numbers u and v Im(z)
PA
have the property that the imaginary part of their
AOS 2 products is zero. Such numbers are called complex y z
Topic 2 conjugates of each other.
D

Concept 4
In general, if z = x + yi, the conjugate of z is
Division of denoted by z (read as z bar), and z = x − yi.
TE

complex numbers 0 x Re(z)

and the complex That is, the complex conjugate of a number is
conjugate simply obtained by changing the sign of the
EC

Concept summary
Practice questions
imaginary part.
–y z
zz = (x + yi)(x − yi)
= x2 − xyi + xyi − y2i2
R

= x2 + y2
R

so that Re(zz) = x2 + y2 and Im(zz) = 0.

O

From the diagram above right it can be seen that z is the reflection of the complex
C

number z in the real axis.

N

Division of complex numbers

U

The conjugate is useful in division of complex numbers, because both the numerator
and denominator can be multiplied by the conjugate of the denominator. Hence, the
complex number can be replaced with a real number in the denominator. This process
is similar to rationalising the denominator to remove surds.

WorKED Given the complex numbers u = 2 − 5i and v = −3 + 2i, find the complex
ExAmplE 6
numbers:
u
a u−1 b .
v

136 mAThs QuEsT 12 spECIAlIsT mAThEmATICs VCE units 3 and 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 136 18/08/15 7:10 PM

 THINK WRITE

a 1 Find the multiplicative inverse and substitute for u. a u−1 =

1
u
1
=
2 − 5i
1 2 + 5i
2 Multiply both the numerator and the denominator = ×
by the conjugate of the denominator. 2 − 5i 2 + 5i
2 + 5i
3 Simplify the denominator. =
4 − 25i2
2 + 5i

FS
4 Replace i2 with −1. =
29
2 5
5 State the final answer in x + yi form. = + i

O
29 29
2 − 5i

O
u
b 1 Substitute for u and v. b =
v −3 + 2i

PR
2 − 5i −3 − 2i
2 Multiply both the numerator and the denominator = ×
by the conjugate of the denominator. −3 + 2i −3 − 2i
−6 + 15i − 4i + 10i2

E
3 Expand the expression in both the numerator and =
9 − 4i2
the denominator.
G −6 + 11i − 10
PA
4 Simplify and replace i2 with −1. =
9+4
16 11
5 State the final answer in x + yi form. =− + i
13 13
D
TE

General division of complex numbers

EC

In general, if z1 = a + bi and z2 = c + di where a, b, c and d ∈ R, then:

z1 z1 z2
= ×
z2 z2 z2
R

a + bi c − di
= ×
R

c + di c − di
O

ac + bci − adi − bdi2

=
c2 − d2i2
C

ac + bd + (bc − ad)i
=
N

c2 + d2
U

ac + bd bc − ad
= 2 +a 2 bi
c +d 2
c + d2

Equality of complex numbers

Two complex numbers are equal if and only if their real parts and their imaginary
parts are both equal. For example, if 5 + yi = x − 3i, then from equating the real part,
we find that x = 5, and from equating the imaginary part, we find that y = −3.

Topic 3  Complex numbers  137

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 137 18/08/15 7:10 PM

 WORKED Find the values of x and y if 2x + 5iy
i − 3ix
iy i − 4y
ix 4 = 16 − 21i.
EXAMPLE 7

THINK WRITE
1 Group the real and imaginary parts. 2x + 5iy − 3ix − 4y = 16 − 21i
2x − 4y + i(5y − 3x) = 16 − 21i
2 Equate the real and imaginary components. 2x − 4y = 16 (1)
5y − 3x = −21 (2)
3 Solve the simultaneous equations by 6x − 12y = 48 3 × (1)

FS
elimination. 10y − 6x = −42 2 × (2)
4 Add the equations to eliminate x. 3 × (1) + 2 × (2):

O
−2y = 6

O
5 Solve for y. y = −3

PR
6 Substitute and solve for x. 2x = 16 + 4y
2x = 16 − 12
2x = 4
x=2

E
G
Solving equations involving complex numbers
PA
To solve an equation involving a complex number, rearrange the equation to find the
unknown quantity, then use the same rules and strategies as when solving equations
with real coefficients.
D
TE

WORKED 3(z + 2)
EXAMPLE 8 Find the complex number z if = 5 − 2i.
z + 2i
EC

THINK WRITE
3(z + 2)
= 5 − 2i
R

1 Multiply both sides by the expression in the

z + 2i
denominator.
R

3(z + 2) = (5 − 2i)(z + 2i)

3z + 6 = 5z + 10i − 2iz − 4i2
O

2 Expand the brackets on both sides of

the equation.
C

3 Replace i2 with −1. 3z + 6 = 5z + 10i − 2iz + 4

N

4 Collect all terms containing z on one side of 2 − 10i = 2z − 2iz

U

the equation.
5 Isolate z by taking out the common factors. 2(1 − 5i) = 2z(1 − i)
1 − 5i
6 Solve for z. z=
1−i
1 − 5i 1 + i
7 Multiply both the numerator and the z= ×
denominator by the conjugate of the 1−i 1+i
denominator.

138 MATHS QUEST 12 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS VCE Units 3 and 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 138 19/08/15 10:00 AM

 1 + i − 5i − 5i2
8 Expand the numerator and denominator. z=
1 − i2
6 − 4i
9 Replace i2 with −1. z=
2
10 Express the complex number in x + yi form. z = 3 − 2i

powers of i
As i2 = −1, it follows that
i3 = i × i2 = −i,
i4 = (i2) 2 = (−1) 2 = 1

FS
and i5 = i × i4 = i.
A pattern can be seen for repetitions of the powers of i. Any even power of i will

O
give ±1, while any odd power of i will give ±i.

O
PR
WorKED 26
ExAmplE 9 Find Ima + i69 b.
−3 + 2i

E
THINK WRITE

1 Realise the denominator and group Ima

G26
−3 + 2i
+ i69 b = Ima
26
×
−3 − 2i
−3 + 2i −3 − 2i
+ i17×4+1 b
PA
the power of i as multiples of i4
using index laws.
−26 1 3 + 2i 2
= Ima + 1 i4 2 17ib
D

2 Expand the expression in the

denominator and use index laws on 9− 4i2
TE

the power of i.
−26 1 3 + 2i 2
3 Simplify and replace i2 with −1 = Ima + 1 1 2 17ib
EC

and i4 with 1. 13

4 Simplify. = Im(−2(3 + 2i) + i)

R

= Im(−6 − 4i + i)
R

5 The imaginary part is the coefficient = Im(−6 − 3i)

O

of the i term. State the final result. = −3

C
N

multiplication by i
If z = x + yi, then iz is given by
U

Im(z)
iz = i(x + yi) iz x
y z
= ix + i2y
= −y + xi

The complex number iz is a rotation of z by 90° y 0 x Re(z)

anticlockwise.

Topic 3 ComplEx numbErs 139

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 WORKED Given the complex number z = 2 + 3i, represent the complex numbers z, 2z, z 
EXAMPLE 10
and iz
i on one Argand diagram. Comment on their relative positions.

THINK WRITE/DRAW
z = 2 + 3i Im(z)
2z = 4 + 6i 6 2z
z = 2 − 3i 5
iz = i(2 + 3i) 4
= 2i + 3i2 3 z
iz 2
= −3 + 2i
1

FS
–6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Re(z)
–1
–2

O
–3 z
–4

O
–5
–6

PR
The complex number 2z is twice the length of z, the complex
conjugate z is the reflection of the complex number in the

E
real axis, and the complex number iz is a rotation of 90°
anticlockwise from z.
G
PA
EXERCISE 3.2 Complex numbers in rectangular form
D

1 WE1 a Find !−64.

PRACTISE
TE

b Solve the equation z2 + 64 = 0 for z.

2 a Find !−18.
b Solve the equation z2 + 18 = 0 for z.
EC

3 WE2 Solve for z if z2 − 8z + 41 = 0.

15
4 Solve for z if (z − 4)(z + 1) + = 0.
R

2
Given the complex numbers u = 3 − i and v = 4 − 3i, find the
R

5 WE3

complex numbers:
O

a u+v b u−v c 3u − 2v.

C

6 Solve for z if 2z + 3 − 4i = 7 + 6i.

N

7 WE4Given the complex numbers u = 3 − i and v = 4 − 3i, find the

U

complex numbers:
a uv b v2.
8 Given the complex numbers u = 1 + 3i and v = 3 + 4i, find the
complex numbers:
a (u − v)2 b (3u − 2v)2.
9 WE5 Given the complex numbers u = 3 − i and v = 3 + i, find:
a Re(uv) b Im(uv).
10 If v = −4 − 3i and Im(uv) = 0, find the complex number u.

140 MATHS QUEST 12 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS VCE Units 3 and 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 140 18/08/15 7:18 PM

 11 WE6Given the complex numbers u = 3 − i and v = 4 − 3i, find the
complex numbers:
u
a u−1 b .
v
12 Given the complex numbers u = 1 + 3i and v = 3 + 4i, find the
u+v
complex number .
u−v
13 WE7 Find the values of x and y if 4x − 2iy + 3ix − 4y = −6 − i.
14 Find the values of x and y if (x + yi)(3 − 2i) = 6 − i.
z−i
15 WE8 Find the complex number z if = 2 + i.
z+i

FS
5(z + 2i)
16 Determine the complex number z if = 11 − 2i.
z−2

O
25
17 WE9 Find Ima + i77 b.
4 − 3i

O
10

PR
18 Find Rea + i96 b.
1 + 3i
19 WE10 Given the complex number z = −2 − i, represent the complex numbers z,

E
3z, z and iz on one Argand diagram. Comment on their relative positions.

G
20 Given the complex numbers u = 1 − 2i and v = 2 + i, represent the complex
numbers u + v and u − v on one Argand diagram.
PA
21 Simplify each of the following.
Consolidate
10 i3 −7i6 !−18
a b c
D

!−25 !−49 3i9

−!−75 1 −!−72
TE

d e f
10
i !−8 4i6
22 If z = 5 − 3i, then find the following in a + bi form.
EC

a z b z z c z−1
z+i
d z2 e (z − z)2 f
z−3
R

23 Find the following.

R

a Im(4(2 + 3i) + i13) b Re ( 10 ( 4 − 3i ) + 2i18 )

c Re ( −5 ( 3 + 2i ) 2 − 4i28 ) d Im(−3(7 + 4i) 2 − 5i15)
O

4 10
e Ima + i13 b f Rea + 2i18 b
C

2 + 3i 4 − 3i
N

24 Solve each of the following for z.

a z2 − 49 = 0 b z2 + 49 = 0
U

c 4z2 + 9 = 0 d 3z2 + 25 = 0
e 2z2 + 81 = 0 f az2 + b = 0 if ab > 0
25 Find the roots of each of the following.
a z2 − 8z + 41 = 0 b z2 − 4z + 9 = 0
c 2z2 − 8z + 11 = 0 d 3z2 − 2z + 1 = 0
e 4z2 − 6z + 3 = 0 f 5z2 + 4z + 2 = 0
26 Solve for z given that:
34
a (z + 5)(z − 1) + 10 = 0 b z =
10 − z

Topic 3  Complex numbers  141

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 141 18/08/15 7:11 PM

 c z +
74
=0 1 z + 16
d + =0
z − 14 z 73
27 Given that u = 2 − 5i and v = 4 + 3i, find each of the following, giving your
answer in rectangular form.
u u−1
a 3u − 2v b uv c d (v − u)2 e
v v−i
28 Solve each of the following for z.
z+3 z+2
a = 1 + 3i b =3+i
z − 3i z−i
z−3 z−4
c =1−i d =2+i
z + 2i z − 2i

FS
29 Find the values of x and y if:
a x(1 − 2i) + y(3 + 5i) = −11i b x(4 + 3i) + y(6 − 5i) = 38

O
c x + yi 3 + 5i = 4
( )( ) d (x + yi)(6 − 5i) = 2 − 3i.
30 Solve each of the following for z.

O
a z2 + 4iz + 12 = 0 b z2 − 6iz + 16 = 0

PR
c z2 − 3iz + 4 = 0 d z2 + 5iz − 6 = 0
31 a Show that (1 − 2i)2 = −3 − 4i and hence solve z2 − 8z + 19 + 4i = 0.
Master
b Show that (1 + 6i)2 = −35 + 12i and hence solve z2 − 9z + 29 − 3i = 0.

E
c Show that (3 + 5i)2 = −16 + 30i and hence solve z2 + (i − 7)z + 16 − 11i = 0.

G
d Show that (6 + 7i)2 = −13 + 84i and hence solve z2 + (i − 8)z + 19 − 25i = 0.
32 a If u = 1 + i, find:
PA
i u2 ii u3 iii u4.
b If u = 3 − 4i, find:
D

i u2 ii u3 iii u4.
c If u = a + bi, find:
TE

i u2 ii u3 iii u4.

3.3
EC

Complex numbers in polar form

Polar form
R

Modulus of a complex number

R

The form z = x + yi is called the Cartesian form Im(z)

or rectangular form of a complex number. This is P(x, y)
O

only one of several possible representations of a z = x + iy

C

|z|
complex number. y
N

Another way in which complex numbers can θ

be represented is polar form. This form has two O x
U

Re(z)
parts: the modulus and the argument.
To demonstrate this form, let us designate the
point P as the complex number z = x + yi with
coordinates (x, y). The length, magnitude or
modulus of the complex number is the distance
from the origin, O (the point 0 + 0i) to the point P. This distance is represented as
OP = ∣z∣ = ∣x + yi∣ = "x2 + y2, using Pythagoras’ theorem. It is also often given by
r = ∣z∣ = ∣x + yi∣ = "x2 + y2. Note that this distance is always a positive real number.

142 Maths Quest 12 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS  VCE Units 3 and 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 142 18/08/15 7:11 PM

 Argument of a complex number
The angle θ that the line segment OP makes with the positive real axis is called the
argument of z and is denoted by arg(z). The argument is also known as the phase
AOS 2 angle. Usually this angle is given in radians, as multiples of π, although it can also be
Topic 2 given in degrees and minutes. Angles measured anticlockwise from the real axis are
Concept 5 positive angles, and angles measured clockwise from the real axis are negative angles.
Polar form One problem that arises when using angles is that the angle is not unique, because
(modulus and
argument) of any integer multiple of 2π radians (or 360°) can be added or subtracted to any angle
complex numbers to get the same result on the Argand plane. The principal value is defined to be the
Concept summary
Practice questions
angle Arg(z) where −π < Arg(z) ≤ π. (The capital A is important here to distinguish
the principal value from the general value.)

FS
When determining the polar form of a complex number, we must carefully consider
the quadrant in which the complex number lies to determine the correct angle and

O
value of Arg(z).

O
Recall that r = "x2 + y2.
Also recall that x = r cos(θ) (1) and y = r sin(θ) (2).

PR
r sin(θ) y (2)
=
r cos(θ) x (1)

E
y
tan(θ) =

y
x
G
PA
Therefore, θ = Arg(z) = tan−1 a b
x
This result only gives the correct angle in the first and fourth quadrants. It does not
D

produce the correct angle in the second and third quadrants.

TE

Expressing a complex number in terms of r and θ

To express a complex number in polar form:
EC

z = r cos(θ) + ir sin(θ)
z = r (cos(θ) + i sin(θ))
z = r cis(θ)
R

where ‘cis’ is just a mathematically commonly used shorthand for ‘cos + i sin’.
R
O

Conversions
C

Rectangular to polar form

N

Given a complex number in rectangular form, that is given the values of x and y, the
values of r and θ must be found to convert the rectangular form to polar form, that is
U

from R → P or (x, y) → [r, θ].

WORKED Convert each of the following complex numbers to polar form.

EXAMPLE 11
a 1+i b − !3
! +i c −4 − 4i
d 1 − !3
! i e −5 f 3i

Topic 3 COMPLEX NUMBERS 143

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 143 18/08/15 7:23 PM

 THINK WRITE/DRAW
a 1 Draw the complex number on an a z=1+i
Argand diagram. This complex number is in the first quadrant.
Im(z)

z = 1+i
1
2
π
–
4

–1 0 1 Re(z)

FS
–1

O
2 Identify the real and imaginary parts. x = Re(z) = 1 and y = Im(z) = 1

O
3 Find the modulus. ∣z∣ = "x2 + y2

PR
= "12 + 12
= !2
4 Find the argument. θ = Arg(z)

E
y

G
= tan−1 a b
x
PA
−1
= tan (1)
π
=
4
D

5 State the complex number in polar form. z=1+i

= !2 cis aπ b
TE

4
b 1 Draw the complex number on an b z = −!3 + i
EC

Argand diagram. This complex number is in the second quadrant.

Im(z)
R

z = – 3+i
3
R

1
2
O

5π
––
6
C

–2 –1 0 1 2Re(z)
N

–1
U

2 Identify the real and imaginary parts. x = Re(z) = −!3 and y = Im(z) = 1

3 Find the modulus. ∣z∣ = "x2 + y2

= #(−!3)2 + 12
=2

144 Maths Quest 12 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS  VCE Units 3 and 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 144 18/08/15 7:11 PM

 4 Find the argument. θ = Arg(z)
1
= π + tan−1 a− b
!3
π
=π−
6
5π
=
6
5π
5 State the complex number in polar form. z = 2 cisa b
6
c 1 Draw the complex number on an c z = −4 − 4i

FS
Argand diagram. This complex number is in the third quadrant.
Im(z)

O
4
3

O
2
1

PR
–4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 Re(z)
–1 3π
4 2 –2 ––
4
–3

E
–4
z = –4 – 4i

2 Identify the real and imaginary parts. G

x = Re(z) = −4 and y = Im(z) = −4
PA
3 Find the modulus. ∣z∣ = "x2 + y2
= "(−4)2 + (−4)2
D

= 4 !2
TE

4 Find the argument. θ = Arg(z)

= −π + tan−1(1)
π
EC

= −π +
4
3π
=−
R

4
3π
R

5 State the complex number in polar form. z = 4 !2 cis a− b

4
O

d 1 Draw the complex number on an d z = 1 − !3i

C

Argand diagram. This complex number is in the fourth quadrant.

Im(z)
N

2
U

–2 –1 0 2Re(z)
π1
––
3 3
–1 2

–2 z = 1 – 3i

Topic 3  Complex numbers  145

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 145 18/08/15 7:11 PM

 2 Identify the real and imaginary parts. x = Re(z) = 1 and y = Im(z) = −!3
3 Find the modulus. ∣z∣ = "x2 + y2
= #12 + (−!3)2
=2
4 Find the argument. θ = Arg(z)
y
= tan−1 a b
x
−1
= tan (−!3)
π
=−
3

FS
5 State the complex number in polar form. z = 1 − !3i
π
= 2 cis a− b

O
3
e z = −5

O
e 1 Draw the complex number on an
Argand diagram. This complex number is actually a real number

PR
and lies on the real axis.
Im(z)

E
3
2

G
z = –5 π1
PA
–5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 Re(z)
–1
–2
–3
D

2 Identify the real and imaginary parts. x = Re(z) = −5 and y = Im(z) = 0

TE

3 Find the modulus. ∣z∣ = "x2 + y2

= "(−5)2 + 02
EC

=5
4 Find the argument. θ = Arg(z)
R

=π
Note that θ = Arg(z) = −π is not correct, since
R

− π < Arg(z) ≤ π.
O

5 State the complex number in polar form. z = −5

C

= 5 cis(π)
N

f 1 Draw the complex number on an f z = 3i

Argand diagram. This complex number lies on the imaginary axis.
U

Im(z)

3 z = 3i
2 π
1 –
2

–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Re(z)
–1

146 Maths Quest 12 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS  VCE Units 3 and 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 146 18/08/15 7:11 PM

 2 Identify the real and imaginary parts. x = Re(z) = 0 and y = Im(z) = 3

3 Find the modulus. ∣z∣ = "x2 + y2

= "02 + 32
=3
π
4 Find the argument. θ =
2
5 State the complex number in polar form. z = 3i
= 3 cis aπ b
2

FS
polar form to rectangular form
Now consider converting in the other direction: when given a complex number in

O
polar form, that is using the values of r and θ, determine the values of x and y. To

O
convert the polar form of a complex number to rectangular form, that is from P → R
or 3 r, θ 4 → (x, y), we expand the number using

PR
r cis(θ) = r cos (θ) + ir sin (θ).

E
WorKED π
ExAmplE 12 a Convert 8 cis a− b into rectangular form.
6
2π G
PA
b Convert 16 cis a b into rectangular form.
3

THINK WRITE
D

a 1 Expand.
π π
a 8 cis a− b = 8 acos a− b + i sin a− b b
π
TE

6 6 6
2 Use trigonometric results for functions cos(−θ) = cos(θ)
EC

of negative angles. sin(−θ) = −sin(θ)

π π π
8 cis a− b = 8 acos a b − i sin a b b
6 6 6
R

!3
R

1
3 Substitute for the exact trigonometric = 8a −i× b
2 2
O

values. Note that the complex number

is in the fourth quadrant.
C

4 Simplify and write in x + yi form. = 4 !3 − 4i

N

2π 2π 2π
b = 16 acos a b + i sin a b b
U

b 1 Expand. b 16 cis a
3 3 3
1 !3
2 Substitute for the exact trigonometric = 16a− + i × b
values. Note that the complex number 2 2
is in the second quadrant.
3 Simplify and write in x + yi form. = −8 + 8 !3 i

Topic 3 ComplEx numbErs 147

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 147 18/08/15 7:11 PM

 Conjugates in polar form
If z = x + iy = r cis( θ ), then the conjugate Im(z) z = x + iy = r cis(θ)
of z is given by z = x − iy = r cis(−θ ). r
Furthermore, zz = ∣z∣2 = x2 + y2.
θ
0 –θ Re(z)

r
z = x – iy = r cis(–θ)
multiplicative inverses in polar form
If z = x + iy = r cis( θ ), then the multiplicative Im(z) z = x + iy = r cis(θ)

FS
inverse or reciprocal of z is given by
r
1
z−1 =
z θ

O
1 0
= 1 –θ Re(z)
x + yi

O
– 1 1
r – = – cis(–θ)
x − yi z r
= 2

PR
x + y2
1
= cis(−θ )
r

E
WorKED
ExAmplE 13 π
G
If u = 2 cis a− b, find u −1 giving your answer in rectangular form.
6
PA
THINK WRITE
π
D

1 Use the conjugate rule. u = 2 cisa− b

6
TE

π
u = 2 cisa b
6
EC

1
2 Find the multiplicative inverse. u −1 =
u
1
=
R

π
2 cis a b
R

6
O

1 π
3 Use the results. = cis a− b
2 6
C

1 π π
N

4 Expand and use the trigonometric results for = acosa− b + i sina− b b

functions of negative angles. 2 6 6
U

1 π π
= acosa b − i sina b b
2 6 6
1 !3 1
5 Substitute for the trigonometric values. = a −i b
2 2 2
1(
6 Simplify and write in x + yi form. = !3 − i)
4
!3 1
= − i
4 4

148 mAThs QuEsT 12 spECIAlIsT mAThEmATICs VCE units 3 and 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 148 18/08/15 7:11 PM

 Operations in polar form
Addition and subtraction
Polar form is not convenient for addition and subtraction. To add or subtract complex
numbers that are given in polar form, they must be converted to rectangular form, and
the real and imaginary parts added and subtracted separately.

Multiplication and division

Two complex numbers can be multiplied together if they are both given in
rectangular form. If they are both given in polar form, consider z1 = r1 cis( θ 1) and
AOS 2 z2 = r2 cis( θ 2). The rules for multiplication and division in polar form are given by
Topic 2 z1 r1

FS
z1z2 = r1r2 cis( θ 1 + θ 2) and = cis( θ 1 − θ 2) Therefore, to multiply two complex
Concept 6 z2 r2
Multiplication numbers in polar form, multiply the moduli and add the arguments. To divide two

O
and division in complex numbers in polar form, divide the moduli and subtract the arguments. The
polar form
proof of these results is as follows.

O
Concept summary
Practice questions
z1z2 = (r1 cis(θ1))(r2 cis(θ2))

PR
= r1r2 (cos(θ1) + i sin(θ1))(cos(θ2) + i sin(θ2))
= r1r2 ((cos(θ1)cos(θ2) − sin(θ1)sin(θ2)) + i(sin(θ1)cos(θ2) + sin(θ2)cos(θ1)))
= r1r2 (cos(θ1 + θ2) + i sin(θ1 + θ2)) by compound-angle formulas

E
= r1r2cis (θ1 + θ2)
and
G z1
PA
= z1z2−1
z2
1
= r1 cis(θ1) ×
r2 cis(θ2)
D

r1
= cis(θ1) cis(−θ2)
TE

r2
r
= 1 cis(θ1 − θ2)
r2
EC

The diagrams below demonstrate this geometrically.

Im(z) Im(z) z1 = r1 cis(θ1)
R

z1z2
θ1 + θ2 z2 = r2 cis(θ2)
R

z2 = r2 cis(θ2)
θ1
r1r2
O

z
θ2 z1 = r1 cis(θ1) —1
z2
θ1
C

θ2 θ1 – θ2
0 Re(z) 0 Re(z)
N
U

Note that if two complex numbers are given with one in polar form and one in
rectangular form, they cannot be multiplied or divided until they are both in the
same form.

Topic 3  Complex numbers  149

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 149 18/08/15 7:11 PM

 WorKED π 1 3π
ExAmplE 14 If u = 8 cis a− b and v = cis a b , find each of the following, giving your
4 2 4
answers in rectangular form.
u
a uv b
v
THINK WRITE
π 1 3π
a 1 Substitute for u and v. a uv = 8 cis a− b × cis a b
4 2 4
1 π 3π
2 Multiply the moduli and add the arguments. =8× cis a− + b

FS
2 4 4
π
3 Simplify. = 4 cis a b

O
2
4 Express in x + yi form. = 4i

O
π

PR
8 cis a− b
u 4
b 1 Substitute for u and v. b =
v 1 3π
cis a b
2 4

E
2 Divide the moduli and subtract the arguments.
G π 3π
= 16 cis a− − b
4 4
PA
3 Simplify and expand the cis term. = 16 cis (−π)
= 16(cos (−π) + i sin (−π))
D

= 16(−1 + 0i)
TE

4 Express the final result in x + yi form. = −16

EC

powers in polar form

R

If z = r cis(θ), then
R

z2 = r cis(θ) × r cis(θ)
= r2 cis(2θ)
O

z = r3 cis(3θ) . . .
3
C

In general,
N

zn = rn cis(nθ) for n ∈ Z.
U

This result can be proved by the process

of mathematical induction and is known as
de Moivre’s Theorem.
Abraham de Moivre (1667–1754) was born in France,
but he lived in England for most of his life. He was
friends with several notable mathematicians of the
time, including Isaac Newton and Edmond Halley.
Abraham de Moivre

150 mAThs QuEsT 12 spECIAlIsT mAThEmATICs VCE units 3 and 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 150 18/08/15 7:11 PM

 WORKED
15 If u = − !3
! + i, find:
EXAMPLE
a Arg(u12) b u12, giving your answer in rectangular form.

THINK WRITE
a 1 Convert to polar form (see Worked a u = −!3 + i
example 11b).
5π
= 2 cis a b
6
5π
2 Use De Moivre’s theorem. u12 = 212 cis a12 × b
6

FS
3 Simplify. u12 = 4096 cis(10π)
4 −π < Arg(z) ≤ π and is unique, but arg(z) is arg(u12) = 10π

O
not unique. but Arg(u12) ≠ 10π

O
5 Add or subtract an appropriate multiple of 2π Arg(u12) = 10π − 10π

PR
to the angle. =0
6 State the answer. Arg(u12) = 0
b 1 Expand the cis term. b u12 = 4096 cis(0)

E
= 4096(cos(0) + i sin(0))

G = 4096(1 + 0i)
PA
2 State the answer. u12 = 4096

Using trigonometric compound-angle formulas

D

Recall the trigonometric compound-angle formulas from Topic 2:

TE

sin(A + B) = sin(A)cos(B) + cos(A)sin(B)

sin(A − B) = sin(A)cos(B) − cos(A)sin(B)
cos(A + B) = cos(A)cos(B) − sin(A)sin(B)
EC

cos(A − B) = cos(A)cos(B) + sin(A)sin(B)

tan(A) + tan(B)
tan(A + B) =
R

1 − tan(A)tan(B)
tan(A) − tan(B)
R

tan(A − B) =
1 + tan(A)tan(B)
O

These identities can be used in problems involving complex numbers to obtain or

C

check certain required results.

N

WORKED π
U

EXAMPLE 16 a Show that tan a b = 2 − !3

! .
12
b Given u = 1 + (2 − !3 ! − 2 + i).
! )i, find iu and hence find Arg(!3
!3

THINK WRITE
π π π
a 1 Rewrite the argument as a sum or difference a − = , or in degrees, 45° – 30° = 15°.
of fractions. 4 6 12
π π π
tana b = tana − b
12 4 6

Topic 3 COMPLEX NUMBERS 151

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 151 19/08/15 10:00 AM

 π π
2 State and use an appropriate identity. Let A = and B = .
4 6
tan(A) − tan(B)
tan(A − B) = π π
1 + tan(A)tan(B) tana b − tana b
π π 4 6
tana − b =
4 6 π π
1 + tana btana b
4 6
π π !3
3 Simplify and use exact values. Substitute tana b = 1 and tana b = :
4 6 3
!3
1−

FS
π 3
tana b =
12 !3
1+

O
3
3 − !3

O
4 Form common denominators in both the π 3
tana b =

PR
numerator and denominator, and cancel 12 3 + !3
the factors. 3
3 − !3
=

E
3 + !3
5 To rationalise, multiply both the numerator
Gπ
tana b =
12
3 − !3 3 − !3
×
3 + !3 3 − !3
PA
and denominator by the conjugate surd in
the denominator.
π 9 − 6 !3 + 3
b=
D

6 Expand and simplify. tana

12 9−3
TE

12 − 6 !3
=
6
6(2 − !3)
EC

=
6
π
b = 2 − !3
R

7 Simplify and state the final answer. tana

12
R

b 1 State the complex number and its argument, b u = 1 + (2 − !3)i

Arg(u) = tan−1(2 − !3)
O

as it is in the first quadrant.

π
=
C

12
N

2 Find the complex number iu, which is in the iu = i + (2 − !3)i2

second quadrant. The complex number iu is a = !3 − 2 + i
U

π π
rotation of u by 90° anticlockwise. Arg(iu) = +
12 2
7π
3 State the final result. Arg( !3 − 2 + i) =
12

Using de Moivre’s theorem

De Moivre’s theorem can be used to find values of powers of complex numbers of a
certain form.

152 Maths Quest 12 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS  VCE Units 3 and 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 152 18/08/15 7:11 PM

 WorKED
17 ! + i) n + (− !3
Find all values of n such that (− !3 ! − i) n = 0.
ExAmplE

THINK WRITE
5π
1 Express the complex number −!3 + i = 2 cis a b
−!3 + i in polar form (see 6
Worked example 11b).
5π
2 The complex number −!3 − i is −!3 − i = 2 cis a− b
the conjugate. Express −!3 − i in 6

FS
polar form.
3 Express the equation in polar form. (−!3 + i)n + (−!3 − i)n = 0

O
n n
5π 5π
a2 cis a b b + a2 cis a− b b = 0

O
6 6
5πn 5πn

PR
4 Use de Moivre’s theorem. 2n cis a b + 2n cis a− b=0
6 6
5πn 5πn
5 Take out the common factor 2n acis a b + cis a− bb = 0

E
and expand cis 1 θ 2 . 6 6

cos a
5πn
6 G
b + i sin a
5πn
6
b + cos a−
5πn
6
b + i sin a−
5πn
6
b=0
PA
6 Use the trigonometric results Since cos(−θ ) = cos( θ ) and sin(−θ ) = −sin( θ ),
for functions of negative angles 5πn
and simplify. 2 cos a b=0
D

6
5πn
TE

7 Use the formula for the general cos a b=0

solutions of trigonometric 6
equations. 5πn (2k + 1)π
= where k ∈ Z
EC

6 2
3(2k + 1)
8 Solve for n and state the final n= where k ∈ Z
R

answer. 5
R
O

ExERCIsE 3.3 Complex numbers in polar form

C

1 Convert each of the following complex numbers to polar form.

WE11
N

PRaCTIsE
a 1 + !3i b −1 + i c −2 − 2 !3i
U

d !3 − i e 4 f −2i
2 Convert each of the following complex numbers to polar form.
a !3 + i b −1 + !3i c −!3 − i
d 2 − 2i e −7 f 5i
π
3 WE12 a Convert 4 cisa− b into rectangular form.
3
π
b Convert 8 cisa− b into rectangular form.
2

Topic 3 ComplEx numbErs 153

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 4 a Convert 6 !2 cis(−135°) into x + yi form.
b Convert 5 cis(126°52′) into a + bi form.
π
5 WE13If u = 6 cis a− b, find u −1, giving your answer in rectangular form.
3
!2 3π 1
6 If u = cis a b, find , giving your answer in rectangular form.
4 4 u
3π π
7 WE14 If u = 4 !2 cis a− b and v = !2 cis a b, find each of the following,
4 4
giving your answers in rectangular form.
u
a uv b
v

FS
π 1 2π
8 If u = 4 cis a b and v = cis a− b find each of the following, giving your
3 2 3
answers in rectangular form.

O
u
a uv b

O
v
9 WE15 If u = −1 − i, find:

PR
a Arg 1 u10 2 b u10, giving your answer in rectangular form.
( −1 + i ) 6
10 Simplify , giving your answer in rectangular form.
( !3 − i ) 4

E
5π
11 WE16 a Show that tan a b = !3 + 2.
12
G
PA
b Given u = 1 + ( !3 + 2)i, find iu and hence find Arg(−!3 − 2 + i).
11π
12 Show that tan a b = !3 − 2 and hence find Arg(1 + ( !3 − 2)i).
12
D

13 WE17 Find all values of n such that (1 + !3 i)n − (1 − !3 i)n = 0.

TE

14 Find all values of n such that (1 + !3 i)n + (1 − !3 i)n = 0.

15 Express each of the following in polar form, giving angles in degrees and minutes.
Consolidate
EC

a 3 + 4i b 7 − 24i c −5 + 12i d −4 − 4i
16 If u = 6 cis(12°) and v = 3 cis(23°), find each of the following in polar form,
giving angles in degrees.
R

v
a uv b c u2
R

u
v6
d v3 e u5v4 f
O

u3
3π
17 Given u = 3 + 2i and v = 7 !2 cisa b, find each of the following, expressing
C

4
your answers in exact rectangular form.
N

v
a uv b 2u − 3v c d v2
U

u
18 a If z = 2 + 2i, find each of the following.
i z8 ii Arg (z8 )
b If z = −3 !3 + 3i, find each of the following.
i z6 ii Arg (z6 )
5 5 !3
c If z = − − i, find each of the following.
2 2
i z9 ii Arg (z9 )
d If z = 2 !3 − 2i, find each of the following.
i z7 ii Arg (z7)

154 Maths Quest 12 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS  VCE Units 3 and 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 154 18/08/15 7:11 PM

 1
19 Let u = 2 ( !3 − i ) .
1
a Find u, and u6, giving all answers in rectangular form.
u
1
b Find Arg(u), Arga b and Arg(u6).
u
c Is Arg u equal to −Arg(u)?
( )
1
d Is Arga b equal to −Arg(u)?
u
e Is Arg(u6) equal to 6 Arg(u)?
20 a Let u = −1 + !3i and v = −2 − 2i.
i Find Arg(u).

FS
ii Find Arg(v).
iii Find Arg(uv).

O
u
iv Find Arga b.
v

O
v Is Arg(uv) equal to Arg(u) + Arg(v)?

PR
u
vi Is Arga b equal to Arg(u) − Arg(v)?
v
b Let u = −!3 + i and v = −3 + 3i.

E
i Find Arg(u).
ii Find Arg(v).
iii Find Arg(uv).
G
PA
u
iv Find Arga b.
v
v Is Arg(uv) equal to Arg(u) + Arg(v)?
D

u
vi Is Arga b equal to Arg(u) − Arg(v)?
TE

v
1( π
21 a Let u = !3 − i) and v = !2 cis a b.
4 4
EC

i Find uv, working with both numbers in Cartesian form and giving your
answer in Cartesian form.
ii Find uv, working with both numbers in polar form and giving your answer
R

in polar form.
π
R

iii Hence, deduce the exact value of sin a b.

12
π
O

iv Using the formula sin x − y , verify your exact value for sin a b.
( )
12
C

2π
b Let u = !2(1 − i) and v = 2 cis a b.
3
N

i Find uv, working with both numbers in Cartesian form and giving your
U

answer in Cartesian form.

ii Find uv, working with both numbers in polar form and giving your answer in
polar form.
5π
iii Hence, deduce the exact value of sin a b.
12 5π
iv Using the formula sin(x − y), verify your exact value for sin a b.
12
3π
22 a Let u = −4 − 4 !3 i and v = !2 cis a− b.
u 4
i Find , working with both numbers in Cartesian form and giving your
v
answer in Cartesian form.

Topic 3  Complex numbers  155

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 u
ii Find , working with both numbers in polar form and giving your answer in
v
polar form.
π
iii Hence, deduce the exact value of cos a b.
12 π
iv Using the formula cos(x − y), verify your exact value for cos a b.
12
3π
b Let u = −1 − !3i and v = !2 cis a b.
u 4
i Find , working with both numbers in Cartesian form and giving your
v
answer in Cartesian form.
u
ii Find , working with both numbers in polar form and giving your answer in
v
polar form.

FS
7π
iii Hence, deduce the exact value of cos a b.
12 7π
iv Using the formula cos(x − y), verify your exact value for cos a b.

O
12
π
23 a i Show that tana b = !2 − 1.

O
8
ii Let u = 1 + ( !2 − 1)i and hence find Arg(u).

PR
iii Find iu and hence find Arg((1 − !2) + i).
7π
b i Show that tana b = −( !3 + 2).
12

E
ii Hence, find Arg(−1 + ( !3 + 2)i).
iii Hence, find Arg(1 − ( !3 + 2)i).
iv Hence, find Arg(( !3 + 2) + i). G
PA
24 Find all values of n such that:
a (1 + i)n + (1 − i)n = 0 b (1 + i)n − (1 − i)n = 0
c ( !3 + i)n − ( !3 − i)n = 0 d ( !3 + i)n + ( !3 − i)n = 0.
D

25 If z = cis 1 θ 2 , show that:

TE

Master
θ θ 1+z θ
a ∣z + 1∣ = 2 cos a b b Arg(1 + z) = c = i cot a b.
2 2 1−z 2
EC

26 Use de Moivre’s theorem to show that:

a i cos(2 θ ) = cos2( θ ) − sin2( θ ) ii sin(2 θ ) = 2 sin( θ )cos( θ )
b i cos(3 θ ) = 4 cos ( θ ) − 3 cos( θ ) ii sin(3 θ ) = 3 sin( θ ) − 4 sin3( θ ).
R

3
R

3.4 Polynomial equations

O

Quadratic equations
C

Recall the quadratic equation az2 + bz + c = 0. If the coefficients a, b and c are all
N

real, then the roots depend upon the discriminant, Δ = b2 − 4ac.

If Δ > 0, then there are two distinct real roots.
U

If Δ = 0, then there is one real root.

If Δ < 0, then there is one pair of complex conjugate roots.

Relationship between the roots and coefficients

Given a quadratic equation with real coefficients, if the discriminant is negative, then
the roots occur in complex conjugate pairs. A relationship can be formed between the
roots and the coefficients.

156 Maths Quest 12 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS  VCE Units 3 and 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 156 18/08/15 7:11 PM

 Given a quadratic az2 + bz + c = 0, if a ≠ 0, then
b c
z2 + z + = 0.
a a
Let the roots be α and β, so the factors are
(z − α)(z − β).
Expanding gives
z2 − (α + β)z + αβ = 0 or
z2 − (sum of the roots) + product of the roots = 0
so that
b c
α + β = − and αβ = .

FS
a a
This provides a relationship between the roots and coefficients.
Rather solving a quadratic equation, consider the reverse problem of forming a

O
quadratic equation with real coefficients, given one of the roots.

O
PR
WorKED Find the equation of the quadratic P(z) with real coefficients, given that
ExAmplE 18
P(−2 + 5i) = 0.

THINK WRITE

E
1 State one of the given roots. Let α = −2 + 5i.
2 The conjugate is also a root. G
Let β = α = −2 − 5i
PA
3 Find the sum of the roots. α + β = −4
4 Find the product of the roots. αβ = 4 − 25i2
D

= 29
TE

5 State the linear factors and the (z + 2 + 5i)(z + 2 − 5i) = z2 + 4z + 29

quadratic equation.
EC

solving cubic equations

Cubic equations with real coefficients
R

A cubic polynomial equation of the form az3 + bz2 + cz + d = 0 with z ∈ C, but with
R

all the coefficients real, will have three linear factors. These may be repeated, but the
cubic must have at least one real factor. When solving az3 + bz2 + cz + d = 0, the
O

roots can be three real roots, not necessarily all distinct, or they can be one real root
C

and one pair of complex conjugate roots.

N

WorKED
19 Find the roots of z3 + 2z2 + 21z − 58 = 0.
U

ExAmplE

THINK WRITE
1 Use trial and error to find the one real root. P(z) = z3 + 2z2 + 21z − 58 = 0
P(1) = 1 + 2 + 21 − 58 ≠ 0
P(2) = 8 + 8 + 42 − 58 = 0
2 Use the factor theorem. Therefore, (z − 2) is a factor.

Topic 3 ComplEx numbErs 157

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 3 We do not need to do long division. We can do P(z) = z3 + 2z2 + 21z − 58 = 0
short division to find the other quadratic factor. P(z) = (z − 2)(z2 + 4z + 29) = 0
4 State the linear factors (see Worked (z − 2)(z + 2 + 5i)(z + 2 − 5i) = 0
example 18).
5 Apply the Null Factor Theorem and state all The roots are one real root and one pair of
the roots and their nature. complex conjugates: z = 2 and z = −2 ± 5i.

The conjugate root theorem

The preceding results are true not only for quadratic and cubic equations, but for any
nth degree polynomial. In general, provided that all the coefficients of the polynomial

FS
are real, if the roots are complex, they must occur in conjugate pairs.
Note that if one of the coefficients is a complex number, then the roots do not occur

O
in conjugate pairs.

O
Rather than formulating a problem such as solving a cubic equation, consider the
reverse problem: determine some of the coefficients of a cubic equation with real

PR
coefficients, given one of the roots.

WorKED
20 If P(z) = z3 + bz2 + cz − 75 = 0 where b and c are real, and P(−4 + 3i) = 0,

E
ExAmplE find the values of b and c, and state all the roots of P(z) = 0.

THINK G
WRITE
PA
1 Apply the conjugate root theorem. Let α = −4 + 3i and β = −4 − 3i.
2 Find the sum of the roots. α + β = −8
D

3 Find the product of the roots. αβ = 16 − 9i2

= 25
TE

4 Find the quadratic factor. z2 + 8z + 25

P(z) = z3 + bz2 + cz − 75 = 0
EC

5 Use short division.

P(z) = (z2 + 8z + 25)(z − 3) = 0
6 Expand the brackets. P(z) = z3 + 5z2 + z − 75 = 0
R

7 Equate coefficients. From the z2: b = 5 and from the coefficient of

R

z: c = 25 − 8 × 3 = 1.
O

8 State all the roots and their nature The roots are one real root and one pair of
C

complex conjugates: z = 3 and z = −4 ± 3i.

N

Cubic equations with complex coefficients

U

We can use the grouping technique to solve certain types of cubic equations with
complex coefficients.

WorKED
21 Solve for z if z3 + iz
i 2 + 5z + 5i = 0.
ExAmplE

THINK WRITE
1 This cubic can be solved by grouping z3 + iz2 + 5z + 5i = 0
terms together. z + i) + 5(z + i) = 0
z2 (

158 mAThs QuEsT 12 spECIAlIsT mAThEmATICs VCE units 3 and 4

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 2 Factorise. (z2 + 5)(z + i) = 0
3 Express the quadratic factor as the difference (z2 − 5i2)(z + i) = 0
of two squares using i2 = −1.

4 State the linear factors. (z + !5i)(z − !5i)(z + i) = 0

5 Apply the Null Factor Theorem and state all z = ±!5i and z = −i.
the roots.

General cubic equations with complex coefficients

FS
If one of the roots of a cubic equation is given, the remaining roots can be
determined. Note that if one of the coefficients in the cubic equation is a complex

O
number, the roots do not all occur in conjugate pairs.

O
PR
WorKED Show that z = 5 − 2i is a root of the equation
ExAmplE 22
z3 + (−5 + 2i)z2 + 4z + 8i − 20 = 0, and hence find all the roots.

E
THINK WRITE
1 Substitute 5 − 2i for z. P(5 − 2i) = (5 − 2i)3 + (−5 + 2i)(5 − 2i)2 + 4(5 − 2i) + 8i − 20
2 Simplify. G
P(5 − 2i) = (5 − 2i)3 − (5 − 2i)3 + 20 − 8i + 8i − 20 = 0
PA
Therefore, z = 5 − 2i is a root of the cubic equation.
3 Since z = 5 − 2i is a root, (z − 5 + 2i)(z2 + 4) = 0
(z − 5 + 2i) is a factor. Use
D

short division.
TE

4 Express as the difference of (z − 5 + 2i)(z2 − 4i2) = 0

two squares using i2 = −1.
EC

5 State the linear factors. (z − 5 + 2i)(z + 2i)(z − 2i) = 0

6 Apply the Null Factor z = 5 − 2i and z = ±2i.
R

Theorem and state all the

R

roots.
O

The fundamental theorem of algebra

C

This theorem states that an nth degree polynomial will always have exactly n roots,
N

provided that multiple roots are counted accordingly.

U

P(z) = anzn + an−1zn−1 + an−2zn−2 + … + a1z + a0 = 0

P(z) = an (z − z1)(z − z2) … (z − zn) = 0
Note that the zi are not necessarily all unique.

Quartic equations with real coefficients

A quartic of the form P(z) = az4 + bz3 + cz2 + dz + e with all real coefficients can
have four linear factors. The roots can be either all real roots; two real roots and one
pair of complex conjugate roots; or two pairs of complex conjugate roots.

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 WorKED
23 Solve for z if z4 + 3z2 − 28 = 0.
ExAmplE

THINK WRITE
1 Use a suitable substitution to reduce the Let u = z2, then u2 = z4.
quartic equation to a quadratic equation. z4 + 3z2 − 28 = 0
u2 + 3u − 28 = 0
2 Factorise the expression. (u + 7)(u − 4) = 0
3 Substitute z2 for u. (z2 + 7)(z2 − 4) = 0
4 Express as the difference of two (z2 − 7i2)(z2 − 4) = 0

FS
squares using i = −1.
2

5 State the linear factors. (z + !7i)(z − !7i)(z + 2)(z − 2) = 0

O
6 Apply the Null Factor Theorem and The equation z4 + 3z2 − 28 = 0 has two real roots and

O
state all the four roots and their nature. one pair of complex conjugate roots: z = ±!7i

PR
and z = ±2.

solving quartic equations with real coefficients

E
Solving a general quartic is more difficult. To make it easier, one of the roots can
be given; however, this makes it too easy, so one of the coefficients will be an
unknown real number.
G
PA
WorKED
24 Given that 3 − 2i is a root of the equation z4 − 6z3 + 18z2 + pz + 65 = 0, find
ExAmplE all the roots and the real number p.
D

THINK WRITE
TE

1 Apply the conjugate root theorem. Let α = 3 − 2i and β = 3 + 2i.

2 Find the sum and product of the roots. α + β = 6 and αβ = 9 − 4i2 = 13
EC

3 Write one quadratic factor. z2 − 6z + 13 is a factor of z4 − 6z3 + 18z2 + pz + 65 = 0.

4 Use short division. z4 − 6z3 + 18z2 + pz + 65 = (z2 − 6z + 13)(z2 + bz + 5)
R

5 Expand and equate coefficients. The coefficient of z3: −6 = b − 6

R

The coefficient of z2: 18 = 13 + 5 − 6b

O

The coefficient of z: p = 13b − 30

C

6 Solve the equations to find the values b = 0 and p = −30

of b and p.
N

7 Substitute for b and p. z4 − 6z3 + 18z2 − 30z + 65 = (z2 − 6z + 13)(z2 + 5)

U

8 Complete the square. = (z2 − 6z + 9 + 4)(z2 + 5)

= ((z − 3)2 + 4)(z2 + 5)
9 Express both quadratic factors as the = ((z − 3)2 − 4i2)(z2 − 5i2)
difference of two squares using i2 = −1.
10 State the linear factors. (z − 3 − 2i)(z − 3 + 2i)(z + !5i)(z − !5i)
11 Apply the Null Factor Theorem and There are two pairs of complex conjugate roots:
state all the four roots and their nature. z = ±!5i and z = 3 ± 2i.

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 Exercise 3.4 Polynomial equations
1 WE18 Find the equation of the quadratic P(z) with real coefficients
PRactise
given that P(−3 − 4i) = 0.
2 Determine a quadratic P(z) with real coefficients given that P(−2i) = 0.
3 WE19 Find the roots of z3 + 6z2 + 9z − 50 = 0.
4 Find the linear factors of z3 − 3z2 + 4z − 12.
5 WE20 If P(z) = z3 + bz2 + cz − 39 = 0 where b and c are real, and
P(−2 + 3i) = 0, find the values of b and c, and state all the roots of P(z) = 0.
6 If P(z) = z3 + bz2 + cz − 50 = 0 where b and c are real, and P(5i) = 0, find the

FS
values of b and c, and state all the roots of P(z) = 0.
7 WE21 Solve for z if z3 − 2iz2 + 4z − 8i = 0.

O
8 Find the linear factors of z3 + 3iz2 + 7z + 21i.

O
9 WE22 Show that z = 2 − 3i is a root of the equation
z3 + (−2 + 3i)z2 + 4z + 12i − 8 = 0, and hence find all the roots.

PR
3
10 Show that z = 2
+ 2i is a root of the equation
2z3 − (4i + 3)z2 + 10z − 20i − 15 = 0, and hence find all the roots.

E
11 WE23 Solve for z if z4 − z2 − 20 = 0.
12 Solve for z if 2z4 − 3z2 − 9 = 0.
G
PA
13 WE24 Given that 5 − 6i is a root of the equation
z4 + pz3 + 35z2 + 26z + 2074 = 0, find all the roots and the real number p.
14 Given that −2 + 3i is a root of the equation z4 − 4z3 + pz2 − 4z + 325 = 0, find
D

all the roots and the real number p.

TE

15 Solve each of the following for z.

Consolidate
a z2 + 10z + 46 = 0 b z2 + 50 = 0
c z(12 − z) = 85 d (z + 4)(12 − z) = 73
EC

16 Form quadratic equations with integer coefficients that have the following roots.
1
a −3 and b 3 − 5i
R

2
1 3
c 2 + !5i d −2 and −4
R

17 Solve each of the following for z.

O

a z3 − 13z2 + 52z − 40 = 0 b z3 − 9z2 + 19z + 29 = 0

c z3 + 2z2 + z − 18 = 0 d z3 − 6z2 + 9z + 50 = 0
C

18 Form cubic equations with integer coefficients that have the following roots.
N

1
a 2 , − 2 and 3 b 2 and 5 + 3i
U

1
c −3 and 2 − !7i d −3 and −3 − !2i
19 a Given that 1 − 2i is a solution to the equation z3 + az2 + bz − 10 = 0 where
a and b are real, find the values of a and b and determine all the roots.
b If P(z) = z3 + az2 + bz + 68 = 0 and P(3 + 5i) = 0, find the values of the real
constants a and b and determine all the roots.
c If P(z) = z3 + az2 + bz − 87 = 0 and P(2 − 5i) = 0, find the values of the real
constants a and b and determine all the roots.
d Given that 4 − 5i is a root of the equation z3 + az2 + bz + 82 = 0, find the
values of the real constants a and b and determine all the roots.

Topic 3  Complex numbers  161

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 20 Solve each of the following for z.
a z3 − 4iz2 + 4z − 16i = 0 b z3 − 3iz2 + 7z − 21i = 0
c z3 + 2iz2 + 5z + 10i = 0 d z3 − 4iz2 + 3z − 12i = 0
21 a i If P(z) = z3 − (2 − 5i)z2 + 3z + 15i − 6 = 0, show that P(2 − 5i) = 0.
ii Find all the values of z when P(z) = 0.
b i Given the equation P(z) = z3 + (−3 + 2i)z2 + 4z + 8i − 12 = 0,
verify that P(3 − 2i) = 0.
ii Hence, find all values of z if P(z) = 0.
c i Show that −2 − 3i is a solution of the equation
z3 + (2 + 3i)z2 + 5z + 10 + 15i = 0.
ii Find all solutions of the equation z3 + (2 + 3i)z2 + 5z + 10 + 15i = 0.

FS
d i If P(z) = z3 + (−3 + 4i)z2 + 25z + 100i − 75 and P(ai) = 0, find the value(s)
of the real constant a.

O
ii Hence, find all values of z if P(z) = 0
22 Solve each of the following for z.

O
a z4 + 5z2 − 36 = 0 b z4 + 4z2 − 21 = 0

PR
c z4 − 3z2 − 40 = 0 d z4 + 9z2 + 18 = 0
23 a Given P(z) = z4 + az3 + 34z2 − 54z + 225 and P(3i) = 0, find the value of the
real constant a and find all the roots.

E
b Given P(z) = z4 + 6z3 + 29z2 + bz + 100 = 0 and P(−3 − 4i) = 0, find the

G
value of the real constant b and find all the roots.
24 a Given that z = −2 + 3i is a root of the equation
PA
2z4 + 3z3 + pz2 − 77z − 39 = 0, find the value of the real constant p and all
the roots.
b Given that z = ai is a root of the equation z4 + 6z3 + 41z2 + 96z + 400 = 0,
D

find the value of the real constant a and all the roots.
TE

25 Find a quartic polynomial with integer coefficients that has:

Master
a 3i and 2 − 3i as the roots b −2i and −4 + 3i as the roots.
EC

26 Find a quintic polynomial with integer coefficients that has:

a −4i, 1 + 2i and −3 as the roots b 5i, 3 − 5i and 2 as the roots.
R

3.5 Subsets of the complex plane: circles,

R

lines and rays
O

In previous sections, complex numbers have been used to represent points on the
C

Argand plane. If we consider z as a complex variable, we can sketch subsets or

N

regions of the Argand plane.

U

Circles Im(z)
The equation ∣z∣ = r where z = x + yi is given by r
|z| = r
∣z∣ = "x2 + y2 = r. Expanding this produces x2 + y2 = r2.
This represents a circle with centre at the origin and radius r.
Geometrically, ∣z∣ = r represents the set of points, or what is
r
–r 0 Re(z)
called the locus of points, in the Argand plane that are at
r units from the origin.
–r

162 Maths Quest 12 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS  VCE Units 3 and 4

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 WorKED Determine the Cartesion equation and sketch the graph of
ExAmplE 25 E : ∣z + 2 − 3i∣ = 4F .
Ez

THINK WRITE/dRaW
1 Consider the equation. ∣z + 2 − 3i∣ = 4
Substitute z = x + yi:
∣x + yi + 2 − 3i∣ = 4
2 Group the real and imaginary parts. ∣(x + 2) + i(y − 3)∣ = 4
3 Use the definition of the modulus. "(x + 2) 2 + (y − 3) 2 = 4

FS
4 Square both sides. (x + 2)2 + (y − 3)2 = 16
The equation represents a circle with centre at
(–2, 3) and radius 4.

O
5 Sketch and identify the graph of the Im(z)

O
Argand plane. 7

PR
6
5
4
3

E
2

G 1

–7 –6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0
PA
1 2 3 4 Re(z)
–1
–2
–3
D
TE

lines
If z = x + yi, then Re(z) = x and Im(z) = y. The equation aRe(z) + bIm(z) = c where
EC

a, b and c ∈ R represents the line ax + by = c.

R

WorKED Determine the Cartesion equation and sketch the graph defined by
26
R

ExAmplE {z : 2Re(z) − 3Im(z) = 6}.

O

THINK WRITE/dRaW
C

1 Consider the equation. 2Re(z) − 3Im(z) = 6,

N

As z = x + yi, then Re(z) = x and Im(z) = y.

This is a straight line with the Cartesian equation
U

2x − 3y = 6.
2 Find the axial intercepts. When y = 0, 2x = 6 ⇒ x = 3.
(3, 0) is the intercept with the real axis.
When x = 0, −3y = 6 ⇒ y = −2.
(0, –2) is the intercept with the imaginary axis.

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 3 Identify and sketch the equation. The equation represents the line 2x − 3y = 6.
Im(z)

5
4
3
2
1

–4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 Re(z)
–1
–2
–3

FS
–4

O
Lines in the complex plane can also be represented as a set of points that are

O
equidistant from two other fixed points. The equations of a line in the complex
plane can thus have multiple representations.

PR
WorKED Determine the Cartesion equation and sketch the graph defined by
ExAmplE 27 E : ∣z − 2i∣ = ∣z + 2∣F .
Ez

E
THINK
1 Consider the equation as a set of points. G
WRITE/dRaW
∣z − 2i∣ = ∣z + 2∣
PA
Substitute z = x + yi:
∣x + yi − 2i∣ = ∣x + yi + 2∣
∣x + (y − 2)i∣ = ∣(x + 2) + yi∣
D

2 Group the real and imaginary parts together.

TE

3 Use the definition of the modulus. "x2 + (y − 2)2 = "(x + 2)2 + y2

4 Square both sides, expand, and cancel x2 + y2 − 4y + 4 = x2 + 4x + 4 + y2
EC

like terms. − 4y = 4x

5 Identify the required line. y = −x

R

6 Identify the line geometrically. The line is the set of points that is equidistant
R

from the two points (0, 2) and (–2, 0).

O

7 Sketch the required line. Im(z)

C

3
2
N

1
U

–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Re(z)
–1
–2
–3

Intersection of lines and circles

The coordinates of the points of intersection between a straight line and a circle can
be found algebraically by solving the system of equations. If there are two solutions
to the equations, the line intersects the circle at two points. If there is one solution

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 to the equation, the line and the circle
touch at one point, and the line is a
tangent to the circle at the point of
contact. If there are no solutions to the
equations, the line does not intersect
the circle.

WorKED
28 E : ∣z∣ = 5F
a Two sets of points in the complex plane are defined by S = Ez
ExAmplE
and T = {z : 2Re(z) − Im(z) = 10}. Find the coordinates of the points of
intersection between S and T.

FS
E : ∣z∣ = 3F
b Two sets of points in the complex plane are defined by S = Ez
and T = {z : 2Re(z) − Im(z) = k}. Find the values of k for which the line

O
through T is a tangent to the circle S.

O
THINK WRITE
a ∣ z∣ = 5

PR
a 1 Find the Cartesian equation of S.
Substitute z = x + yi:
∣x + yi∣ = 5

E
2 Use the definition of the modulus. "x2 + y2 = 5
3 Square both sides and identify the
G(1) x2 + y2 = 25
PA
boundary of S. S is a circle with centre at the origin and radius 5.
4 Find the Cartesian equation of T. Substitute z = x + yi:
Re(z) = x and Im(z) = y
D

2Re(z) − Im(z) = 10
(2) 2x − y = 10
TE

T is a straight line.
5 Solve equations (1) and (2) for x and y (2) y = 2x − 10
EC

by substitution. (1) x2 + (2x − 10)2 = 25

6 Expand and simplify. x2 + 4x2 − 40x + 100 = 25
R

5x2 − 40x + 75 = 0
5(x2 − 8x + 15) = 0
R

7 Solve for x. x2 − 8x + 15 = 0
O

(x − 5)(x − 3) = 0
C

x = 5 or x = 3
From (2) y = 2x − 10,
N

8 Find the corresponding y-values.

when x = 5 ⇒ y = 0
U

and when x = 3 ⇒ y = −4.

9 State the coordinates of the two points of The points of intersection are (5, 0) and (3, –4).
intersection.
b 1 Find the Cartesian equation of S. b ∣ z∣ = 3
Substitute z = x + yi:
∣x + yi∣ = 3
2 Use the definition of the modulus. "x2 + y2 = 3

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 3 Square both sides and identify the (1) x2 + y2 = 9
boundary of S. S is a circle with centre at the origin and radius 3.
4 Find the Cartesian equation of T. Substitute z = x + yi:
Re(z) = x and Im(z) = y
2Re(z) − Im(z) = k
(2) 2x − y = k
T is a straight line.
5 Solve equations (1) and (2) for x and y (2) y = 2x − k
by substitution. (1) x2 + (2x − k)2 = 9
6 Expand and simplify. x2 + 4x2 − 4kx + k2 = 9

FS
5x2 − 4kx + k2 − 9 = 0
7 If the line through T is a tangent to The discriminant Δ = b2 − 4ac = 0, where

O
the circle S, there will be only one a = 5, b = −4k and c = k2 − 9.
solution for x. Δ = (−4k)2 − 4 × 5 × (k2 − 9)

O
= 16k2 − 20(k2 − 9)

PR
= −4k2 + 180
= 4(45 − k2)
8 Solve the discriminant equal to zero for k. 45 − k2 = 0

E
k = ±"45
9 State the value of k for which the line
G
k = ±3 !5
PA
through T is a tangent to the circle S.

rays
D

Arg(z) = θ represents the set of all points on the half-line Im(z)

TE

or ray that has one end at the origin and makes an angle Arg(z) = θ
of θ with the positive real axis. Note that the endpoint, in
this case the origin, is not included in the set. We indicate
EC

θ
this by placing a small open circle at this point.
O Re(z)
R
R
O

WorKED Determine the Cartesion equation and sketch the graph defined by
ExAmplE 29 π
C

ez : Arg(z − 1 + i) = − f .
4
N

THINK WRITE/dRaW
U

π
1 Find the Cartesian equation of the ray. Arg(z − 1 + i) = −
4
Substitute z = x + yi:
π
Arg(x + yi − 1 + i) = −
4
π
2 Group the real and imaginary parts. Arg((x − 1) + (y + 1)i) = −
4

166 mAThs QuEsT 12 spECIAlIsT mAThEmATICs VCE units 3 and 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 166 18/08/15 7:12 PM

 y+1 π
3 Use the definition of the argument. tan−1 a b = − for x > 1
x−1 4
y+1 π
4 Simplify. = tana− b
x−1 4
= –1for x > 1
y + 1 = −(x − 1) for x > 1
5 State the Cartesian equation of the ray. y = −x for x > 1.
6 Identify the point from which the ray starts. The ray starts from the point (1, –1).
π
7 Determine the angle the ray makes. The ray makes an angle of − with the positive

FS
real axis. 4
8 Describe the ray. The point (1, –1) is not included.

O
Alternatively, consider the ray from the origin
π
making an angle of − with the positive real

O
4
axis to have been translated one unit to the

PR
right parallel to the real axis, and one unit down
parallel to the imaginary axis.
9 Sketch the required ray. Im(z)

E
2

G 1
1
PA
–3 –2 –1 0 2 3 Re(z)
–1
–2
–3
D
TE

Exercise 3.5 Subsets of the complex plane: circles, lines and rays
EC

1 WE25 Sketch and describe the region of the complex plane defined by
PRactise
Ez : ∣z − 3 + 2i∣ = 4F .
R

2 The region of the complex plane shown below can be described by

Ez : ∣z − (a + bi)∣ = rF . Find the values of a, b and r.
R

Im(z)
O

2
C

1
N

–2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Re(z)
–1
U

–2
–3
–4
–5
–6

3 WE26 Sketch and describe the region of the complex plane defined by

{z : 4Re(z) + 3Im(z) = 12}.

Topic 3  Complex numbers  167

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 167 18/08/15 7:12 PM

 4 The region of the complex plane shown at right Im(z)
5
can be described by {z : aRe(z) + bIm(z) = 8}. 4
Determine the values of a and b. 3
2
1

5 WE27 Sketch and describe the region of the –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 Re(z)

–1
complex plane defined by –2
Ez : ∣z + 3i∣ = ∣z − 3∣F . –3
–4
6 Sketch and describe the region of the complex
plane defined by Ez : ∣z − i∣ = ∣z + 3i∣F .

FS
7  WE28 a Two sets of points in the complex plane are defined by S = {z : ∣z∣ = 3}
and T = {z : 3Re(z) + 4Im(z) = 12}. Find the coordinates of the points of

O
intersection between S and T.
b Two sets of points in the complex plane are defined by S = {z : ∣z∣ = 4} and

O
T = {z : 4Re(z) − 2Im(z) = k}. Find the values of k for which the line through

PR
T is a tangent to the circle S.
8 a Two sets of points in the complex plane are defined by S = Ez : ∣z∣ = !29F and
T = {z : 3Re(z) − Im(z) = 1}. Find the coordinates of the points of intersection

E
between S and T.
b Two sets of points in the complex plane are defined by S = Ez : ∣z∣ = 5F and
G
T = {z : 2Re(z) − 3Im(z) = k}. Find the values of k for which the line through
PA
T is a tangent to the circle S.
9 WE29 Determine the Cartesion equation and sketch the graph defined by
π
e z : Arg(z − 2) = f .
D

6
TE

10 Determine the Cartesion equation and sketch the graph defined by

π
ez : Arg(z + 3i) = − f .
EC

2
11 For each of the following, sketch and find the Cartesian equation of the set, and
Consolidate
describe the region.
R

a Ez : ∣z∣ = 3F b Ez : ∣z∣ = 2F
R

c Ez : ∣z + 2 − 3i∣ = 2F d Ez : ∣z − 3 + i∣ = 3F
O

12 Illustrate each of the following and describe the subset of the complex plane.
a {z : Im(z) = 2} b {z : Re (z) + 2Im(z) = 4}
C

c {z : 3Re(z) + 2Im(z) = 6} d {z : 2Re(z) − Im(z) = 6}

N

13 Sketch and describe each of the following sets, clearly indicating which
U

boundaries are included.

a Ez : ∣z − 2∣ = ∣z − 4∣F b Ez : ∣z + 4i∣ = ∣z − 4∣F
c Ez : ∣z + 4∣ = ∣z − 2i∣F d Ez : ∣z + 2 − 3i∣ = ∣z − 2 + 3i∣F

z − 2i
14 a Show that the complex equation ez : Ima b = 0f represents a straight line
and find its equation. z−3
z − 2i
b Show that the complex equation ez : Rea b = 0f represents a circle and
find its centre and radius. z−3

168 Maths Quest 12 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS  VCE Units 3 and 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 168 18/08/15 7:12 PM

 15 a Find the Cartesian equation of Ez : ∣z − 3∣ = 2∣z + 3i∣F .
b Find the locus of the set of points in the complex plane given by
Ez : ∣z + 3∣ = 2∣z + 6i∣F .
c Let S = Ez : ∣z − 6∣ = 2∣z − 3i∣F and T = Ez : ∣z − (a + bi)∣ = rF . Given that
S = T, find the values of a, b and r.
d Let Ez : ∣z + 3∣ = 2∣z − 3i∣F and T = Ez : ∣z − (a + bi)∣ = rF . Given that S = T,
state the values of a, b and r.
16 Four sets of points in the complex plane are defined by
R = {z : (z − 3 + 4i) (z − 3 − 4i) = 25}, S = Ez : ∣z − 3 + 4i∣ = 5F ,
T = {z : 3Re(z) − 4Im(z) = 25} and U = Ez : ∣z∣ = ∣z − 6 + 8i∣F .
a Find the Cartesian equations of T and U and show that T = U.

FS
b Find the Cartesian equations of S and R and show that S = R.
c Sketch S and T on one Argand plane and find u : S = R where u ∈ C.

O
17 a Two sets of points in the complex plane are defined by S = Ez : ∣z∣ = 3F and
T = {z : 3Re(z) + 4Im(z) = 15}. Show that the line T is a tangent to the circle S

O
and find the coordinates of the point of contact.

PR
b Two sets of points in the complex plane are defined by S = Ez : ∣z∣ = rF and
T = {z : 3Re(z) − 4Im(z) = 10}. Given that the line T is a tangent to the
circle S, find the value of r.

E
c Two sets of points in the complex plane are defined by S = Ez : ∣z∣ = 2F

G
and T = {z : 3Im(z) − 4Re(z) = 8}. Find the coordinates of the points of
intersection between S and T.
PA
d Two sets of points in the complex plane are defined by S = Ez : ∣z∣ = 6F and
T = {z : 3Re(z) − 4Im(z) = k}. Find the values of k for which the line through
T is a tangent to the circle S.
D

18 Sketch and describe the following subsets of the complex plane.

TE

π π
a ez : Arg(z) = f b ez : Arg (z + i) = f
6 4
EC

3π π
c ez : Arg (z − 2) = f d ez : Arg (z + 2 − i) = − f
4 2
π
R

19 a Let S = Ez : ∣z∣ = 2F and T = ez : Arg(z) = f . Sketch the sets S and T on the

4
R

same Argand diagram and find z : S = T.

π
O

b Let S = Ez : ∣z∣ = 3F and T = ez : Arg(z) = − f . Sketch the sets S and T on the

4
C

same Argand diagram and find z : S = T.

c Sets of points in the complex plane are defined by S = Ez : ∣z + 3 + i∣ = 5F
N

3π
U

and R = ez : Arg(z + 3) = − f
4
i Find the Cartesian equation of S.
ii Find the Cartesian equation of R.
iii If u ∈ C, find u where S = R.
20 a Show that the complex equation ∣z − a∣2 − ∣z − bi∣2 = a2 + b2, where a and b
are real and b ≠ 0, represents a line.
b Show that the complex equation ∣z − a∣2 + ∣z − bi∣2 = a2 + b2, where a and b
are real, represents a circle, and find its centre and radius.

Topic 3  Complex numbers  169

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 169 18/08/15 7:12 PM

 c Show that the complex equation 3zz + 6z + 6z + 2 = 0 represents a circle, and
find its centre and radius.
d Consider the complex equation azz + bz + bz + c = 0 where a, b and c
are real.
i If b2 > ac and a ≠ 0, what does the equation represent?
ii If a = 0 and b ≠ 0, what does the equation represent?
e Show that the complex equation zz + (3 + 2i)z + (3 − 2i)z + 4 = 0 represents
a circle, and find its centre and radius.
f Consider the complex equation azz + bz + bz + c = 0 where a and c are real
and b = α + βi is complex. Show that the equation represents a circle provided
bb > ac and a ≠ 0, and determine the circle’s centre and radius.

FS
z − ai
21 a Show that the complex equation e z : Ima b = 0 f where a and b are real
MasTER z−b

O
represents a straight line if ab ≠ 0.
z − ai
b = 0 f where a and b are real

O
b Show that the complex equation e z : Rea
z−b
represents a circle if ab ≠ 0. State the circle’s centre and radius.

PR
22 Given that c = a + bi where a and b are real:
a show that the complex equation (z − c) (z − c) = r2 represents a circle, and

E
find its centre and radius
b show that the complex equation ∣z − c∣ = 2∣z − c∣ represents a circle, and find its
centre and radius. G
PA
3.6 Roots of complex numbers
square roots of complex numbers
D

If z2 = x + yi = r cis( θ ), the complex number z can be found using two different

TE

methods: either a rectangular method or a polar method.

square roots of complex numbers using rectangular form
EC

WorKED
30 If z2 = 2 + 2 !3
! i, find the complex number z using a rectangular method.
ExAmplE
R
R

THINK WRITE
1 Expand and replace i2 with −1. Let z = a + bi where a, b ∈ R.
O

z2 = a2 + 2abi + b2i2
C

= a2 − b2 + 2abi
N

2 Equate the real and imaginary parts. z2 = a2 − b2 + 2abi

= 2 + 2 !3i
U

From the real part: a2 − b2 = 2 (1)

From the imaginary part: 2ab = 2 !3 (2)
!3
3 Solve for b and substitute into (1). From (2): b = . Substitute into (1):
a
3
a2 − 2 = 2
a
4 Multiply by a2. a − 3 = 2a2
4

a4 − 2a2 − 3 = 0

170 mAThs QuEsT 12 spECIAlIsT mAThEmATICs VCE units 3 and 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 170 18/08/15 7:12 PM

 5 Solve for a. (a2 − 3)(a2 + 1) = 0
a = ±!3 only, since a ∈ R.
!3 ⇒
6 Substitute to find b. b= b = ±1
a
7 State the two answers. z = ±( !3 + i)

square roots of complex numbers using polar form

To use the polar method to find z from z2, express z in polar form and use de Moivre’s
theorem to find the roots. There will be two answers. Because any multiple of 2π can

FS
be added to an angle, the working is as follows:
z2 = r cis( θ + 2kπ) where k ∈ Z
θ

O
z = !r cisa + kπb. Let k = 0, −1 to generate the two different answers.
2

O
PR
WorKED
31 If z2 = 2 + 2 !3
! i, find the complex number z using a polar method. Express
ExAmplE the final answers in rectangular form.

THINK WRITE

E
1 Express 2 + 2 !3i in polar form. z2 = 2 + 2 !3i
G π
= 4 cisa + 2kπb
PA
3
π
+ 2kπ
2 Use de Moivre’s theorem. z = !4 cis q 3 r
D

2
TE

π
= 2 cisa + kπb
6
EC

3 Let k = 0 and convert to rectangular form.

π
z = 2 cisa b
6
π π
R

= 2acosa b + i sina b b
6 6
R

!3 1
= 2a +i× b
O

2 2
= !3 + i
C

5π
N

4 Let k = −1 and convert to rectangular form. z = 2 cisa− b

6
U

5π 5π
= 2acosa− b + i sina− b b
6 6
!3 1
= 2a− +i× − b
2 2
= −!3 − i
5 State the two answers. z = ±( !3 + i)

Topic 3 ComplEx numbErs 171

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 171 18/08/15 7:12 PM

 It is interesting to plot the two solutions on one Argand Im(z)
diagram. It can be seen that the two roots to the equation 2
z2 = 2 + 2 !3i both lie on a circle of radius 2 and are π
–
z = 3+i
6
equally separated around the circle by 180 degrees.
–2 0 5π
– –– 2 Re(z)
Although there are two roots, they are not complex z = – 3 –i
6

conjugates of one another. –2

Cube roots of complex numbers

Cube roots using rectangular form
All three cube roots of a number can be found using complex numbers and
rectangular form.

FS
WorKED
32 If z3 + 8 = 0, find the complex number z using a rectangular method.

O
ExAmplE

O
THINK WRITE

PR
1 Use the sum of two cubes. z3 + 8 = 0
a3 + b3 = (a + b)(a2 − ab + b2) z3 + (2)3 = 0
(z + 2)(z − 2z + 4) = 0
2

E
2 Complete the square on the quadratic term. (z + 2)(z2 − 2z + 1 + 3) = 0

G (z + 2)((z − 1)2 + 3) = 0
PA
3 Replace i2 with −1. (z + 2)((z − 1)2 − 3i2) = 0

4 Factorise as the difference of two squares and (z + 2)(z − 1 + !3i)(z − 1 − !3i) = 0

state the linear factors.
D

5 From the Null Factor Theorem, state the three The roots are one real root and one pair of
TE

roots and their nature. complex conjugate roots.

z = −2, 1 ± !3i
EC

It is interesting to plot the three solutions on one Argand Im(z)

R

diagram. It can be seen that all three roots lie on a circle 2 z = 1 + 3i

of radius 2 and are equally separated around the circle at
R

π
z = –2 –
3
120° intervals. Because the coefficients are all real, the
O

–π
–2 0 – 2 Re(z)
three roots consist of one real number and one pair of 3

complex conjugates. z = 1– 3i
C

–2
N

Cube roots using polar form

U

All three cube roots of a number can be found using complex numbers and
polar form.
To use the polar method, express z in polar form and use de Moivre’s theorem to find
the roots. However, there will be three answers, so write:
z3 = r cis( θ + 2kπ) where k ∈ Z
3 θ + 2kπ
z=" r cisa b and let k = 0, ±1 to generate the three different answers.
3
Note that if different values for k were used, the roots would just repeat themselves.

172 mAThs QuEsT 12 spECIAlIsT mAThEmATICs VCE units 3 and 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 172 18/08/15 7:12 PM

 WORKED
33 If z3 + 8i = 0, find the complex number z using a polar method.
EXAMPLE

THINK WRITE
1 Express in polar form. z3 = −8i
π
= 8 cisa− + 2kπb
2
3 −π + 4kπ
2 Use de Moivre’s theorem. z=" 8 cisa b
6
π

FS
3 Let k = 0 and convert to rectangular form. z = 2 cisa− b
6
π π
= 2acosa− b + i sina− b b

O
6 6

O
!3 1
= 2a +i× − b
2 2

PR
= !3 + i
π
4 Let k = 1 and convert to rectangular form. z = 2 cisa b

E
2

G π π
= 2acosa b + i sina b b
2 2
PA
= 2 0 + 1i = 2i
( )

5π
5 Let k = −1 and convert to rectangular form. z = 2 cisa− b
D

6
TE

5π 5π
= 2acos a− b + i sin a− b b
6 6
!3
EC

= 2a− + i × −1 b
2 2
= −!3 − i
R

6 State all three answers. z = ±!3 − i, 2i

R
O

Again it is interesting to plot the three solutions on one Im(z)

C

Argand diagram. All three roots lie on a circle of radius 2 2 z = 2i

N

and are equally separated around the circle at 120° intervals.

U

Although there are three roots, there is no conjugate pair,

–2 0 2 Re(z)
because the cubic has non-real polynomials.
z = – 3–i z = 3–i
–2

Fourth roots of complex numbers

When finding fourth roots of complex numbers, although it is possible to work in
rectangular form, the preferred and easier method is to use polar form.

Topic 3 COMPLEX NUMBERS 173

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 173 18/08/15 7:25 PM

 WorKED
34 Solve for z if z4 + 16 = 0.
ExAmplE

THINK WRITE
1 Express in polar form. z4 = −16
= 16 cis(π + 2kπ)
4 π + 2kπ
2 Use de Moivre’s theorem. z=" 16 cisa b
4
π
3 Let k = 0 and convert to rectangular form. z = 2 cisa b
4

FS
π π
= 2acosa b + i sina b b
4 4

O
!2 !2
= 2a +i× b
2 2

O
= !2(1 + i)

PR
3π
4 Let k = 1 and convert to rectangular form. z = 2 cisa b
4
3π 3π
= 2acosa b + i sina b b

E
4 4

G
= 2a−
!2
2
+i×
!2
2
b
PA
= !2(−1 + i)
π
5 Let k = −1 and convert to rectangular form. z = 2 cisa− b
D

4
π π
TE

= 2acosa− b + i sina− b b
4 4
!2 !2
EC

= 2a −i× b
2 2
= !2(1 − i)
R

3π
6 Let k = −2 and convert to rectangular form. z = 2 cisa− b
R

4
3π 3π
O

= 2acosa− b + i sina− b b
4 4
C

!2 !2
= 2a− −i× b
N

2 2
= −!2(1 + i)
U

7 State all four answers. z = ±!2(1 + i), ±!2(1 − i)

Again it is interesting to plot the four solutions on one Im(z)

z = – 2(1 – i) z = 2(1 + i)
Argand diagram. It can be seen that all four roots lie
on a circle of radius 2 and are equally separated around
= 2 cis(––
4)
3π 2
()
= 2 cis –4π

the circle by 90°. The four roots consist of two pairs 1 –2 0 2 Re(z)
of complex conjugates, as all the coefficients in the
z = – 2(1 + i) z = 2(1 – i)
quartic are real. 3π –2
( )
= 2 cis –––
4
( )
= 2 cis – –π4

174 mAThs QuEsT 12 spECIAlIsT mAThEmATICs VCE units 3 and 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 174 18/08/15 7:12 PM

 Exercise 3.6 Roots of complex numbers
1 WE30 If z2 = 2 − 2 !3i, find the complex number z using a rectangular method.
PRactise
2 If z2 + 2i = 0, find the complex number z using a rectangular method.
3 WE31 If z2 = 2 − 2 !3i, find the complex number z using a polar method.
Express the final answers in rectangular form.
4 If z2 + 2i = 0, find the complex number z using a polar method. Express the final
answers in rectangular form.
5 WE32 If z3 + 64 = 0, find the complex number z using a rectangular method.
6 If z3 − 8 = 0, find the complex number z using a rectangular method.

FS
7 WE33 If z3 + 64i = 0, find the complex number z using a polar method.

O
8 If z3 − 8i = 0, find the complex number z using a polar method.

O
9 WE34 Solve for z if z4 − 16 = 0.
10 Solve for z if z4 + 8 − 8 !3i = 0.

PR
11 Find all the solutions for each of the following, giving your answers in
Consolidate
rectangular form.

E
a z2 − 36 = 0 b z2 + 36 = 0
c z2 − 36i = 0
G d z2 + 36i = 0
12 Find all the solutions for each of the following, giving your answers in
PA
rectangular form.
a z2 = 7 + 24i b z2 = 24 − 7i
c z2 = −24 + 7i d z2 = −7 − 24i
D

13 Find all the solutions for each of the following, giving your answers in both
TE

polar and rectangular form.

a z2 = 8(1 + !3i) b z2 = 8(1 − !3i)
EC

c z2 = 8(−1 + !3i) d z2 = −8(1 + !3i)

14 a i Solve for z if z4 + 16z2 − 225 = 0.
R

ii Find all the real numbers a and b that satisfy (a + bi)2 = −16 + 30i.
1
iii Hence, find the exact values of z if 2z2 + 4iz − 15i = 0.
R

b i Solve for z if z4 + 21z2 − 100 = 0.

O

ii Find all the real numbers a and b that satisfy (a + bi)2 = −21 − 20i.
iii Hence, find the exact values of z if z2 + !21iz + 5i = 0.
C

c i Solve for z if z4 − 18z2 − 243 = 0.

N

ii Find all the real numbers a and b that satisfy (a + bi)2 = 18 − 18 !3i.
1
iii Hence, find the exact values of z if 2z2 + 3 !2z + 9 !3i = 0.
U

15 If 1, u and v represent the three cube roots of unity, show that:

a v = u b u2 = v c 1 + u + v = 0.
16 Find all the solutions for each of the following, giving your answers in
rectangular form.
a z3 − 512 = 0 b z3 + 512 = 0
c z3 + 512i = 0 d z3 − 512i = 0

Topic 3  Complex numbers  175

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 175 18/08/15 7:12 PM

 17 Find all the roots of the equation z3 + 125i = 0, giving your answers in both
rectangular and polar form. Plot all the roots on one Argand diagram and
comment on their relative positions.
18 Find all the solutions for each of the following, giving your answers in both polar
and rectangular form.
a z4 − 4 = 0 b z4 + 8 + 8 !3i = 0
19 Let u = 2 − 2i.
a Find Arg(u4) and hence find u4.
b Find all the solutions of z4 + 64 = 0, giving your answers in both rectangular
and polar form.

FS
c Plot all the solutions of z4 + 64 = 0 on one Argand diagram and comment on
their relative positions.

O
20 Find all the roots of the equation z5 + 32 = 0, giving your answers in polar form
with angles in degrees. Plot all the roots on one Argand diagram and comment on

O
their relative positions.

PR
21 Find all the solutions for each of the following, giving your answers in both polar
Master
and rectangular form.
a z6 − 64 = 0 b z6 + 64 = 0

E
22 a Solve z8 − 16 = 0, giving your answers in both polar and rectangular form.

G
b Find all the roots of the equation z12 − 4096 = 0, giving your answers in both
PA
polar and rectangular form.
D
TE
EC
R
R
O
C
N
U

176 Maths Quest 12 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS  VCE Units 3 and 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 176 18/08/15 7:12 PM

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FS
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Topic 3 ComplEx numbErs 177

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 177 18/08/15 7:12 PM

 3 Answers
!6i
Exercise 3.2 25 a 4 ± 5i b 2 ± !5i c 2 ±
2
1 a 8i b ±8i
1 ± !2i 3 ± !3i −2 ± !6i
2 a 3!2i b ±3!2i d e f
3 4 5
3 4 ± 5i 3 !5i 26 a −2 ± i b 5 ± 3i c 7 ± 5i d −8 ± 3i
4 ±
2 2 7 26
27 a −2 − 21i b 23 − 14i c −25 − 25i
5 a 7 − 4i b −1 + 2i c 1 + 3i 3 11
d −60 + 32i e −10 − i
6 2 + 5i 10

FS
28 a 1 + 2i b 1 + i c 2 − 5i d −1 + 5i
7 a 9 − 13i b 7 − 24i
29 a x = 3, y = −1 b x = 5, y = 3
8 a 3 + 4i b 8 − 6i 6
c x = y= −10 d x =
27 8
y = −61

O
, ,
9 a 10 b 0 17 17 61
30 a 2i, −6i b 8i, −2i
10 −4 + 3i

O
3 1 3 c 4i, −i d −2i, −3i
11 a + 10 i b + 15i

PR
10 5
31 a 5 − 2i, 3 + 2i b 4 − 3i, 5 + 3i
12 −3 − 2i
7 20 9 c 2 − 3i, 5 + 2i d 7 + 3i, 1 − 4i
13 x = 2, y = 14 x = , y = 13
2 13
32 a i 2i ii −2 + 2i iii −4
15 −1 − 2i 16 3 + 2i
−7 − 24i ii −117 − 44i iii −527 + 336i

E
b i
17 4 18 2
c i a2 − + 2abib2
19 3z has a length of three times z, z = −2 + i is the
reflection in the real axis, and iz = 1 − 2i is a rotation
G ii a − 3ab3 + (3a2b − b3)i
3
PA
of 90° anticlockwise from z. iii a4 − 6a2b2 + b4 + (4a3b − 4ab3)i
Im(z)
3
2 Exercise 3.3
z– 1
D

π 3π 2π
0 1 a 2 cisa b b !2 cisa b c 4 cisa− b
–6 –5 –4 –3 –2 1 2 Re(z) 3 4 3
–1
TE

z –2
iz π π
3z
–3 d 2 cisa− b e 4 cis(0) f 2 cisa− b
–4 6 2
–5
EC

π 2π 5π
2 a 2 cisa b b 2 cisa b c 2 cisa− b
20 u + v = 3 − i, u − v − 1 − 3i 6 3 6
Im(z) π π
e 7 cis(π)
R

d 2!2 cisa− b f 5 cisa b

3 4 2
2
3 a 2 − 2 !3 i b −8i
R

1 v
4 a −6 − 6i b −3 + 4i
O

–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Re(z)
–1 u+v 1 !3
–2 u 5 − i
C

u – v –3 12 12
6 −2 + 2i
N

21 a −2 b −i c !2 7 a −8i b −4
!2i 3!2i 8 a 1 − !3i b −8
U

d 5!3i e − f π
4 2 9 a b 32i
5 3 2
22 a 5 + 3i b 34 c + 34 i !3
34
10 − − 14i
4
16
d 16 − 30i e −36 f 13
+ 11
13
i 11 a Check with your teacher.
23 a 13 b 38 c −29 11π
b −!3 − 2 + i,
d −163 e
1
f −
2 12
13 5 π
3i 12 −
24 a ±7 b ±7i c ± 12
2 13 n = 3k where k ∈ Z
5!3i 9!2i b 14 n = 3k +
3
where k ∈ Z
d ± e ± f ± i 2
3 2 Åa

178 Maths Quest 12 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS  VCE Units 3 & 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 178 18/08/15 7:12 PM

 15 a 5 cis(53°8′) b 25 cis(−73°44′) c n = 6k where k ∈ Z
c 13 cis(112°37′) d 4!2 cis 1 −135° 2 d n = 3(2k + 1) where k ∈ Z
1
16 a 18 cis(35°) b cis(11°) 25, 26 Answers may vary.
2
c 36 cis(24°) d 27 cis(69°)
27
e 629 856 cis(152°) f 8
cis(102°) Exercise 3.4
17 a −35 + 7i b 27 − 17i 1 z2 + 6z + 25 = 0
7 35
c −13 + i d −98i 2 z2 + 4 = 0
13
18 a i 4096 ii 0 3 z = −4 ± 3i, 2
–46 656
b i ii π 4 (z + 2i)(z − 2i)(z − 3)
1 953 125
c i ii 0 5 −2 ± 3i, 3, b = 1, c = 1
5π 6 ±5i, 2, b = −2, c = 25
d i −8192!3 + 8192i ii

FS
6
1 1 π π 7 ±2i
19 a 2( !3 + i), 2( !3 + i), –1 b , , π
6 6 8 (z + !7i)(z − !7i)(z + 3i)

O
c Yes d Yes 9 ±2i, 2 − 3i
e No 3
10 2 + 2i, ±!5i

O
2π 3π
20 a i ii − 11 ±2i, ±!5
3 4

PR
π 7π !6i
iii − iv − 12 ± , ±!3
12 12 2
v In this case yes but not in general vi No 13 5 ± 6i, −3 ± 5i, p = −4
5π 3π 14 4 ± 3i, −2 ± 3i, p = 6

E
b i ii
6 4 15 a −5 ± !21i b ±5!2i
5π π
iii −

v No
12
iv
12
Gc 6 ± 7i
16 a 2z2 + 5z − 3
d 4 ± 3i
b z2 − 6z + 34
PA
vi In this case yes but not in general c z2 − 4z + 9 d 8z2 + 10z + 3
1 1 !2 π 17 a 1, 6 ± 2i b −1, 5 ± 2i
21 a i 4( !3 + 1) + 4( !3 − 1)i ii cisa b
2 12 c 2, −2 ± !5i d −2, 4 ± 3i
D

1 1
iii 4( !6 − !2) iv 4 1 !6 − !2 2 18 a 2z3 − 3z2 − 11z + 6 b z3 − 12z2 + 54z − 68
TE

b i ( !6 − !2) + ( !6 + !2)i c z3 − z2 − z + 33 d 3z3 + 19z2 + 39z + 11

5π 19 a a = −4, b = 9, 1 ± 2i, 2
ii 4 cisa b
12 b a = −4, b = 22, 3 ± 5i, −2
EC

1
iii ( !6 + !2)
4 c a = −7, b = 41, 2 ± 5i, 3
22 a i 2( !3 + 1) + 2( !3 − 1)i
d a = −6, b = 25, 4 ± 5i, −2
π
R

ii 4!2 cisa b 20 a ±2i, 4i b ±!7i, 3i

12
c ±!5i, −2i d ±!3i, 4i
R

1
iii ( !6 + !2)
4
1 21 a 2 − 5i, ±!3i b 3 − 2i, ±2i
− !3) + 12( !3 + 1)i
O

b i 2(1
c −2 − 3i, ±!5i d 3 − 4i, ±5i
7π
C

ii !2 cisa b 22 a ±3i, ±2 b ±!7i, ±!3

12
1 c ±!5i, ±2!2 d ±!6i, ±!3i
N

iii 4( !2 − !6)
23 a i Check with your teacher. 23 a a = −6, ±3i, 3 ± 4i b b = 24, −3 ± 4i, ±2i
U

π
ii 24 a p = 3, −2 ± 3i, −12, 3 b a = ±4, ±4i, −3 ± 4i
8
5π 25 a z4 − 4z3 + 22z2 − 36z + 117 = 0
iii
8 b z4 + 8z3 + 29z2 + 32z + 100 = 0
7π
b i Check with your teacher. ii 26 a z5 + z4 + 15z3 + 31z2 − 16z + 240 = 0
12
5π π b z5 − 8z4 + 71z3 − 268z2 + 1150z − 1700 = 0
iii − iv
12 12
24 a n = 2 1 2k + 1 2 where k ∈ Z
b n = 4k where k ∈ Z

Topic 3  Complex numbers  179

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 179 18/08/15 7:12 PM

 Exercise 3.5 π
10 A ray from (0, –3) making an angle of − or 90° with
1 Circle (x − 3)2 + (y + 2)2 = 16, with centre (3, –2) the real axis 2
and radius 4 Im(z)
Im(z) 4
3
2
2
1
1
–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Re(z)
–1 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 Re(z)
–2 –1
–2
–3
–3 – –π
–4 2
–4
–5
–6
11 a x2 + y2 = 9; circle with centre (0, 0), radius 3

FS
2 a = 3, b = −3, r = 3 Im(z)

3 The line 4x + 3y = 12 3
2

O
Im(z)
1
4
–3 –2 –1 0

O
1 2 3 Re(z)
3 –1
2 –2
–3

PR
1

–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 Re(z) b x2 + y2 = 4; circle with centre (0, 0), ­radius 2

–1
–2
Im(z)
–3

E
3
4 a = −4, b = 2 2

5 Line y = −x; the set of points equidistant from (0, –3)

G –3 –2 –1 0
1
PA
and (3, 0) 1 2 3 Re(z)
–1
Im(z) –2
–3
3
2 c 1 x + 2 2 2 + 1 y − 3 2 2 = 4; circle with centre
D

1
(–2, 3), radius 2
TE

–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Re(z) Im(z)
–1
–2 5
–3 4
EC

3
6 Line y = −1; the set of points equidistant from (0, 1) 2
and (0, –3) 1
Im(z) –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0
R

1 2 Re(z)
–1
3 –2
R

2
1 d (x − 3)2 + (y + 1)2 = 9; circle with centre
O

–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Re(z)
(3, –1), radius 3
–1 Im(z)
C

–2
–3 2
N

1
72 21
7 a (0, 3), a , b b ±8!5
25 25 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Re(z)
U

7 26
–1
8 a (2, 5), a− , − b b ±5!13 –2
5 5 –3
π
9 A ray from (2, 0) making an angle of or 30° with –4
the real axis 6 –5
Im(z)

3
2 π
–
1 6

–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Re(z)
–1
–2
–3

180  Maths Quest 12 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS  VCE Units 3 & 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 180 19/08/15 10:11 AM

 12 a y = 2; line c y = −2x − 3
Im(z) Im(z)
3 3
2 2
1 1

–2 –1 0 1 2 3 Re(z) –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Re(z)
–1 –1
–2 –2
–3 –3

b x + 2y = 4; line 2x
d y =
Im(z) 3
Im(z)
3
2 3

FS
1 2
1
–3 –2–1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Re(z)
–1 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Re(z)
–2 –1

O
–2
–3
–3

O
c 3x + 2y = 6 2x
Im(z) 14 a y = − + 2; line
3

PR
3 2
b ax − 32 b + (y − 1)2 = 13 ; circle with centre a
3
, 1b ,
2 4 2
1
radius !132

E
–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Re(z) 15 a (x + 1)2 + (y + 4)2 = 8; circle with centre
–1
–2
(–1, –4), radius 2!2
–3

G b (x − 1)2 + (y + 8)2 = 20; circle with centre

PA
d y = 2x − 6 (1, –8), radius 2!5
Im(z) c a = −2, b = 4, r = 2!5
3 d a = 1, b = 4, r = 2!2
2
D

1 16 a 3x − 4y = 25; line
b (x − 3)2 + (y + 4)2 = 25; circle with centre
TE

–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Re(z)
–1 (3, –4), radius 5
–2
–3 c 7 − i, −1 − 7i
Im(z)
EC

–4
–5
1
–6
–7 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Re(z)
–1
R

–2
13 a x = 3; line –3
R

Im(z) –4 S=R
–5
O

2 –6
1 –7
C

–8
–2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 Re(z)
–1 T = U –9
–2
N

9 12
b y = −x 17 a a , b
5 5
b 2
U

14 48
Im(z) c (–2, 0), a− , b d ±30
25 25
x
3 y=
18 a  for x > 0; a ray from (0, 0) making an angle
2 !3
1 of 30° with the real axis
Im(z)
–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Re(z)
–1
–2 3
–3 2
1 π
–
6

–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Re(z)
–1
–2
–3

Topic 3  Complex numbers  181

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 181 18/08/15 7:26 PM

 b y = x − 1 for x > 0; a ray from (0, –1) making an b
2
b2 − ac
angle of 45° with the real axis d  i     ax + b + y2 = ; circle with centre
a a2
Im(z)
b "b2 − ac
3 a− , 0b, radius
a a
2 c
1 π
– ii If a = 0 and b ≠ 0, the equation is x = − , a line.
4 2b
–3 –2 –1 0
–1
1 2 3 Re(z) e  (x + 3)2 + (y − 2)2 = 9; circle with centre
–2 (–3, 2), radius 3
–3
α
2 β 2 bb − ac
f ax + b + ay + b = ; circle with centre
c y = 2 − x for x < 2; a ray from (2, 0) making an angle a a a2
of 135° with the real axis α β "bb − ac
Im(z)
a− , − b, radius
a a a

FS
3 ax
21 a y = − + a, ab ≠ 0; line
2 b
1 3π
2 2
a2 + b2
–
4 b a

O
b ax − b + ay − b = ; circle with centre
–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Re(z) 2 2 4
–1
–2

O
–3 b a "a2 + b2
a , b, radius
2 2 2

PR
d x = −2 for y < 1; a ray from (–2, 1) going down 22 a x − a + y − b = r2; circle with centre
( )2 ( ) 2
parallel to the imaginary axis. (a, b), radius r
Im(z) 2
5b 16b2
b (x − a)2 + ay − b = ; circle with centre

E
3 3 9
2 5b 4b
aa, b, radius

G
1
3 3
–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Re(z)
PA
–1
–2
–3 Exercise 3.6
1 ±( !3 − i) 2 ±(1 − i) 3 ±( !3 − i)
3 !2
19 a ( !2, !2) b a , −3 !2 b 4 ±(1 − i) 5 −4, 2 ± 2!3i 6 2, −1 ± !3i
D

2 2

Im(z) Im(z) 7 2!3 − 2i, −2!3 − 2i, 4i

TE

3
T
3 S 8 −!3 + i, !3 + i, −2i
2
) 2 , 2)
2 9 ±2i, ±2
1 π 1
S
10 ±( !3 + i), ±(1 − !3i)
–
EC

4
–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Re(z) –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Re(z)
–1 –1 π 11 a ±6 b ±6i
–2
–3
–2 – –
–3
4 2
– 2(
3 2, 3 2
) c ±3!2(1 + i) d ±3!2(1 − i)
R

T
!2
12 a ±(4 + 3i) b ± (7 − i)
2
c i S is the circle with centre (–3, –1) and
R

radius 5: (x + 3)2 + (y + 1)2 = 4. c ± !2

2
(1 + 7i) d ±(3 − 4i)
O

ii T is y = x + 3 for x < −3, the ray from (–3, 0) 13 a ±2( !3 + i) b ±2( !3 − i)

­making an angle of –135° with the real axis. c ±2(1 + !3i) d ±2(1 − !3i)
C

iii u = −7 − 4i 14 a i ±5i ± 3 ii a = ±3, b = ±5

N

ax iii 3 + i, −3 − 9i
20 a y = + b; line
b
U

2 2 b i ±5i ± 2 ii a = ±2, b = ∓5
a b a2 + b2
b ax − b + ay − b = ; circle with centre iii 1 − a
!21 + 5
b i, −1 − a
!21 − 5
bi
2 2 4 2 2

a b "a2 + b2 c i ±3i ± 3!3 ii a = ±3!3, b = ∓3

a , b, radius
2 2 2
iii 3( !3 − !2) − 3i, −3( !3 + !2) + 3i
10
(x + 2)2 + y2 =
c  ; circle with centre (–2, 0),
3 15 Check with your teacher.
!30
radius 3

182  Maths Quest 12 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS  VCE Units 3 & 4

c03ComplexNumbers.indd 182 18/08/15 7:26 PM

 16 a −4 + 4!3i, −4 − 4!3i, 8 20 2 cis(±36°), 2 cis(±108°), Im(z)

b 4 + 4!3i, 4 − 4!3i, –8 2 cis(180°) 3

2cis(108°)
2
c 4!3 − 4i, −4!3 − 4i, 8i All 5 roots are on a circle 2cis(36°)
2cis(180°) 1
of radius 2 and are equally
d 4!3 + 4i, −4!3 + 4i, −8i
spaced around the circle –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Re(z)
–1
5!3 5 5!3 5 5π π at 72° intervals. The roots 2cis(–108°)
–2 2cis(–36°)
17 − i, − − i, 5i or 5 cisa− b, 5 cisa− b, consist of 2 pairs of complex –3
2 2 2 2 6 6
π conjugates and 1 real root.
5 cisa b π 2π
2 21 a 1 ± !3 i, −1 ± !3 i, ±2 or 2 cisa± b, 2 cisa± b,
±2 cis(π) 3 3
All the roots are on a circle of radius 5 and are equally
π 5π
spaced around the circle at 120° intervals. b −!3 ± i, !3 ± i, ±2i or 2 cisa± b, 2 cisa± b,
Im(z) π 6 6
2 cisa± b

FS
2
5
z = 5 cis ( ) = 5i
π
–
2 22 a 1 ± i, −1 ± i, ±!2i, ±!2 or
S π 3π
!2 cisa± b, ±!2 cis(0), !2 cisa± b

O
–5 0 5 Re(z) 2 4
( )
z = 5 cis – 5π
— –5 ( )π
z = 5 cis – –6 All 8 roots are on a circle of radius !2 and are

O
6
=– ( )
5
– 3+i = 5
( )
– 3–i
equally spaced around the circle at 45° intervals. The
2

PR
2 roots consist of 3 pairs of complex conjugates and 2
18 a ±!2i ±!2 real roots.
b ±( !3 − i), ±(1 + !3i) b −!3 ± i, !3 ± i, −1 ± !3i, 1 ± !3i, ±2, ±2i or
19 a –64, π π π 5π 2π
2 cisa± b, 2 cisa± b, 2 cisa± b, 2 cisa± b,

E
π
b ±2(1 + i), ±2(1 − i) or 2!2 cisa± b, 3 2 6 3
4 ±2 cis(π)
2!2 cisa±
3π
4
b
G All 12 roots are on a circle of radius 2 and are
PA
c All 4 roots are on a circle of radius 2!2 and are equally spaced around the circle at 30° intervals.
equally spaced around the circle at 90° intervals. The roots consist of 5 pairs of complex conjugates
The roots consist of 2 pairs of complex conjugates. and 2 real roots.
Im(z)
D

3 2 2
2 2 cis( ) = –2 + 2i
3π
—
()
π
2 2 cis –4 = 2 + 2i
TE

4 2
–2 2 1
2 2
–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Re(z)
–1
EC

( )3π
2 2 cis – —
4
= –2 + 2i –2
–3 –2 2
( )
π
2 2 cis – –4 = 2 + 2i
R
R
O
C
N
U

Topic 3  Complex numbers  183

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