H2 Mathematics: Complex Numbers 1

2010 Meridian Junior College

H2 Mathematics (9740)
Complex Numbers 1 Tutorial:
Complex Numbers in Cartesian Form
1

Find the complex number z such that

Solution:
z2
= 1+ i
z
z 2 = (1 + i )z
z (1 + i )z = 2
z (1 1 i ) = 2
2
= 2i
z=
i

z2
= 1 + i.
z

Key Learning Points:

Solving simple equations
Simply make z the subject
Use GC to check that
answer obtained is correct
Avoid letting z = x + iy as
this will complicate
matters

The complex number z and w are such that w = 1 + a i, z = b + i , where a and b are
real and positive. Given that wz* = 3 4i, find the exact values of a and b.
Solution:
wz* = 3 4i
(1 + ai )( b i ) = 3 4i
b i abi + a = 3 4i
b + a + ( 1 ab ) i = 3 4i
Equating real parts: b + a = 3 a = 3 + b ---------- (1)
Equating imaginary parts: 1 ab = 4 ab = 3 ---------- (2)
Substitute (1) into (2):
Key Learning Points:
(3 + b)b = 3
Equality of complex numbers [two
complex numbers are equal their
b 2 + 3b 3 = 0
real and imaginary parts are equal
3 9 4(1)(3)
Equate real and imaginary parts to
b=
obtain pair of equations
2
Solve pair of equations simult to obtain
3 21
b=
a and b
2
Students have to choose the correct
value and give the relevant reason why
3 + 21
Since b > 0, b =
[in this case since b > 0]
2
3 + 21 3 + 21
From equation (1): a = 3 +
=
2
2

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H2 Mathematics: Complex Numbers 1

2010 Meridian Junior College

Given that z = w + 3i + 2 and z 2 wi + 5 2i = 0 , find the complex numbers z and w

in the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers.
Solution:
z = w + 3i +2 ---------- (1)
z2 wi + 5 2i = 0 ---------- (2)
From (1): w = z 3i 2 ---------- (3)
Substitute (3) into (2):
z 2 ( z 3i 2 )i + 5 2i = 0
z 2 zi 3 + 2i + 5 2i = 0

Key Learning Points:

Solving simultaneous equations
Use the substitution method
[recommended]
Sub linear into quadratic
careful when multiplying out
Give solutions as pairsdo not
give solutions as a list [say:

z = 2i , w = 2 i, z = i ,
w = 2 4i] this gives the

z zi + 2 = 0
2

i (i) 2 4(1)(2) i 9 i 3i
z=
=
=
2
2
2
z = 2i or z = i

From equation (3): when z = 2i,

impression that there are 4

possible pairs when in actual
fact there are only two!!
A good point to illustrate the
idea that polynomial equations
with non-real coefficients give
rise to roots which may not be
conjugate pairs

w = 2i 3i 2 = 2 i

when z = i, w = i 3i 2 = 2 4i
z = 2i , w = 2 i
z = i , w = 2 4i

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H2 Mathematics: Complex Numbers 1

2010 Meridian Junior College

Given that ( x + yi) 2 = 5 + 12i , where x and y are real, find the possible values of x + yi.
Hence, solve z 2 + 4 z = 9 + 12i .
Solution:
( x + yi)2 = 5 + 12i

[Without GC]:
x 2 y 2 + 2 xyi = 5 + 12i

x 2 y 2 = 5
4

& 2 xy = 12 [comparing real and imaginary parts]

x + 5 x 36 = 0
x2 + 9 x2 4 = 0

)(

x = 2 [since x is real]
For x = 2, y = 3 . For x = 2, y = 3 .
the solutions are: 2 + 3i or 2 3i .

[OR Using GC]: x + yi = 5 + 12i = (2 + 3i )

z 2 + 4 z = 9 + 12i
(z + 2 )2 4 = 9 + 12i

(z + 2 )2 = 5 + 12i
(z + 2 ) = 5 + 12i
z + 2 = (2 + 3i )

z = 3i

or
or

z + 2 = 2 3i
z = 4 3i

Second Part
Hence means we use previous part
Trick is to complete the squarethen
the use of previous part becomes
obvious
Students should remember the

Key Learning Points:

Can be solved directly
using GC [GC will only
give the positive root
remember to also give
the negative root]
Algebraically: This is
about equality of
complex numbers [Same
idea as Q2
Equality of complex
numbers [two complex
numbers are equal
their real and imaginary
parts are equal
Equate real and
imaginary parts to obtain
pair of equations
Solve pair of equations
simult to obtain x and y

Why is x + 9 = 0
rejected? [since x ]
Solutions are to be given
in the form x + yi
Use GC to check

blahblah

IF question had said [Hence or

otherwise] then students could use the
quadratic formula to solve directly.
Use GC to check

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H2 Mathematics: Complex Numbers 1

2010 Meridian Junior College

2006 MJC Prelim/I/2

5
7

i as two of its roots, in the form

4 4
az 3 + bz 2 + cz + d = 0 where a, b, c and d are real coefficients to be determined.

Obtain a cubic equation having 2 and

Solution:
5
7
5
7

i is one of the roots

+
i is also a root [since the polynomial has
4 4
4 4
real coefficientsinsist that the students give this reason]

Since

5
7
A possible cubic equation is ( z + 2 ) z +
i
4 4

( z + 2) ( 2z 2 5z + 4) = 0

5
7
i =0
z
4 4

2z 3 z 2 6z + 8 = 0
a = 2, b = 1, c = 6, d = 8

Note: Any equation of the form k ( 2 z 3 z 2 6 z + 8 ) = 0 where k

| {0} is acceptable.

Key Learning Points:

Solving polynomial equations with real coefficients
Make clear to students that complex roots appear as conjugate pairs for
polynomial equations with real coefficients [but this may not be the case for
those with non-real coefficients]

Students have to explain their choice of

the roots

5
7
5
7
+
i [Since
i is one of
4 4
4 4

5
7
+
i is also a root [since the polynomial has real
4 4

coefficientsinsist that the students give this reason]]

Ask the students if 2 z z 6 z + 8 = 0 is the only possible solution; then talk

about the fact that infinitely many solutions exist which are of the form:
3

k ( 2 z 3 z 2 6 z + 8 ) = 0 where k

| {0}

Use GC to check

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H2 Mathematics: Complex Numbers 1

2010 Meridian Junior College

[A graphic calculator is not to be used in answering this question.]

2 5
One of the roots of the equation 9 x 3 + 6 x 2 + 5 x + 58 = 0 is i . Find the other roots of
3 3
the equation.
Solution:
Method 1

2 5
2 5
i is one of the roots
+ i is also a root [since the polynomial has
3 3
3 3
real coefficientsinsist that the students give this reason]

Since

Hence, x

2 5
i
3 3

2 5
+ i
3 3

= x2

4
29
is a factor of
x+
3
9

9 x 3 + 6 x 2 + 5 x + 58 .

4
29
x+
3
9
By comparing coefficients of
x3 : a = 9
9 x 3 + 6 x 2 + 5 x + 58 = x 2

( ax + b )

x 0 : b = 18
9 x 3 + 6 x 2 + 5 x + 58 = x 2

4
29
x+
3
9

( 9 x + 18)

The other roots of the equation are x = -2 or

Key Learning Points:

Read rubrics of question
[No GC allowed]
Similar to Q5about
solving cubic equations
with real coefficients
same learning points
Reason for choosing the
conjugate as a root has
to be given
Use GC to check

2 5
+ i.
3 3

Method 2
Let f(x) = 9 x 3 + 6 x 2 + 5 x + 58
By trial and error, f(2) = 0

Since

2 5
i is one of the roots
3 3

x + 2 is a factor of f(x)
x = 2 is a root of f(x) = 0
2 5
+ i is also a root.
3 3

The other roots of the equation are x = 2 and x =

2 5
+ i.
3 3

[Note: If the use of GC were allowed, then we can use the APPS [Poly Root
Finder] to obtain the roots easily.]

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H2 Mathematics: Complex Numbers 1

2010 Meridian Junior College

N2005/II/1
[A graphic calculator is not to be used in answering this question.]

Verify that z = i is a root of the equation z 4 2 z 3 + 6 z 2 2 z + 5 = 0 .

Hence determine the other roots.

Solution:
Let f ( z ) = z 4 2 z 3 + 6 z 2 2 z + 5 = 0

Note: f ( i ) = i4 2(i)3 + 6(i)2 2i + 5

= 1 + 2i 6 2i + 5 [This line has to be shown]
=0
z = i is a root of the equation. (verified)
Since z = i is a root, z = i is also a root [since the polynomial has real
coefficientsinsist that the students give this reason]
f ( z ) = z4 2z3 + 6z2 2z + 5 = (z2 + 1) (z2 + az +b)

By comparing coefficient of z3: 2 = a

By comparing constant: 5 = b
f ( z ) = z4 2z3 + 6z2 2z + 5 = (z2 + 1) (z2 2z + 5) = 0
z2 2z + 5 = 0
2 4 4(1)(5)
z=
2
2 4i
=
2
= 1 2i

For:

The other roots of the equation are z = i or z = 1 + 2i or z = 1 2i .

Key Learning Points:
Similar to Q6 No GC allowed
This questions is also about roots of polynomials with real coefficients;
reason for choosing the conjugate as a root has to be given
Verifying means writing down enough working to convince the examiner
students cannot just say: From GC

f ( i ) = 0;they need to write the line 1 +

2i 6 2i + 5 = 0,thus .
Again students should use GC to check their answers
IF GC was allowed then solutions could be found directly using the GC

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H2 Mathematics: Complex Numbers 1

2010 Meridian Junior College

Find the real value of k such that 2 x 4 4 x 3 + 3 x 2 + 2 x + k = 0 has a complex root 1 i .

Hence, factorise 2 x 4 4 x 3 + 3 x 2 + 2 x + k completely.
Solution:
Let f(x) = 2 x 4 4 x 3 + 3 x 2 + 2 x + k
4
3
2
Note: f(1 i) = 0
2 (1 i ) 4 (1 i ) + 3 (1 i ) + 2 (1 i ) + k = 0

2( 4) 4( 2 2i ) + 3( 2i ) + 2 2i + k = 0
k = 2
Since x = 1 i is a root of the equation, x = 1 + i is also a root [since the polynomial
has real coefficientsinsist that the students give this reason]

f(x) = 2 x 4 4 x 3 + 3 x 2 + 2 x 2 = (x 1 + i )( x 1 i ) 2 x 2 + ax + b

)(

= x 2 2 x + 2 2 x 2 + ax 1

By comparing coefficient of x3: 4 = a 4

(
= (x

)(
)
2 x + 2 )( 2 x + 1)(

f(x) = x 2 2 x + 2 2 x 2 1

a=0

Similar to Q5-7
same concepts and
learning points

2x 1

Given that x = 2 + ai is a root of the equation x 3 x 2 + ( a 2 8 ) x + 12 + 3a 2 = 0 , where

, find the other two roots.

Solution:
Since x = 2 + ai is a root of the equation, x = 2 ai is also a root [since the polynomial
has real coefficientsinsist that the students give this reason]
.
Hence, x ( 2 + ai ) x ( 2 ai ) = = x 2 4 x + 4 + a 2 is a quadratic factor of
x3 x 2 + ( a 2 8 ) x + 12 + 3a 2 .

x3 x 2 + ( a 2 8 ) x + 12 + 3a 2 = ( x 2 4 x + 4 + a 2 ) ( x + k )

By comparing constant term, k = 3 .

The other two roots are x = 2 ai or x = 3 .
Similar to Q5-8Same concepts and learning points

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H2 Mathematics: Complex Numbers 1

2010 Meridian Junior College

10 N2007/I/3(b)
The complex number w is such that ww * +2 w = 3 + 4i, where w * is the complex conjugate
of w . Find w in the form a + ib, where a and b are real.
Solution:
ww * +2 w = 3 + 4i,
Letting w = a + ib we get:
a 2 + b 2 + 2 ( a + bi ) = 3 + 4i a 2 + b 2 + 2a + 2bi = 3 + 4i ----------(1)
Comparing real and imaginary parts of (1) we get:
a 2 + b 2 + 2a = 3 --------------------(2)
2b = 4 -------------------------------(3)
From (3): b = 2
Substituting b = 2 we get:

a 2 + 2a + 4 = 3

a 2 + 2a + 1 = 0

( a + 1)2 = 0

a = 1

w = 1 + 2i
Key Learning Points:
Equality of complex numbers
Equality of complex numbers [two complex numbers are equal their real
and imaginary parts are equal
Let w = a + ib to simply your work w = a + ib
Equate real and imaginary parts to obtain pair of equations
Solve pair of equations simultaneously to obtain a and b
Students should remember to give w in the form w = a + ib

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H2 Mathematics: Complex Numbers 1

2010 Meridian Junior College

11 It is given that z1 = 3 2i is a root of the equation 2 z 3 + az 2 + bz + 39 = 0 , where a and b

are real constants.
(i)
Show that ( z z1 )( z z2 ) = z 2 6 z + 13 where z2 is another non-real root of the
equation.
(ii)
In either order, find:
(a) the value of a and of b,
(b) the third root, z3 , of the equation.
Solution:
(i) Note: If z1 = 3 2i is a root then z2 = 3 + 2i is also a root of this equation [since the
polynomial has real coefficientsinsist that the students give this reason]
Thus: ( z z1 )( z z2 ) = ( z ( 3 2i ) ) ( z ( 3 + 2i ) )

= z 2 3z 2iz 3z + 2iz + ( 9 + 4 )

= z 2 6 z + 13 [Shown]
(ii) Note: 2 z 3 + az 2 + bz + 39 = ( z 2 6 z + 13) ( 2 z + 3) [By inspection]

Thus: (a) a = 9 & b = 8

3
(b) z3 =
2

= 2 z 3 9 z 2 + 8 z + 39
Similar to Q5-8Same concepts and learning
points

___________________________________________________________________________
Assignment:
1

Find, in the form x + yi where x and y are real, the two complex numbers z
z 3 4
satisfying the equations
= + i and zz* = 5 .
z* 5 5
Solution:
Multiply the two equations:
z
3 4
zz* = + i 5
z*
5 5
Using GC, z = (2 + i ) .

z 2 = 3 + 4i

z = 3 + 4i

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H2 Mathematics: Complex Numbers 1

2010 Meridian Junior College

N2004/I/12(a)
Express (3 i)2 in the form a + ib.
Hence, or otherwise, find the roots of the equation (z + i)2 = 8 + 6i.
Solution:
Using GC, (3 i)2 = 8 6i
(z + i)2 = 8 + 6i
(z + i)2 = (8 6i)
(z + i)2 = (3 i)2
(z + i)2 = i2 (3 i)2
(z + i) = i (3 i)
Thus: ( z + i) = 1 + 3i or ( z + i) = 1 3i
z = 1 + 2i

or

z = 1 4i

N2006/I/6
[A graphic calculator is not to be used in answering this question.]

Show that the equation z 4 2 z 3 + 6 z 2 8 z + 8 = 0 has a root of the form ki , where k

is real. Hence solve the equation z 4 2 z 3 + 6 z 2 8 z + 8 = 0 .
Solution:
Let f ( z ) = z 4 2 z 3 + 6 z 2 8 z + 8 = 0
f(2i) = (2i)4 2(2i)3 + 6(2i)2 8(2i) + 8 = 0
Thus 2i is a root of this equation. (shown)
Since 2i is a root, 2i is also a root [since the polynomial has real
coefficientsinsist that the students give this reason].
f ( z ) = z 4 2 z 3 + 6 z 2 8 z + 8 = ( z 2 + 4 )( z 2 + az + b )

By comparing coefficient of z3: 2 = a

By comparing constant: 8 = 4b

b=2

f ( z ) = ( z 2 + 4 )( z 2 2 z + 2 ) = 0

For: z 2 2 z + 2 = 0 .
z=

2 4 4(1)(2) 2 2i
=
= 1 i
2
2

z = 2i or 2i or 1 + i or 1 i

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