Lesson 76 –

Introduction to
Complex Numbers
HL2 MATH - SANTOWSKI
Lesson Objectives
(1) Introduce the idea of imaginary and complex numbers
(2) Practice operations with complex numbers
(3) Use complex numbers to solve polynomials
(4) geometric representation of complex numbers
 To see a complex number we
have to first see where it
shows up
Solve both of these

2 2
x  810 x  810
2
2
x 81 x  81
x 9 Uhoh…….what do I
do here?
Um, no solution????
x   81 does not have a real answer.

It has an “imaginary” answer.

To define a complex number we have to create a new variable.

This new variable is “ i “

Imaginary Unit
Until now, you have always been told that you can’t take the square root of a negative number.
If you use imaginary units, you can!

The imaginary unit is ¡ where i 1

It is used to write the square root of a negative number.

Property of the square root of
negative numbers
If r is a positive real number, then
 r i r
Examples:

 3i 3  4 i 4  2i
 Definition: i 1

Note: i is the representation for 1 , not a simplification of 1

2
So, following this definition: i  1
3 4
So what is i and i ?
 Definition: i 1

Note: i is the representation for 1 , not a simplification of 1

2
So, following this definition: i  1
3 4
So i  i and i 1
And it cycles….
5 4 9 8
i 1 i i i i i i i i
2 6 4 2 10 8 2
i  1 i i i  1 i i i  1
i3  i 7 4 3
i i i  i 11 8 3
i i i  i
i4 1 8 4 4
i 1 i 1 12 8 4
i 1 i 1

Do you see a pattern

yet?
What is that pattern?
We are looking at the remainder when the power is divided by 4.
Why?

4 4
Every i doesn’t matter. It is what remains after all of the i are taken out.

92233
Try it with i
Integral powers
of i(iota)
i0 1(as usual)
i1 i
i2  1
i3 i2 .i  i
i4 i3 .i  i.i 1 Evaluate:
3
1 i  17  2  3 
i 1   2  i i    
i i   i  

1
i 2  2  1
i
1 1
i 3  3  i
i i
1
i 4  4 1
i
Integral powers of i(iota)
i0 1(as usual)
i1 i
i2  1
i3 i2 .i  i
i4 i3 .i  i.i 1 Evaluate:
3
1 i  17  2  3 
i 1   2  i i    
i i   i  

1
i 2  2  1 Solution 3 3
i  16 8  8
 
3
1 1  i .i   i   i  8i
i 3  3  i  i3   i 
i i
1
i 4  4 1 Ans: 343i
i
Illustrative Problem
If p,q,r, s are four consecutive integers, then ip + iq + ir + is =
a)1 b) 2
c) 4 d) None of these
Illustrative Problem
If p,q,r, s are four consecutive integers, then ip + iq + ir + is =
a)1 b) 2
c) 4 d) None of these

Solution: Note q = p + 1, r = p + 2, s = p + 3

Given expression = ip(1 + i + i2 + i3)

= ip(1 + i –1 – i) = 0 Remember this.

 Illustrative
Problem
If un+1 = i un + 1, where u1 = i + 1, then u27 is
a) i b) 1
c) i + 1 d) 0
 Illustrative
Problem
If un+1 = i un + 1, where u1 = i + 1, then u27 is
a) i b) 1
c) i + 1 d) 0

Solution: u2 = iu1 + 1 = i(i+1) +1 = i2 + i + 1

u3 = iu2 + 1 = i(i2+i+1) +1 = i3 + i2 + i + 1
Hence un = in + in-1 + ….. + i + 1 Note by previous
27 26 i28  1 question:
u27 i  i  .....  i  1  0
i1 u27 = 0
Hints to deal with i
1. Find all “i”s at the beginning of a problem.

2. Treat all “i”s like variables, with all rules of exponents holding.

3. Reduce the power of i at the end by the rules we just learned..

Examples
1.  36   81

2.  36   81
 COMPLEX NUMBERS

But what is 1  3i

The two types of number (1 and 3i) cannot be “mixed”.

Numbers of the form k i , k   are called
imaginary numbers (or “pure imaginary”)

Numbers like 1, 2, -3.8 that we used before are called

real numbers.

When we combine them together in a sum we have

complex numbers.
OK, so what is a complex number?
A complex number has two parts – a real part and an imaginary part.

A complex number comes in the form a + bi

imaginar
real y
 COMPLEX NUMBERS

To summarize,

z a  bi
•a and b are real numbers
•a is the “real part” of z; Re(z)
•b is the “imaginary part” of z; Im(z)
•The sum of the two parts is called a “complex
number”
And just so you know…
All real numbers are complex  3 = 3 + 0i

All imaginary numbers are complex  7i = 0 + 7i

Again, treat the i as a variable and you will have no problems.

 COMPLEX NUMBERS

Adding and subtracting complex numbers:

z1 (2  3i )
z2 (4  9i )
 COMPLEX NUMBERS

Adding and subtracting complex numbers:

z1 (2  3i )
z1  z2  6  6i
z2 (4  9i )

(a  bi ) (c  di ) (a c)  (b d )i

For addition and subtraction the real and imaginary

parts are kept separate.
Adding and Subtracting
(add or subtract the real parts, then add or subtract the
imaginary parts)

Ex: ( 1  2i )  (3  3i ) Ex: 2i  (3  i )  (2  3i )

Ex: (2  3i )  (3  7i )
Adding and Subtracting
(add or subtract the real parts, then add or subtract the
imaginary parts)

Ex: ( 1  2i )  (3  3i ) Ex: 2i  (3  i )  (2  3i )
( 1  3)  (2i  3i ) ( 3  2)  (2i  i  3i )
2  5i  1 2i

Ex: (2  3i )  (3  7i )
(2  3)  ( 3i   7i )
 1 4i
 COMPLEX NUMBERS

Multiplying and dividing complex numbers:

z1 (2  3i )
z2 (4  9i )
 COMPLEX NUMBERS

Multiplying and dividing complex numbers:

z1 (2  3i )
z1 z2  (2  3i) (4  9i)
z2 (4  9i )
2 4  (2  9i )  (3i 4)  (3i  9i)
8  18i  12i  ( 27 i 2 )
35  6i

(a  bi ) (c  di ) (ac  bd )  (bc  ad )i

Notice how, for multiplication, the real and imaginary
parts “mix” through the formula i2 = -1.
Multiplying

Ex:  i (3  i )
Ex: (2  3i )( 6  2i )
Multiplying  Treat the i’s like variables,
then change any that are not to the first
power

Ex:  i (3  i )
 3i  i 2
 3i  ( 1) Ex: (2  3i )( 6  2i )
1 3i  12  4i  18i  6i 2
 12  22i  6( 1)
 12  22i  6
 6  22i
 COMPLEX CONJUGATES

What are the solutions tox 2  6 x  21 0 ?

3 2 3i
* means conjugate

If we write z 3  2 3i
*
Then the complex conjugate is written as z 3  2 3i
Calculate the following:
z  z*
z  z*
*
zz
 COMPLEX CONJUGATES

What are the solutions tox 2  6 x  21 0 ?

3 2 3i
* means conjugate

If we write z 3  2 3i
*
Then the complex conjugate is written as z 3  2 3i
Calculate the following:
z  z * 6 2 Re( z )
z  z * 4 3i 2 Im( z )
 
2 2
* z
zz 2
3  2 3 21
 COMPLEX NUMBERS

Dividing complex numbers:

z1 (2  3i ) z1

z2 (4  9i ) z2
 COMPLEX NUMBERS

Dividing complex numbers:

z1 (2  3i ) z1 (2  3i ) Remember

z2 (4  9i ) z2 (4  9i ) this trick!!
(2  3i ) (4  9i)
 
(4  9i ) (4  9i)
8  18i  12i  (27 i 2 )

4 4  36i  36i  ( 9 9 i 2 )

 19  30i 19 30
   i
97 97 97
 3  11i
Ex :
 1  2i
 3  11i  1  2i
Ex : *
 1  2i  1  2i  25  5i

5
(3  11i )( 1  2i )  25 5i

( 1  2i )( 1  2i )  
5 5
 3  6i  11i  22i 2
  5  i
1  2i  2i  4i 2

 3  5i  22( 1)

1  4( 1)

 3  5i  22

1 4
More Practice

5. 6i 5
6- i 4  2i
6. 
4 3 i
Absolute Value of a Complex
Number
The distance the complex number is from the origin on the complex plane.

If you have a complex number (a  bi )

2 2
the absolute value can be found using: a b
Examples
1.  2  5i 2.  6i
Examples
1.  2  5i 2.  6i
 ( 2) 2  (5) 2  ( 0) 2  (  6 ) 2
 4  25  0  36
 29  36
6
Which of these 2 complex numbers is
closest to the origin?
-2+5i
 Complex Conjugates
Theorem

Roots/Zeros that are not Real are Complex with an Imaginary

component. Complex roots with Imaginary components
always exist in Conjugate Pairs.

If a + bi (b ≠ 0) is a zero of a polynomial function, then its

Conjugate, a - bi, is also a zero of the function.
 Find Roots/Zeros of a
Polynomial
If the known root is imaginary, we can use the Complex
Conjugates Theorem.
3 2
Ex: Find all the roots of f (x)  x  5x  7x  51
If one root is 4 - i.

Because of the Complex Conjugate Theorem, we know that

another root must be 4 + i.
Can the third root also be imaginary?
Example (con’t)
Ex: Find all the roots of f (x)  x 3  5x 2  7x  51
If one root is 4 - i.
If one root is 4 - i, then one factor is [x - (4 - i)], and
Another root is 4 + i, & another factor is [x - (4 + i)].
Multiply these factors:
 x  4  i   x  4  i   x 2  x 4  i   x 4  i   4  i 4  i 
 x 2  4 x  xi  4 x  xi  16  i 2
 x 2  8 x  16  ( 1)
 x 2  8 x  17
Example (con’t)
Ex: Find all the roots of f (x)  x 3  5x 2  7x  51
If one root is 4 - i.
If the product of the two non-real factors is x 2  8x 17
then the third factor (that gives us the neg. real root) is
2
the quotient of P(x) divided by x  8x 17 :
x 3
2 3
 2
x  8x 17 x  5x  7x  51 The third root
is x = -3
x 3  5x 2  7x  51
0
Now write a polynomial function of least degree that
has real coefficients, a leading coeff. of 1 and 1, -
2+i, -2-i as zeros.
Now write a polynomial function of least degree that
has real coefficients, a leading coeff. of 1 and 1, -
2+i, -2-i as zeros.
f(x)= (x-1)(x-(-2+i))(x-(-2-i))
f(x)= (x-1)(x+2 - i)(x+2+ i)
f(x)= (x-1)[(x+2) - i] [(x+2)+i]
f(x)= (x-1)[(x+2)2 - i2] Foil
f(x)=(x-1)(x2 + 4x + 4 – (-1)) Take care of i2
f(x)= (x-1)(x2 + 4x + 4 + 1)
f(x)= (x-1)(x2 + 4x + 5) Multiply
f(x)= x3 + 4x2 + 5x – x2 – 4x – 5
f(x)= x3 + 3x2 + x - 5
Now write a polynomial function of least degree that
has real coefficients, a leading coeff. of 1 and 1, -
2+i, -2-i as zeros.
Now write a polynomial function of least degree that
has real coefficients, a leading coeff. of 1 and 4,
4, 2+i as zeros.
Note: 2+i means 2 – i is also a zero
F(x)= (x-4)(x-4)(x-(2+i))(x-(2-i))
F(x)= (x-4)(x-4)(x-2-i)(x-2+i)
F(x)= (x2 – 8x +16)[(x-2) – i][(x-2)+i]
F(x)= (x2 – 8x +16)[(x-2)2 – i2]
F(x)= (x2 – 8x +16)(x2 – 4x + 4 – (– 1))
F(x)= (x2 – 8x +16)(x2 – 4x + 5)
F(x)= x4– 4x3+5x2 – 8x3+32x2 – 40x+16x2 – 64x+80
F(x)= x4-12x3+53x2-104x+80
 Further Examples
EXAMPLES: Find a polynomial with the given zeros
-1, -1, 3i, -3i

2, 4 + i, 4 – i
EXAMPLE: Solving a Polynomial
Equation

Solve: x4  6x2 8x + 24  0.

EXAMPLE: Solving a Polynomial
Equation

Solve: x4  6x2 8x + 24  0.

Solution Now we can solve the original equation as follows.

x4  6x2  8x + 24  0 This is the given equation.

(x – 2)(x – 2)(x2  4x  6)  0 This was obtained from the second

synthetic division.

x – 2  0 or x – 2  0 or x2  4x  6  Set each factor equal to

zero.
x2 x2 x2  4x  6  Solve.
EXAMPLE: Solving a Polynomial
Equation 4 2
Solve: x  6x 8x + 24  0.

Solution We can use the quadratic formula to solve x2  4x  6 

We use
 bthe b 2  4ac
 quadratic formula because x2  4x  6  cannot be factored.
x
2a
 4 1c66.
2 4, and
Let a41, b4 

2 1
 4  and
Multiply  8subtract under the radical.

2
 4  2i 2  8  4(2)( 1)  2i 2

2
  2 i 2
Simplify.

The solution set of the original equation is {2, 2 –i, 2 i i 2,}. i 2
 FIND ALL THE ZEROS

4 3 2
f (x) x  3x  6x  2x  60
(Given that 1 + 3i is a zero of f)


f (x) x 3  7x 2  x  87
(Given that 5 + 2i is a zero of f)


More Finding of Zeros
5 3 2
f (x) x  x  2x  12x  8

f (x) 3x 3  4 x 2  8x  8
Find the zeros of f x   x 3  11x  20
Hint: 4 is a zero
Find the zeros of f x   x 3  11x  20
Hint: 4 is a zero

4 1 0 -11 -20

4 16 20

1 4 5 0
X
x  4 x 2  4x  5  0
 4  16  4 15 
2
4 4
2
x 4,  2  i,  2  i  2  i,  2  i
 No Calculator

Given 2 is a zero of f x   x 3  6x 2  13x  10,

find ALL the zeros of the function.
 No Calculator

Given 2 is a zero of f x   x 3  6x 2  13x  10,

find ALL the zeros of the function.

2 1 -6 13 -10

2 -8 10

1 -4 5 0

 x  2  x 2  4x  5 0
4  16  4 15 
2
4 4 x 2, 2  i, 2  i
2
2  i, 2  i
 No Calculator

Given –3 is a zero of f x   x 3  3x 2  x  3,
find ALL the zeros of the function.
 No Calculator

Given –3 is a zero of f x   x 3  3x 2  x  3,
find ALL the zeros of the function.

-3 1 3 1 3

-3 0 -3

1 0 1 0

x  3 x 2  1 0
x 2  1
x i,  i

x  3, i,  i