COMPLEX NUMBERS
Module 3: Complex Numbers
We'll start from the basics:
🔹 3.1 Introduction to Complex Numbers
🧠 What are Complex Numbers?
You already know numbers like:
Real numbers: 1, 2, -3, 0.5, √2, π — the numbers we usually use in daily life.
But sometimes, you get stuck when solving something like this:
x² = -1
Try putting this into a calculator—it says "Math Error" or "Not a real number."
Because there's no real number that you can square to get a negative number.
So what do we do?
We create a new number called “i” (or sometimes j) that helps us solve this.
🧪 Definition:
COMPLEX NUMBERS 1
i = √(-1)
This is not a real number. It’s an imaginary unit.
So now:
i² = -1
i³ = -i
i⁴ = 1 (and then the pattern repeats)
🔢 Now combine real numbers and imaginary numbers:
A Complex Number is in the form:
a+bi\boxed{a + bi}
a+bi
Where:
a is the real part
b is the imaginary part
i = √(-1)
✅ Examples of Complex Numbers:
1. 2+3i
→ Real part = 2, Imaginary part = 3i
2. −4−5i
→ Real = -4, Imaginary = -5i
3. 0+i0 → just i
4. 666 → This is a complex number too (with b = 0)!
📌 Important Notes:
Real numbers are part of complex numbers.
COMPLEX NUMBERS 2
Imaginary numbers are part of complex numbers too.
All complex numbers can be graphed or calculated—just like normal numbers,
but with extra tools.
Complex Number Form:
Always in the form:
{a + bi}
a+bi
Where:
a is the real part
bi is the imaginary part
➕ 1. Addition of Complex Numbers
You add the real parts and the imaginary parts separately.
📌 Example:
(3+2i)+(1+4i)
(3+2i)+(1+4i)
Step 1: Add real parts: 3+1=4
Step 2: Add imaginary parts: 2i+4i=6i
Answer:
{4 + 6i}
4+6i
➖ 2. Subtraction of Complex Numbers
Same idea: subtract real from real, and imaginary from imaginary.
📌 Example:
(5+7i)−(2+3i)
COMPLEX NUMBERS 3
(5+7i)−(2+3i)
Step 1: 5−2=3
Step 2: 7i−3i=4i
Answer:
{3 + 4i}
3+4i
✖️ 3. Multiplication of Complex Numbers
Use FOIL (First, Outer, Inner, Last) just like multiplying brackets, but remember:
i2=−1i^2 = -1
i2=−1 NB:( ^ ) THIS IS A SIGN THAT
SHOWS ‘’TO THE POWER OF’’
📌 Example:
(2+3i)(1+4i)
Step-by-step:
1. First: 2×1=22
2. Outer: 2×4i=8i
3. Inner: 3i×1=3i
4. Last: 3i×4i=12i2=12
Now add them:
2+8i+3i−12=−10+11i
Answer:
{-10 + 11i}
−10+11i
🔁
COMPLEX NUMBERS 4
🔁 4. Conjugate of a Complex Number
The conjugate of a+bia + bia+bi is a−bia - bia−bi. You flip the sign of the
imaginary part.
📌 Example:
Conjugate of 6+5i6 + 5i6+5i is 6−5i6 - 5i6−5i
Conjugate of −2−i2 - i−2−i is −2+i2 + i−2+i
Why it’s useful: When multiplying complex numbers by their conjugates, the result
is always a real number.
(3+4i)(3−4i)=9−16i2=9+16=25(3 + 4i)(3 - 4i) = 9 - 16i^2 = 9 + 16 = \boxed{25}
(3+4i)(3−4i)=9−16i2=9+16=25
✅ Quick Practice Questions:
Try these (don’t worry, I’ll check them after if you want):
1. (4+2i)+(3+5i)=?
2. (6−i)−(2+4i)=?
3.
Multiply (1+2i)(2−i)
1. Find the conjugate of −3+7i
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COMPLEX NUMBERS 5
