Chapter 1: Complex Numbers
Does \(x^2 + 1 = 0\) have a real root?
Important
To solve equations like \(x^2 + 1 = 0\), we introduce a new concept: complex numbers.
iTo solve \(x^2 + 1 = 0\), we define a new symbol \(i\): \(i^2 = -1\)
Note
The imaginary unit \(i\) extends our number system beyond the real numbers.
The powers of \(i\) follow a cyclical pattern.
\(i^1 = i\)
\(i^2 = -1\)
\(i^3 = i^2 \cdot i = -i\)
\(i^4 = i^2 \cdot i^2 = (-1)(-1) = 1\)
\(i^5 = i^4 \cdot i = 1 \cdot i = i\)
Tip
The value of \(i^n\) depends on the remainder when \(n\) is divided by 4.
For any integer \(k\):
\(i^{4k} = 1\)
\(i^{4k+1} = i\)
\(i^{4k+2} = -1\)
\(i^{4k+3} = -i\)
A complex number \(z\) is defined as:
\(z = x + yi\)
where \(x\) and \(y\) are real numbers.
The set of all complex numbers is denoted by \(\mathbb{C}\).
Examples:
Two complex numbers are equal if and only if their real parts are equal and their imaginary parts are equal.
Given \(z = x + yi\) and \(z' = x' + y'i\):
\(z = z'\) if and only if \(x = x'\) and \(y = y'\).
(i.e., \(\operatorname{Re}(z) = \operatorname{Re}(z')\) and \(\operatorname{Im}(z) = \operatorname{Im}(z')\))
Important
Suppose \(x\) and \(y\) are real numbers such that the two complex numbers \((2x - 3) + 5i\) and \((x + 7) - (y + 1)i\) are equal. Find the values of \(x\) and \(y\).
Solution:
Equating real parts: \(2x - 3 = x + 7 \implies x = 10\)
Equating imaginary parts: \(5 = -(y + 1) \implies 5 = -y - 1 \implies y = -6\)
Thus, \(x = 10\) and \(y = -6\).
We can visualize complex numbers as points or vectors in a 2D plane called the Argand diagram.

A complex number \(z=x+yi\) can also be described by its distance from the origin (\(r\)) and the angle it makes with the positive real axis (\(\theta\)).

These forms are very useful for multiplication, division, and powers of complex numbers.
1. Polar Form (Trigonometric Form)
\(z = r(\cos \theta + i\sin \theta)\)
or \(z = r \operatorname{cis} \theta\)
where \(r = |z|\) and \(\theta = \arg(z)\).
2. Exponential Form
\(z = re^{i\theta}\)
This form uses Euler’s formula: \(e^{i\theta} = \cos \theta + i\sin \theta\).
Important
Let \(z = 3 - 3i\).
Solution:
\(r = |z| = \sqrt{3^2 + (-3)^2} = \sqrt{9+9} = \sqrt{18} = 3\sqrt{2}\).
\(\tan \theta = \frac{-3}{3} = -1\). Since \(x>0, y<0\), \(z\) is in Q4.
Principal argument \(\theta = -\frac{\pi}{4}\).
Polar form: \(z = 3\sqrt{2} \left(\cos\left(-\frac{\pi}{4}\right) + i\sin\left(-\frac{\pi}{4}\right)\right)\).
The conjugate of a complex number \(z = x + yi\) is \(\bar{z} = x - yi\).

Note
Properties of Conjugates:
Complex numbers are added or subtracted by combining their real and imaginary parts separately.
Given \(z_1 = x_1 + y_1i\) and \(z_2 = x_2 + y_2i\):
\(z_1 \pm z_2 = (x_1 \pm x_2) + (y_1 \pm y_2)i\)
Important
\((3 + 5i) + (3.5 - i)\)
\(= (3 + 3.5) + (5 - 1)i\)
\(= 6.5 + 4i\)
\((-\sqrt{3} + i) - (\pi + 9i)\)
\(= (-\sqrt{3} - \pi) + (1 - 9)i\)
\(= (-\sqrt{3} - \pi) - 8i\)
Tip
Properties of Addition/Subtraction:
To multiply complex numbers, use the distributive property (FOIL) and remember that \(i^2 = -1\).
Given \(z_1 = x_1 + y_1i\) and \(z_2 = x_2 + y_2i\):
\(z_1 \cdot z_2 = (x_1 + y_1i)(x_2 + y_2i)\)
\(= x_1x_2 + x_1y_2i + y_1x_2i + y_1y_2i^2\)
\(= (x_1x_2 - y_1y_2) + (x_1y_2 + x_2y_1)i\)
Important
Evaluate \((3 + 5i) \cdot (2 - i)\)
\(= (3)(2) + (3)(-i) + (5i)(2) + (5i)(-i)\)
\(= 6 - 3i + 10i - 5i^2\)
\(= 6 + 7i - 5(-1)\)
\(= 6 + 7i + 5\)
\(= 11 + 7i\)
Multiplication becomes much simpler in polar form!
Given \(z_1 = r_1(\cos \theta_1 + i\sin \theta_1)\) and \(z_2 = r_2(\cos \theta_2 + i\sin \theta_2)\):
\(z_1 \cdot z_2 = r_1 r_2 (\cos(\theta_1 + \theta_2) + i\sin(\theta_1 + \theta_2))\)
Tip
Properties of Product:
Geometric Interpretation:
Multiplying \(z_1\) by \(z_2\) scales \(z_1\) by a factor of \(|z_2|\) and rotates it by an angle of \(\arg(z_2)\).

To divide complex numbers, we “rationalize the denominator” using the complex conjugate.
Given \(z_1 = x_1 + y_1i\) and \(z_2 = x_2 + y_2i\) (\(z_2 \neq 0\)): \(\frac{z_1}{z_2} = \frac{z_1}{z_2} \cdot \frac{\overline{z_2}}{\overline{z_2}} = \frac{z_1 \overline{z_2}}{|z_2|^2}\)
Important
Evaluate \(\frac{3 + 5i}{2 - i}\)
\(= \frac{3 + 5i}{2 - i} \cdot \frac{2 + i}{2 + i}\)
\(= \frac{(3)(2) + (3)(i) + (5i)(2) + (5i)(i)}{2^2 + (-1)^2}\)
\(= \frac{6 + 3i + 10i + 5i^2}{4 + 1}\)
\(= \frac{6 + 13i - 5}{5}\)
\(= \frac{1 + 13i}{5}\)
\(= \frac{1}{5} + \frac{13}{5}i\)
Similar to multiplication, division is simplified in polar form.
Given \(z_1 = r_1(\cos \theta_1 + i\sin \theta_1)\) and \(z_2 = r_2(\cos \theta_2 + i\sin \theta_2)\):
\(\frac{z_1}{z_2} = \frac{r_1}{r_2} (\cos(\theta_1 - \theta_2) + i\sin(\theta_1 - \theta_2))\)
Tip
Properties of Quotient:
Important
Let \(z = \cos \theta + i\sin \theta\). Find \(|z|\) and show that \(\frac{1}{z} = \bar{z}\).
Solution:
\(|z| = \sqrt{\cos^2\theta + \sin^2\theta} = \sqrt{1} = 1\).
\(\frac{1}{z} = \frac{1}{\cos\theta + i\sin\theta} = \frac{1}{\cos\theta + i\sin\theta} \cdot \frac{\cos\theta - i\sin\theta}{\cos\theta - i\sin\theta}\)
\(= \frac{\cos\theta - i\sin\theta}{\cos^2\theta + \sin^2\theta} = \frac{\cos\theta - i\sin\theta}{1} = \cos\theta - i\sin\theta = \bar{z}\).
This powerful theorem guarantees the existence of roots for polynomial equations within the complex number system.
Important
Theorem 1.5.1 (Fundamental Theorem of Algebra):
Every polynomial equation of the form \(a_n x^n + a_{n-1} x^{n-1} + \dots + a_1 x + a_0 = 0\) where \(a_k\) are complex coefficients, \(n \ge 1\), and \(a_n \neq 0\), has exactly \(n\) roots in the complex number system, provided each multiple root of multiplicity \(m\) is counted as \(m\) roots.
Note
This means that any polynomial with real or complex coefficients can always be factored completely into linear factors over the complex numbers.
The real number system is “incomplete” for roots (e.g., \(x^2+1=0\)), but the complex number system is “complete”.
When the discriminant \(D = b^2 - 4ac\) is negative, quadratic equations have complex roots.
For \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\):
Important
Solve the quadratic equation \(2x^2 - 3x + 5 = 0\).
Solution:
Here \(a=2, b=-3, c=5\).
\(D = b^2 - 4ac = (-3)^2 - 4(2)(5) = 9 - 40 = -31\).
Since \(D < 0\), we have complex roots:
\(x = \frac{-(-3) \pm i\sqrt{-(-31)}}{2(2)} = \frac{3 \pm i\sqrt{31}}{4}\)
The two roots are \(x_1 = \frac{3}{4} + \frac{\sqrt{31}}{4}i\) and \(x_2 = \frac{3}{4} - \frac{\sqrt{31}}{4}i\).
A special property arises when a polynomial has real coefficients.
Important
Theorem 1.5.3 (Conjugate Root Theorem):
If \(p(x) = a_n x^n + \dots + a_0\) is a polynomial with real coefficients \(a_k\), and \(z\) is a root of \(p(x) = 0\), then its conjugate \(\bar{z}\) is also a root of \(p(x) = 0\).
Important
Suppose \(z_0 = 1 + i\) is a complex root of \(x^3 - x^2 + 2 = 0\).
By the Conjugate Root Theorem, \(\overline{z_0} = 1 - i\) is also a complex root.
Therefore, \((x - z_0)(x - \overline{z_0})\) is a quadratic factor of \(x^3 - x^2 + 2\).
\((x - (1+i))(x - (1-i)) = ((x-1) - i)((x-1) + i)\)
\(= (x-1)^2 - i^2 = (x-1)^2 + 1 = x^2 - 2x + 1 + 1 = x^2 - 2x + 2\).
This quadratic factor \(x^2 - 2x + 2\) has real coefficients.
Important
Theorem 1.5.4: Every odd degree polynomial \(p(x)\) with real coefficients has at least one real root.
This theorem provides a powerful way to raise complex numbers in polar form to a power.
Important
Theorem 1.6.1 (De Moivre’s Theorem):
For every integer \(n\), \((\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)^n = \cos n\theta + i \sin n\theta\)
Important
Solution: Using De Moivre’s Theorem, \((\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)^9 = \cos 9\theta + i\sin 9\theta\).
\(= \cos(-\frac{\pi}{2}) + i\sin(-\frac{\pi}{2}) = 0 - i = -i\).
We prove by Mathematical Induction for \(n = 0, 1, 2, \dots\)
Base Case (\(n=0\)):
\((\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)^0 = 1\)
\(\cos(0\theta) + i \sin(0\theta) = \cos 0 + i \sin 0 = 1 + i(0) = 1\).
The result holds for \(n=0\).
Inductive Hypothesis: Assume the result holds for some non-negative integer \(k\):
\((\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)^k = \cos k\theta + i \sin k\theta\).
Inductive Step: Prove the result holds for \(k+1\): \((\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)^{k+1} = (\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)^k (\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)\) \(= (\cos k\theta + i \sin k\theta)(\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)\) (by Inductive Hypothesis) \(= (\cos k\theta \cos \theta - \sin k\theta \sin \theta) + i(\sin k\theta \cos \theta + \cos k\theta \sin \theta)\) \(= \cos(k\theta + \theta) + i\sin(k\theta + \theta)\) (using trigonometric sum identities) \(= \cos((k+1)\theta) + i\sin((k+1)\theta)\). Thus, by Mathematical Induction, the theorem holds for all non-negative integers \(n\).
Let \(n\) be a negative integer, so \(n = -m\) for some positive integer \(m\).
\((\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)^n = (\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)^{-m}\)
\(= \frac{1}{(\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)^m}\)
\(= \frac{1}{\cos m\theta + i \sin m\theta}\) (since \(m > 0\), by Case 1)
\(= \frac{1}{\cos m\theta + i \sin m\theta} \cdot \frac{\cos m\theta - i \sin m\theta}{\cos m\theta - i \sin m\theta}\) (multiplying by conjugate)
\(= \frac{\cos m\theta - i \sin m\theta}{\cos^2(m\theta) + \sin^2(m\theta)}\)
\(= \frac{\cos m\theta - i \sin m\theta}{1}\)
\(= \cos m\theta - i \sin m\theta\)
\(= \cos(-m\theta) + i \sin(-m\theta)\) (since \(\cos(-\alpha) = \cos\alpha\) and \(\sin(-\alpha) = -\sin\alpha\))
\(= \cos n\theta + i \sin n\theta\) (since \(n=-m\)).
Thus, De Moivre’s Theorem holds for all negative integers \(n\).
De Moivre’s Theorem can be extended to find roots of complex numbers.
Important
Theorem 1.7.2 (Distinct \(n\)-th roots):
For a complex number \(z = r(\cos \alpha + i \sin \alpha)\), the \(n\) distinct \(n\)-th roots are given by:
\(z_k = \sqrt[n]{r} \left(\cos \frac{\alpha + 2k\pi}{n} + i \sin \frac{\alpha + 2k\pi}{n}\right)\),
for \(k = 0, 1, 2, \dots, n-1\).
In exponential form:
\(z_k = \sqrt[n]{r} e^{i \frac{\alpha + 2k\pi}{n}}\),
for \(k = 0, 1, 2, \dots, n-1\).
Important
Find all 5th roots of \(\sqrt{3} + i\).
Solution: First, convert \(\sqrt{3} + i\) to polar form:
\(x=\sqrt{3}, y=1\).
\(r = |\sqrt{3} + i| = \sqrt{(\sqrt{3})^2 + 1^2} = \sqrt{3+1} = \sqrt{4} = 2\).
\(\tan \alpha = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\). Since \(x>0, y>0\), \(\alpha = \frac{\pi}{6}\).
So, \(\sqrt{3} + i = 2\left(\cos\frac{\pi}{6} + i\sin\frac{\pi}{6}\right)\).
Now apply the formula for \(n=5\):
\(z_k = \sqrt[5]{2} \left(\cos \frac{\frac{\pi}{6} + 2k\pi}{5} + i \sin \frac{\frac{\pi}{6} + 2k\pi}{5}\right)\), for \(k=0,1,2,3,4\).
\(z_k = \sqrt[5]{2} \left(\cos \frac{\pi + 12k\pi}{30} + i \sin \frac{\pi + 12k\pi}{30}\right)\).
The 5 roots are:
\(k=0: z_0 = \sqrt[5]{2} (\cos \frac{\pi}{30} + i \sin \frac{\pi}{30})\)
\(k=1: z_1 = \sqrt[5]{2} (\cos \frac{13\pi}{30} + i \sin \frac{13\pi}{30})\)
\(k=2: z_2 = \sqrt[5]{2} (\cos \frac{25\pi}{30} + i \sin \frac{25\pi}{30}) = \sqrt[5]{2} (\cos \frac{5\pi}{6} + i \sin \frac{5\pi}{6})\)
\(k=3: z_3 = \sqrt[5]{2} (\cos \frac{37\pi}{30} + i \sin \frac{37\pi}{30})\)
\(k=4: z_4 = \sqrt[5]{2} (\cos \frac{49\pi}{30} + i \sin \frac{49\pi}{30})\)
A special case of finding \(n\)-th roots is when \(z=1\). These are called the \(n\)-th roots of unity.
Since \(1 = 1 + 0i = \cos 0 + i\sin 0 = \cos 2k\pi + i\sin 2k\pi\).
Corollary 1.7.7 (n-th roots of unity):
The \(n\) distinct \(n\)-th roots of unity are:
\(z_k = \cos \frac{2k\pi}{n} + i \sin \frac{2k\pi}{n}\), for \(k = 0, 1, 2, \dots, n-1\).
By De Moivre’s Theorem, these roots can also be expressed as \(z_k = (z_1)^k\).
Geometric Interpretation:
- All \(n\)-th roots of unity lie on the unit circle (\(r=1\)) in the Argand diagram.
- They are equally spaced around the circle, with an angle of \(\frac{2\pi}{n}\) between consecutive roots.

(Example for \(n=4\))
De Moivre’s Theorem allows us to express \(\cos n\theta\), \(\sin n\theta\), and \(\tan n\theta\) in terms of powers of \(\cos \theta\), \(\sin \theta\), and \(\tan \theta\).
Tools:
\(\cos n\theta = \operatorname{Re}(\cos n\theta + i \sin n\theta) = \operatorname{Re}((\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)^n)\)
\(\sin n\theta = \operatorname{Im}(\cos n\theta + i \sin n\theta) = \operatorname{Im}((\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)^n)\)
Method:
Important
Express \(\sin 3\theta\) in terms of powers of \(\sin \theta\).
Solution:
\(\sin 3\theta = \operatorname{Im}(\cos 3\theta + i \sin 3\theta) = \operatorname{Im}((\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)^3)\)
Let \(c = \cos\theta\) and \(s = \sin\theta\).
\(\operatorname{Im}((c + is)^3) = \operatorname{Im}(c^3 + 3c^2(is) + 3c(is)^2 + (is)^3)\)
\(= \operatorname{Im}(c^3 + 3ic^2s - 3cs^2 - is^3)\)
\(= \operatorname{Im}((c^3 - 3cs^2) + i(3c^2s - s^3))\)
\(= 3c^2s - s^3\)
Now substitute \(c^2 = 1 - s^2\):
\(\sin 3\theta = 3(1 - s^2)s - s^3 = 3s - 3s^3 - s^3 = 3s - 4s^3\)
\(\sin 3\theta = 3\sin\theta - 4\sin^3\theta\).
We can also express powers of \(\cos\theta\) or \(\sin\theta\) in terms of cosines and sines of multiple angles (\(\cos k\theta, \sin k\theta\)).
Main Tool: Let \(z = \cos \theta + i\sin \theta\).
Then \(\frac{1}{z} = \cos \theta - i\sin \theta = \bar{z}\).
From this, we derive:
\(z + \frac{1}{z} = (\cos \theta + i\sin \theta) + (\cos \theta - i\sin \theta) = 2\cos \theta\)
\(z - \frac{1}{z} = (\cos \theta + i\sin \theta) - (\cos \theta - i\sin \theta) = 2i\sin \theta\)
Also, by De Moivre’s Theorem:
\(z^k = \cos k\theta + i\sin k\theta\)
\(\frac{1}{z^k} = \cos k\theta - i\sin k\theta\)
Thus:
\(z^k + \frac{1}{z^k} = 2\cos k\theta\)
\(z^k - \frac{1}{z^k} = 2i\sin k\theta\)
Important
Prove that \(\cos^3\theta = \frac{1}{4}(\cos 3\theta + 3\cos \theta)\).
Proof:
Let \(z = \cos\theta + i\sin\theta\).
\(\cos^3\theta = \left(\frac{1}{2}\left(z + \frac{1}{z}\right)\right)^3\)
\(= \frac{1}{8}\left(z^3 + 3z^2\left(\frac{1}{z}\right) + 3z\left(\frac{1}{z}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{1}{z}\right)^3\right)\)
\(= \frac{1}{8}\left(z^3 + 3z + \frac{3}{z} + \frac{1}{z^3}\right)\)
\(= \frac{1}{8}\left(\left(z^3 + \frac{1}{z^3}\right) + 3\left(z + \frac{1}{z}\right)\right)\)
Using the identities above:
\(= \frac{1}{8}(2\cos 3\theta + 3(2\cos \theta))\)
\(= \frac{1}{8}(2\cos 3\theta + 6\cos \theta)\)
\(= \frac{1}{4}(\cos 3\theta + 3\cos \theta)\).
| Equation | Description |
|---|---|
| \(i^2 = -1\) | Definition of the imaginary unit. |
| \(z = x + yi\) | Rectangular form of a complex number, where \(x = \operatorname{Re}(z)\) and \(y = \operatorname{Im}(z)\). |
| \(|z| = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2}\) | Modulus (magnitude) of a complex number. |
| \(x = r \cos \theta, y = r \sin \theta\) | Relates rectangular and polar coordinates. |
| \(z = r(\cos \theta + i\sin \theta) = re^{i\theta}\) | Polar and exponential forms of a complex number. |
| \(\bar{z} = x - yi = r(\cos(-\theta) + i\sin(-\theta)) = re^{-i\theta}\) | Complex conjugate of \(z\). |
| \(z_1 \pm z_2 = (x_1 \pm x_2) + (y_1 \pm y_2)i\) | Addition/subtraction of complex numbers. |
| \(z_1 z_2 = (x_1x_2 - y_1y_2) + (x_1y_2 + x_2y_1)i\) | Multiplication in rectangular form. |
| \(z_1 z_2 = r_1 r_2 (\cos(\theta_1 + \theta_2) + i\sin(\theta_1 + \theta_2))\) | Multiplication in polar form. |
| \(\frac{z_1}{z_2} = \frac{z_1 \overline{z_2}}{|z_2|^2}\) | Division in rectangular form. |
| \(\frac{z_1}{z_2} = \frac{r_1}{r_2} (\cos(\theta_1 - \theta_2) + i\sin(\theta_1 - \theta_2))\) | Division in polar form. |
| \((\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)^n = \cos n\theta + i \sin n\theta\) | De Moivre’s Theorem for any integer \(n\). |
| \(z_k = \sqrt[n]{r} \left(\cos \frac{\alpha + 2k\pi}{n} + i \sin \frac{\alpha + 2k\pi}{n}\right)\) | \(n\)-th distinct roots of \(z = r(\cos \alpha + i\sin \alpha)\), for \(k=0, \dots, n-1\). |
| \(z^k + \frac{1}{z^k} = 2\cos k\theta\), \(z^k - \frac{1}{z^k} = 2i\sin k\theta\) (where \(z = \cos\theta+i\sin\theta\)) | Identities for deriving trigonometric sums/powers. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Complex Number | A number of the form \(x + yi\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real numbers, and \(i^2 = -1\). |
| Imaginary Unit | The symbol \(i\), defined such that \(i^2 = -1\). |
| Real Part | The real number \(x\) in a complex number \(z = x + yi\), denoted \(\operatorname{Re}(z)\). |
| Imaginary Part | The real number \(y\) in a complex number \(z = x + yi\), denoted \(\operatorname{Im}(z)\). |
| Argand Diagram | A graphical representation of complex numbers as points or vectors in a 2D plane. |
| Modulus | The distance of a complex number \(z\) from the origin in the Argand diagram, denoted \(|z|\) or \(r\). |
| Argument | The angle \(\theta\) that the vector representing \(z\) makes with the positive real axis in the Argand diagram, denoted \(\arg(z)\). |
| Principal Argument | The unique argument \(\theta\) of a complex number \(z\) such that \(-\pi < \theta \leq \pi\). |
| Polar Form | Representation of a complex number \(z = r(\cos \theta + i\sin \theta)\). Also called trigonometric form. |
| Exponential Form | Representation of a complex number \(z = re^{i\theta}\), using Euler’s formula \(e^{i\theta} = \cos \theta + i\sin \theta\). |
| Complex Conjugate | For a complex number \(z = x + yi\), its conjugate is \(\bar{z} = x - yi\). |
| Fundamental Theorem of Algebra | States that every \(n\)-degree polynomial equation has exactly \(n\) complex roots (counting multiplicity). |
| Conjugate Root Theorem | For a polynomial with real coefficients, if \(z\) is a root, then its conjugate \(\bar{z}\) is also a root. |
| De Moivre’s Theorem | A theorem that states \((\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)^n = \cos n\theta + i \sin n\theta\) for any integer \(n\). |
| Roots of Unity | The \(n\)-th roots of the complex number 1. These are equally spaced points on the unit circle in the Argand diagram. |