Class 11: Complex Numbers

Algebra, Modulus, Conjugate & Argand Plane

1. Definition and Powers of i

Complex Number ($$z$$) A number of the form $$z = a + ib$$, where $$a, b \in R$$.
$$a$$ = Real part ($$Re(z)$$)
$$b$$ = Imaginary part ($$Im(z)$$).
Equality Two complex numbers $$z_1 = a + ib$$ and $$z_2 = c + id$$ are equal if and only if $$a = c$$ and $$b = d$$.
Powers of $$i$$ $$i = \sqrt{-1}$$
$$i^2 = -1, \quad i^3 = -i, \quad i^4 = 1$$
General Rule: For integer $$k$$:
$$i^{4k} = 1, \quad i^{4k+1} = i, \quad i^{4k+2} = -1, \quad i^{4k+3} = -i$$
Square Root of Negative Real If $$a > 0$$, then $$\sqrt{-a} = \sqrt{a}i$$.
Note: $$\sqrt{a} \times \sqrt{b} = \sqrt{ab}$$ is false if both $$a$$ and $$b$$ are negative.

2. Algebra of Complex Numbers

Addition $$z_1 + z_2 = (a + c) + i(b + d)$$
Properties: Commutative, Associative.
Additive Identity: $$0 + i0$$ (Zero complex number).
Additive Inverse: $$-z = -a – ib$$.
Multiplication $$z_1 z_2 = (ac – bd) + i(ad + bc)$$
Properties: Commutative, Associative, Distributive.
Multiplicative Identity: $$1 + i0$$.
Multiplicative Inverse ($$z^{-1}$$): See section below.
Identities $$(z_1 + z_2)^2 = z_1^2 + z_2^2 + 2z_1z_2$$
$$z_1^2 – z_2^2 = (z_1 + z_2)(z_1 – z_2)$$

3. Modulus and Conjugate

Let $$z = a + ib$$.

Modulus ($$|z|$$) $$|z| = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2}$$
Represents the distance from origin in Argand plane.
Conjugate ($$\bar{z}$$) $$\bar{z} = a – ib$$
Represents the mirror image of $$z$$ on the real axis.
Multiplicative Inverse ($$z^{-1}$$) $$z^{-1} = \frac{1}{z} = \frac{\bar{z}}{|z|^2}$$
Important Properties 1. $$z \bar{z} = |z|^2$$

2. $$|z_1 z_2| = |z_1| |z_2|$$
3. $$|\frac{z_1}{z_2}| = \frac{|z_1|}{|z_2|}$$
4. $$\overline{z_1 \pm z_2} = \bar{z_1} \pm \bar{z_2}$$
5. $$\overline{z_1 z_2} = \bar{z_1} \bar{z_2}$$

4. Argand Plane

The plane having a complex number assigned to each of its point.

  • Coordinate System: Corresponds to ordered pair $$(x, y)$$ for $$z = x + iy$$.
  • X-axis: Real axis.
  • Y-axis: Imaginary axis.