CHAPTER 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this chapter, readers should be able to:
1. Define and state the rules of indices, surds and logarithms.
2. Perform the algebraic operations of indices, surds, logarithms and complex numbers.
3. Solve equations involving indices, surds, logarithms and complex numbers.

1.1 REVIEW THE REAL NUMBER SYSTEM

1.1.1 Classification of Numbers

When we want to treat a collection of similar but distinct objects as a whole, we use the idea
of set.

For example, the set of single digit numbers which consists of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 can
be written as
𝐴 = {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}
where the symbol 𝐴 denotes the set and the braces { } are used to enclose the elements in
the set. This method is called Roster Method.

Another method is to write 𝐴 = {𝑥 |𝑥 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑑𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑡} which is called set-builder notation. This

statement is read as “ 𝐴 is the set of all 𝑥, such that 𝑥 is a digit”.

It is helpful to classify the various kinds of numbers that we deal with in the form of sets.

• The counting numbers, or natural numbers, 𝑁, are the numbers in the set
{1, 2, 3, 4, … }. (The three dots, called an ellipsis, indicate that the pattern continues
indefinitely). As their name implies, these numbers are often used to count things.

• The whole numbers, 𝑊, are the numbers in the set {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, ...} that is the
counting numbers together with 0.

• The integers 𝑍, are the numbers in the set {... , -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...}. The set of
positive integers is 𝑍 + = {1, 2, 3, 4, … }, and the set of negative integers is
𝑍 − = {… , −4, −3, −2, −1} .
𝑎
• The rational numbers, 𝑄, are numbers that can be expressed as a quotient 𝑏 of two
integers. The integer 𝑎 is called the numerator and the integer 𝑏, which cannot be 0,
3 5 0 2 3
is called the denominator. Examples of rational numbers are 4 , 2 , 4 , − 3 , and 11.
𝑎
Since 1 = 𝑎, for any integer 𝑎, it follows that the set of integers is a subset of the set
of rational numbers.

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FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Rational numbers may be represented as decimals. For example, the rational

3 5 3 5 2 3 3 5
numbers 4 , 2 , 4 , 2 , − 3 , and 11 may be represented as 4 = 0.75 , 2 = 2.5,
2 3
− 3 = −0.666 … , and = 0.272727 ….
11
3 5
Notice that, the decimal representations of and terminate, or end. The
4 2
2 3
decimal representations of − 3 and do not terminate, but they do exhibit a
11
pattern of repetition.
𝑎
• The irrational numbers, 𝑄 ′ or 𝑄̅, are numbers that cannot be written in the form of 𝑏,
where 𝑎, 𝑏 ≠ 0 are integers. In other words, irrational numbers may be represented
by a decimal that neither repeats nor terminates. Irrational numbers occur naturally,
for example consider the isosceles right triangle whose legs are each of length 1. The
length of hypotenuse is √2 , an irrational number.

√2
1

1
Also, the constant denoted by the symbol 𝜋 (the Greek letter pi) is an irrational
number.

Together, the rational numbers and irrational numbers form the set of real numbers, 𝑅.
Relationship among the subsets can also be illustrated using a Venn Diagram as shown
below.

0
𝑊
{… − 3, −2, −1}

𝑍
2 1 8
{… − , , … }
3 2 5
𝑄
3
{… − √5, √2, √3, 𝜋, … }
𝑅
Figure 1.1

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 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

Example 1

4
List the numbers in the set {−3, 3 , 0, 0.12, √2, 𝜋, 2.1515 … , 𝑒, 10} that are
a) Natural numbers b) Whole numbers c) Integers
d) Rational numbers e) Irrational numbers f) Real numbers

Solution

Example 2

a) State whether each of the statement is true or not

i) All positive numbers are real numbers
ii) All integers are natural numbers
iii) 3.12341234… is an irrational number
iv) √5 is an irrational number

b) Choose the correct statement(s).

i) 𝑊⊂𝑍
ii) 𝑄 ⊂ 𝑍
iii) 𝑁 ⊂ 𝑅
iv) 𝑍 ⊂ 𝑅

Solution

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FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

1.1.2 Real Number Line

Real numbers can be represented geometrically by points on a straight line, called a real
number line. A point called the origin is chosen to represent zero, 0. Points to the right of the
origin represent positive numbers and points to the left represent negative numbers.
Origin
Negative direction Positive direction
Real number line
-2 -1 0 1 2

Each point on the line represents one real number.

One real number is represented by precisely one point.

−𝜋 − √5 √2 𝜋

Real number line

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

• Intervals of Real Numbers

Given any two real numbers 𝑎 and 𝑏, the three possibilities are
a) 𝑎 is equal to 𝑏, written as 𝑎 = 𝑏.
b) 𝑎 is greater than 𝑏, written as 𝑎 > 𝑏.
c) 𝑎 is less than 𝑏 , written as 𝑎 < 𝑏.

• Finite Intervals
If 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real numbers such that 𝑎 < 𝑏, then the set of all real numbers 𝑥
satisfying
a) 𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑏 is called the open interval from 𝑎 to 𝑏.
b) 𝑎 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑏 is called the closed interval from 𝑎 to 𝑏.
c) 𝑎 < 𝑥 ≤ 𝑏 is called the half-open (or half-closed) interval from 𝑎 to 𝑏.
d) 𝑎 ≤ 𝑥 < 𝑏 is called the half-open interval from 𝑎 to 𝑏.

Open interval
𝑎<𝑥<𝑏 (𝑎, 𝑏) a b
Closed interval
𝑎≤𝑥≤𝑏 [𝑎, 𝑏] a b
Half-open interval
𝑎<𝑥≤𝑏 (𝑎, 𝑏] a b
Half-open interval
𝑎≤𝑥<𝑏 [𝑎, 𝑏) a b
Table 1.1

Note: The points 𝑎 and 𝑏 are called the endpoints of the interval. Notice that
a) a closed interval contains both its endpoints.
b) an open interval does not include either endpoints.
c) a half-open interval contains only one of its endpoints.

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 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

• Infinite Intervals
If 𝑎 is a real number, then the set of all real numbers 𝑥 satisfying the conditions
𝑥 < 𝑎, 𝑥 ≤ 𝑎, 𝑥 > 𝑎 or 𝑥 ≥ 𝑎 is called an infinite interval.
(−∞, 𝑎)
𝑥<𝑎 a
(−∞, 𝑎]
𝑥≤𝑎
a
(𝑎, ∞)
𝑥>𝑎
a
[𝑎, ∞)
𝑥≥𝑎
a
Table 1.2

Example 3

Rewrite each of the following inequalities by using interval notation and illustrate them on
the real number line.
a) −3 < 𝑥 < 5 b) −1 < 𝑥 ≤ 0 c) 𝑥 ≥ −2 d) 𝑥 < 0

Solution

Example 4

Write each of the following intervals as inequalities. Use 𝑥 as the variable.

a) (−∞, 5] b) [−2, 3] c) [3, ∞) d) (−1, 7)

Solution

EXPLORE
RATIONAL AND IRRATIONAL NUMBERS
You can explore the website for more information on rational and irrational numbers:

http://www.virtualnerd.com/pre-algebra/rational-numbers/repeating-decimal-to-fraction-
conversion.php

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FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Exercise 1.1

3
1. Which elements of the set {−7, −√3, −0.75, 0, 1, 𝑒, , 3.142, 𝑐𝑜𝑠 0° } are
5

a) Natural numbers b) Whole numbers c) Integers

d) Rational numbers e) Irrational numbers f) Real numbers

2. Write the interval notation for the interval of the real numbers shown below.
a) b)
4 9
c) d)
-2 3 10 20
a

1.2 INDICES, SURDS AND LOGARITHMS

1.2.1 Indices

If 𝑎 is any real number, 𝑎 ∈ 𝑅 (𝑎 > 0) and 𝑛 is a positive integer, then

𝑎𝑛 = ⏟
𝑎 ×𝑎 ×𝑎…× 𝑎
𝑛 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠

The integer 𝑛 is called the index or exponent and 𝑎 is the base.

(Read 𝑎𝑛 as ‘𝑎 to the nth power’)

For examples; 34 = 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 = 81 ,

1 3 1 1 1 1
( ) = ∙ ∙ =
2 2 2 2 8

• Rules for Indices

For any 𝑎, 𝑏 ∈ 𝑅, (𝑎, 𝑏 > 0), and 𝑚, 𝑛 ∈ 𝑁

1. 𝑎𝑚 ∙ 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚+𝑛
𝑎𝑚
2. = 𝑎𝑚−𝑛
𝑎𝑛
3. (𝑎𝑚 )𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚𝑛
4. (𝑎𝑏)𝑚 = 𝑎𝑚 𝑏 𝑚
𝑎 𝑚 𝑎𝑚
5. (𝑏 ) = 𝑏 𝑚 , 𝑏 ≠ 0

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Example 5

Simplify:
38 𝑥7
a) 34 × 36 b) 𝑥 3 𝑥 4 𝑥 c) d) e) (34 )2
35 𝑥4

Solution

Example 6

Simplify:
4
5 2 𝑦2
a) (𝑥 5 )3 b) (8 ∙ 2)4 c) (𝑥 3 𝑦 2 )5 d) (6) e) (𝑥 3 )

Solution

52 𝑦8
Ans: a) 𝑥15 b) 216 c) 𝑥15 𝑦10 d) e)
62 𝑥 12

• Zero index
𝑎𝑚
From rule (2); 𝑎𝑚 ÷ 𝑎𝑚 = 𝑎𝑚−𝑚 = 𝑎0 ; but by division, 𝑎𝑚 = 1; therefore, 𝑎0 = 1.
Any number with zero index is equal to 1; 𝑎0 = 1

• Negative index
𝑎2 1 1
From rule (2); 𝑎2 ÷ 𝑎6 = 𝑎2−6 = 𝑎−4; but by division, 𝑎6 = 𝑎4; therefore, 𝑎 −4 = 𝑎4.
A number with a negative index 𝑛 is equal to the reciprocal of the same number
1
raised to the same power; 𝑎−𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛 .

• Rational index
1 1 1 1 1
From rule (1); 𝑎 2 × 𝑎2 = 𝑎2+2 = 𝑎1 ; this means that, 𝑎2 = √𝑎.
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Also, 𝑎3 × 𝑎3 × 𝑎3 = 𝑎3+3+3 = 𝑎1 ; this means that, 𝑎3 = √𝑎.
3

1
𝑛
So, in general, 𝑎𝑛 = √𝑎 .
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Also, 𝑎4 × 𝑎4 × 𝑎4 × 𝑎4 = 𝑎4+4+4+4 = 𝑎3 ; this means that, 𝑎4 is the fourth root of
3
4
𝑎3 or 𝑎4 = √𝑎3 .
𝑚
𝑛 𝑛
In general, 𝑎 𝑛 = √𝑎𝑚 = ( √𝑎)𝑚 .

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FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Example 7

Simplify:
1 1 1 2 1 1
b) 4−2
3 5
a) 273 c) 𝑎 3 ∙ 𝑎5 ÷ 𝑎2 d) √𝑎 ÷ √𝑎𝑛 ∙ (𝑎−1 )2

Solution

Example 8

Simplify:
a) 92𝑥 ∙ 27𝑥−3 ÷ 35−𝑥
b) 122𝑥+3 ∙ 6𝑥−5 ∙ 82𝑥−1
2
−2 3 1 1 10
c) √𝑎 3 𝑏 2 × (𝑎4 𝑏 2 )3 ÷ (𝑎6 𝑏 3 )

Solution

1
Ans: a) 38𝑥−14 b) 211𝑥−2 ∙ 33𝑥−2 c) 𝑏2

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 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

• Exponential Equations
If 𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑎 𝑦 , is 𝑥 = 𝑦?
If 𝑎 = 1, it cannot be concluded that 𝑥 = 𝑦, as 14 = 13 , because 4 ≠ 3.
If 𝑎 ≠ 1, and 𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑎 𝑦 ; then 𝑥 = 𝑦, for all positive real numbers a.
This is called the index property of equality.
This property can be used to solve exponential equations where the index is not
known.

Example 9

Solve the following equations:

a) 53𝑥 = 25𝑥+1
2
b) 2𝑥 − 43𝑥−4 = 0
c) 32𝑥+1 − 10(3𝑥 ) + 3 = 0

Solution

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FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Example 10
𝑥𝑦
If 2𝑥 = 6𝑦 = 12𝑧 , prove that 𝑧 = 𝑥+𝑦 .

Solution

Example 11

Show that 2𝑛 + 2𝑛+1 + 2𝑛+2 is divisible by 7 if 𝑛 is a positive integer.

Solution

1.2.2 Surd

Surd is a number that contain one or more root sign; √ (or radical sign) which cannot be
𝑎
simplified into a fraction of two integers, 𝑏. For example, √2 is a surd but √4 is not a surd
since √4 = 2. Thus, surd is an irrational number. Surd is expressed in simplest form. For
examples:
➢ √8 = √4(2) = 2√2
12 √4(3) 2√ 3
➢ √ = =
25 √25 5

Examples of surd:
3
a) √3 b) 4√5 c) 2 − √7 d) √3 + √5 e) √9

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 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

• Properties of Surd

Properties of surd follow the properties of indices.

Let 𝑚, 𝑛𝜖𝑁 and 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 > 0, then

𝑚
𝑛
1. √𝑎 𝑚 = 𝑎 𝑛
𝑚 𝑚 𝑚
2. √𝑎 √𝑏 = √𝑎𝑏
𝑚
√𝑎 𝑚 𝑎
3. 𝑚 = √
√𝑏 𝑏
𝑛 𝑚 𝑚𝑛
4. √ √𝑎 = √𝑎
5. 𝑎√𝑐 ± 𝑏√𝑐 = (𝑎 ± 𝑏)√𝑐

Notes:
➢ √𝑎√𝑎 = 𝑎
➢ √4 ≠ ±2 but √4 = 2 and −√4 = −2
➢ √𝑎 ± 𝑏 ≠ √𝑎 ± √𝑏

➢ √𝑎2 ± 𝑏2 ≠ 𝑎 ± 𝑏

Example 12

Identify which of the followings are surd.

3 3
a) √6 b) √8 c) √25 d) √48 e) √ √64

Solution

Example 13

Simplify:
√5 3
a) ( 3 ) √125 b) 3√10(2√5)
c) 3√11 + 6√44 d) 3√40 + 20√5(√18 − √2)

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FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Solution

Example 14

Simplify:
√𝑥𝑦 3 3
a) √9𝑥 4 𝑦 3 b) c) √27𝑥 6 𝑦 3 √3𝑥 2 𝑦 4
√81𝑥 3 𝑦

Solution

• Conjugate of Surd

Conjugate of surd is formed by changing the sign between terms of a surd

expression. Examples of pair of conjugates are as follows:

Surd Conjugate Example (Pair of Conjugates)

√𝑎 ± √𝑏 √𝑎 ∓ √𝑏 √2 + √7 ↔ √2 − √7
√𝑎 ± 𝑏 √𝑎 ∓ 𝑏 √2 + 7 ↔ √2 − 7
𝑎 ± √𝑏 𝑎 ∓ √𝑏 2 + √7 ↔ 2 − √7
Table 1.3

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 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

• Rationalizing Denominator

Rationalizing denominator is a process of eliminating surd in denominator so that the

denominator is a rational number. In order to rationalize the denominator (with one
term), we need to multiply the surd in the denominator to both numerator and
denominator. On the other hand, we need to multiply the conjugate of the
denominator to both numerator and denominator (with two terms).

Multiplication between conjugates will result in a rational number (no surd

expression exists):

(√𝑎 + √𝑏)(√𝑎 − √𝑏) = 𝑎 − 𝑏

(√𝑎 + 𝑏)(√𝑎 − 𝑏) = 𝑎 − 𝑏 2
(𝑎 + √𝑏)(𝑎 − √𝑏) = 𝑎2 − 𝑏

Example 15

Simplify the expressions:

5 2 2 2+√2 2−√10
a) b) ( ) c) +
√2𝑎 √2−2√3 √5+√2 3

Solution

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FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Example 16

3 1−√3
a) Simplify − .
√2+√3 √3+2

√𝑝+√𝑞 4√𝑝+√𝑞
b) Given = and 𝑝 > 1, find the value of √𝑝 + √𝑞.
1−√𝑝 1−𝑝

Solution

Ans: a) 6√3 − 3√2 − 5 b) 3

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• Surd Equation

The equation of surd may exist in 3 ways; equation consists of 1 surd, two surds or
three surds. It is important to check the validity of the answer with the original
equation.

1 SURD 2 SURDS 3 SURDS

1 surd at one
1 surd at 1 surd at
side, 2 surds at
one side each side
the other side

1. Square both sides and simplify

2. Square both sides again (if there is a remaining surd)
3. Solve the equation
4. Check the validity

Figure 1.1

Example 17

Solve the equations:

a) √𝑥 − 45 + 20 = 25 b) √3 − 𝑥 = √1 + 𝑥 − 2

Solution

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FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Example 18

Find the value(s) of x:

√3𝑥 + 1 − √2𝑥 − 1 = 1

Solution

Ans: 1, 5

1.2.3 Logarithm

A number which is in an index form can be written in a logarithmic form.

x is the logarithm of b to the base a is written as 𝑥 = log 𝑎 𝑏 and it is equivalent to 𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑏.

𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑏 ↔ 𝑥 = log 𝑎 𝑏
where 𝑎, 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑎 ≠ 1.

𝑏>0
log 𝑎 𝑏 = 𝑥

𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1

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 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

The following examples show how index and logarithm can be interchanged.
Index Form Logarithmic Form
32 = 9 log 3 9 = 2
91 = 9 log 9 9 = 1
5𝑥𝑦 = 𝑧 − 1 log 5 (𝑧 − 1) = 𝑥𝑦
𝑥
√2 = 4 log √2 4 = 𝑥

Table 1.4

Note:
➢ Logarithmic with base 10 is called common logarithm and it can be written without the
base 10:
log10 𝑥 = log 𝑥

➢ Logarithmic with base e is called natural logarithm and it can be written as 𝑙𝑛:
log 𝑒 𝑥 = ln 𝑥

• Logarithmic Rules

Let 𝑎, 𝑥, 𝑦 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1 and 𝑛 ∈ 𝑅

1. 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑦

x
2. 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 = log 𝑎 𝑥 − log 𝑎 𝑦
𝑦
3. 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 𝑛 = 𝑛 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥
4. 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑎 = 1
5. 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 1 = 0
6. 𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑥

CAUTION:

𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 (𝑥 ± 𝑦) ≠ 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 ± 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑦

𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 (𝑥𝑦) ≠ 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 × 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑦
𝑥 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 ≠
𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑦
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 𝑛 ≠ (𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥)𝑛

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FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Example 19

Evaluate without using calculator:

3 9
a) log 4 16( √64) b) log 3
√27
1 (ln 4−ln 24 +2𝑙𝑛3)
c) log 5 125 − log 2 16 + log 100 d) 𝑒

Solution

Example 20

Expand using the rules of logarithm.

𝑥2𝑦 𝑦−𝑥 𝑥3𝑦
a) 𝑙𝑜𝑔 ( ) b) 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 c) 𝑙𝑛√
√10 𝑥𝑦 𝑧

Solution

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 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

Example 21

Rewrite the following expressions in a single logarithmic expression.

a) log 𝑥 − 2 log 𝑦 + 3
1
b) 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥 + 𝑦) + 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑦 − 3 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑥
c) 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 2𝑥 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 3 − 5𝑙𝑜𝑔5 𝑥

Solution

• Change of Base

Let 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 > 0, then

𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑐 𝑏
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑏 =
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑐 𝑎

Note:
1
➢ 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑏 =
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏 𝑎

Example 22

Evaluate 𝑙𝑜𝑔1 70 by converting into 𝑙𝑛. Leave the answer in four decimal places.
2

Solution

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FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

• Logarithmic Equation

One of these methods can be used in solving logarithmic equation:

➢ Apply properties of logarithm
➢ Change the base of the logarithm
The answer needs to be verified with the initial equation since logarithmic expression
is undefined for negative number.

Index equation with different bases and cannot be converted into common base can
be solved by applying 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 (or 𝑙𝑛) both sides.

Example 23

Solve the equation:

a) 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 (𝑥 2 − 26) − 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 𝑥 = 2 b) 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥 + 1) = 1 + 6 𝑙𝑜𝑔(𝑥+1) 2

Solution

20
 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

Example 24

Solve the equation:

(3𝑥 )2 − 3𝑥+1 + 2 = 0

Solution

Example 25

Solve the equations and leave the answers correct to three significant figures.

2
a) (2𝑒)(𝑥 −2) = 4
b) 𝑙𝑜𝑔4 (3 + 𝑥) = 2 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔4 (𝑥 + 1)

Solution

Ans: a) −1.68 , 1.68 b) −0.867

21
FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Example 26

Solve the simultaneous equations below.

a) 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 41
2𝑥+2 + 3𝑦+2 = 209

b) (−2)𝑥 − (−2)𝑦+2 = 0
𝑦
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 (125)𝑥 − =6
𝑙𝑜𝑔125 𝑥

Solution

22
 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

Example 27

Solve the simultaneous equations below.

2
2𝑥 4𝑦 +1 = 128
9𝑥
= 27
27𝑦
Solution

9 7
Ans: 𝑥 = 3 , 𝑦 = 1 ; 𝑥 = − 8 , 𝑦 = − 4

EXPLORE
INDEX
You can explore this website for more information:

http://www.ultimatemaths.com/powers-and-the-laws-of-indices.htm

23
FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

SURD
You can learn more about simplifying surd at:

http://mathematics.laerd.com/maths/surds-intro.php

LOGARITHM
Browse these websites to study about the proof of logarithmic rules:

https://www.onlinemathlearning.com/logarithms-properties.html
and

https://brownmath.com/alge/loglaws.htm

SOLVING EQUATIONS
You can check your workings and answers for Examples 9, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 via the online
equation calculator:

https://www.symbolab.com/solver/equation-calculator

Exercise 1.2

1. Find the value of each of the following:

1 2
a) 325 b) 273
1
0 16 2
c) 5 d) (9)

24
 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

2. Simplify each of the following expressions:

2 1
a) 3𝑛+2 × 9𝑛 ÷ 27𝑛 b) 4𝑛 ÷ 83𝑛 × 164𝑛
1 1
c) 9−2𝑛 × 3𝑛+3 × 32−5 d) 5𝑛+1 × 10𝑛 ÷ 202𝑛 × 23𝑛
3 5
𝑏 2 −𝑏2
e) 1
𝑏2

3. Solve the following equations:

a) 9𝑥 = 27 b) 3−𝑥 = 243
1
c) 2𝑥+1 = 64 d) 4𝑥+2 = 1281−𝑥
−2 −2
1 1
e) 𝑥 5 = 16 f) 4𝑥 3 = 9
2
g) 7𝑥 − 496−2𝑥 = 0 h) (4𝑥 )𝑥 = 4 × 8𝑥

4. Solve the following equations:

a) 9(32𝑥 ) − 28(3𝑥 ) + 3 = 0 b) 32𝑥+1 = 10(3𝑥 ) − 3
c) 4𝑥+1 − 5(2𝑥 ) + 1 = 0 d) 22𝑥+1 − 17(2𝑥 ) + 8 = 0

5. For the following questions, prove the given equations.

1 1
a) If 𝑎2 − 𝑎−2 = 1 , show that 𝑎 + 𝑎−1 = 3.
1 1 1
b) If 𝑧 2 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 , show that (𝑥 + 𝑦 − 𝑧)2 = 4𝑥𝑦.

6. Simplify the following:

2 7
a) 2 b)
(√3+2) √7−√5

√𝑥−2 3+√2 √5 √2
c) d) + −
5−√𝑥 1−√2 √5+1 2+√2

7. Solve the equation of surd below:

a) √5𝑥 + 4 − 1 = 2𝑥 b) √3𝑥 2 − 3 = 𝑥 + 1
c) √𝑥 + 5 − 1 = √𝑥 − 2 d) √𝑦 + √1 − 𝑦 = √2𝑦 + 1

8. Simplify into a single log expression.

1 1
a) 𝑙𝑜𝑔6 𝑝 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔6 𝑝 + 3 𝑙𝑜𝑔6 𝑞 b) 2 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 𝑚 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔9 𝑛 − 2𝑙𝑜𝑔3 𝑚
1
c) (log 𝑟 − (log 𝑠 − 2 log 𝑟) + log 𝑡) d) 𝑙𝑛(3𝑣 + 𝑤) − 𝑙𝑛(𝑤) + 2 − 𝑙𝑛𝑣
2

9. Solve the following equations:

a) 𝑙𝑛𝑥 2 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔7 𝑥 = 2 b) 2𝑙𝑜𝑔3 𝑥 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 9
c) 𝑙𝑜𝑔(𝑥 2 − 1) + 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔3𝑥 d) 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑥 + 21𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 2 = 10

10. Solve the simultaneous equations:

a) 2𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 18 b) 𝑙𝑜𝑔4 𝑥𝑦 = −2
5
3𝑥−1 = 9(3𝑦 ) 𝑙𝑜𝑔 1 2 +𝑙𝑜𝑔4 𝑦 =
𝑥𝑦 4

25
FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

1.3 COMPLEX NUMBERS

1.3.1 Imaginary Number

Consider an equation, 𝑥 2 + 1 = 0 , this equation does not have any real root, because we
cannot have real number when 𝑥 = ±√−1. For a real number, the square is nonnegative. To
remedy this situation, the imaginary unit, 𝑖, is introduced.

𝑖 2 = −1
𝑖 = √−1

Example 28

Write the following imaginary numbers in the form of 𝑖.

a) √−6 b) −√−3
c) √−4.656 d) √−16

Solution

• Algebraic Operations on imaginary numbers (where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real numbers)

1. Addition:
𝑎𝑖 + 𝑏𝑖 = (𝑎 + 𝑏)𝑖

2. Subtraction:
𝑎𝑖 − 𝑏𝑖 = (𝑎 − 𝑏)𝑖

3. Multiplication:
(𝑎𝑖)(𝑏𝑖) = 𝑎𝑏 (𝑖 2 ) = −𝑎𝑏

4. Quotient:
𝑎𝑖 𝑎
=
𝑏𝑖 𝑏

5. Power:
𝑖2 = −1
𝑖3 = (𝑖 2 )𝑖 = (−1)𝑖 = −𝑖
𝑖4 = (𝑖 2 )(𝑖 2 ) = (−1)(−1) = 1
𝑖5 = (𝑖 4 )𝑖 = (1)𝑖 = 𝑖
⋮

26
 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

1.3.2 Complex Number

A standard complex number is a number of the form 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 , where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real
numbers and 𝑖 is an indeterminate satisfying 𝑖 2 = −1. The real number 𝑎 is called the real
part of the number 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 and the real number 𝑏 is called the imaginary part of 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖. The
set of complex numbers denoted by C.

√−𝟏
a + bi
real part imaginary part

In general for a complex number, 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖,

𝑅𝑒(𝑧) = 𝑎 is the real part of 𝑧, and

𝐼𝑚(𝑧) = 𝑏 is the imaginary part of 𝑧.

If 𝑎 = 0, then 𝑧 is a purely imaginary and if 𝑏 = 0, then 𝑧 is a purely real number. Some

examples of complex numbers are:

Complex Real Part Imaginary Part Note

Number
2 − 4𝑖 2 −4
𝑎 and 𝑏 are real numbers
1 1 1 1
+ 𝑖 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real numbers
4 3 4 3

0 + 0𝑖 0 0 𝑎=𝑏 =0

5 5 0 Purely Real

−6𝑖 0 −6 Purely Imaginary

Table 1.5

Note: Complex does not mean complicated.

It means the two types of numbers, real and imaginary, together form a complex, just like a
building complex (buildings joined together).

27
FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Equality of a Complex Number:

𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 = 𝑐 + 𝑑𝑖 if and only if 𝑎 = 𝑐 and 𝑏 = 𝑑.

Zeros of a Complex Number:

𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 = 0 if and only if 𝑎 = 0 and 𝑏 = 0.

1.3.3 Algebraic Operations with Complex Numbers

• Addition and subtraction:

(𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖) ± (𝑐 + 𝑑𝑖) = (𝑎 ± 𝑐) + (𝑏 ± 𝑑)𝑖

➢ add or subtract the real numbers, and

➢ add or subtract the imaginary numbers

Example 29
Add the complex numbers 𝟑 + 𝟐𝒊 and 𝟏 + 𝟕𝒊.

Solution

Example 30
Subtract the complex numbers 𝟑 + 𝟓𝒊 and 𝟒 − 𝟑𝒊.
Solution

28
 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

Example 31

Find
2 1
a) (1 + 3𝑖) + (5 − 2𝑖) b) (3 + 𝑖) − (− + 𝑖)
3 2

Solution

11 1
Ans: a) 6 + 𝑖 b) + 2𝑖
3

• Multiplication:

(𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖)(𝑐 + 𝑑𝑖) = 𝑎𝑐 + 𝑏𝑐𝑖 + 𝑎𝑑𝑖 + 𝑏𝑑𝑖 2

= (𝑎𝑐 − 𝑏𝑑) + (𝑏𝑐 + 𝑎𝑑)𝑖

Just use "FOIL", which stands for "Firsts, Outers, Inners, Lasts"

Firsts Last
s
(a + bi)(c + di)
Outers Inners

(𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖)(𝑐 + 𝑑𝑖) = 𝑎𝑐 + 𝑎𝑑𝑖 + 𝑏𝑐𝑖 + 𝑏𝑑𝑖 2

= 𝑎𝑐 − 𝑏𝑑 + 𝑎𝑑𝑖 + 𝑏𝑐𝑖
= (𝑎𝑐 − 𝑏𝑑) + (𝑏𝑐 + 𝑎𝑑)𝑖 since 𝑖 2 = −1

Example 32
Compute (𝟑 + 𝟐𝒊) (𝟏 + 𝟕𝒊).

Solution

29
FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Example 33

Multiply each of the following and write the answers in standard form.

a) (3 + 2𝑖)(2 + 𝑖) b) (3 − 4𝑖)(−4 + 3𝑖)

c) (5 − 2𝑖)7𝑖 d) (2 − 5𝑖)(2 + 5𝑖)

Solution

Ans: a) 4 + 7i b) 25i c) 14 + 35i d) 29

• Division (Quotient):

In order to divide complex numbers, we need to understand the concept of

conjugate. A conjugate is where we change the sign in the middle like this:

a + bi
conjugate conjugate
a – bi

The complex number 𝑧 = 𝑎 − 𝑏𝑖 is the conjugate of the complex number 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖.

What it means is that the original complex number has the same real part but opposite
imaginary part. Some examples of complex numbers and their conjugates are illustrated as
in Table 1.6.

30
 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

Complex Number Conjugate

2 + 4𝑖 2 − 4𝑖
1 1 1 1
− 𝑖 + 𝑖
4 3 4 3

−1 + 9𝑖 −1 − 9𝑖
5 5
−10𝑖 10𝑖
Table 1.6

Note: The conjugate of a real number is itself.

For a complex number, 𝑧, there exists another complex number, 𝑧̅ (conjugate), which satisfy
the statement that the product of the complex number and its conjugate is a nonnegative
real number.

Multiplication of a Complex Number with its conjugate:

𝑧𝑧̅ = 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2

Example 34

Find the product of the following complex number and its conjugate.
(5 − 7𝑖)(5 + 7𝑖)

Solution

Example 35

Find the product of the following complex number and its conjugate.

a) (2 − 3𝑖)(2 + 3𝑖) b) (−9 + 2𝑖)(−9 − 2𝑖)

Solution

Ans: a) 13 b) 85

31
FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

𝑎+𝑏𝑖
To express the quotient of two complex numbers, 𝑐+𝑑𝑖 , in standard form, we need to
multiply the numerator and the denominator of the quotient by the conjugate of the
denominator.

𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 𝑐 − 𝑑𝑖 (𝑎𝑐 + 𝑏𝑑) + (𝑏𝑐 − 𝑎𝑑)𝑖

= ∙ =
𝑐 + 𝑑𝑖 𝑐 + 𝑑𝑖 𝑐 − 𝑑𝑖 𝑐 2 + 𝑑2

The main idea when dividing two complex numbers is to write them in standard form which
means that there must not be any 𝑖′s in the denominator.

Example 36
5+2𝑖
Divide the complex numbers .
7+4𝑖

Solution

Notice that we broke up the fraction into the real and imaginary parts to put the
answer in standard form.

Example 37

Express the following in the form of 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖:

6 4𝑖 3+𝑖 7−4𝑖
a) b) c) d)
9+𝑖 1+2𝑖 2−7𝑖 2𝑖

Solution

32
 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

27 3 8 4 1 23 7
Ans: a) − 41 𝑖 b) + 5𝑖 c) − 53 + 53 𝑖 d) −2 − 2 𝑖
41 5

1.3.4 Argand Diagram

Complex numbers cannot be shown on the number lines like the real number line. Complex
numbers can be shown on the complex number plane known as an Argand diagram, named
after John Robert Argand (1768-1822), a Parisian mathematician.

Each number is represented by a point. The real part is plotted on the horizontal axis and
the imaginary part on the vertical axis. Sometimes the number itself is represented as a line
from the origin to the point. The representation of the complex number 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 on an
Argand diagram is shown in the Figure 1.2.

𝐼𝑚(𝑧)
(𝑎, 𝑏)
𝑏 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖

𝑅𝑒(𝑧)
𝑎

𝑧 = 𝑎 − 𝑏𝑖
−𝑏
(𝑎, −𝑏)

Figure 1.2

Points representing conjugate pairs 𝑎 ± 𝑏𝑖 are reflections of each other in the real
axis.

33
FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

Example 38

Plot the following complex numbers on an Argand diagram.

a) 2 + 3𝑖 b) 2 − 3𝑖 c) −3 + 2𝑖
d) −3 − 2𝑖 e) −4 + 0𝑖 f) 0 + 5𝑖

Solution

1.3.5 Solving Quadratic Equations in Complex Number System

Quadratic equations with a negative discriminant have no real number solution. However, by
considering the complex number system, quadratic equations will always have a solution.
Since the solution to a quadratic equation involves the square root of the discriminant, let’s
discuss the square roots of negative numbers.

Example 39

Solve the following equations in complex number system:

a) 𝑥 2 − 5 = 0 b) 𝑥 2 = −16

Solution

34
 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

Quadratic Formula
In the complex number system, the solutions of the quadratic equation
𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0 where 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 are real numbers and 𝑎 ≠ 0 are given by the formula
−𝑏 ± √𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐
𝑥=
2𝑎

Example 40

Solve the equation 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 13 = 0 in the complex number system.

Solution

Example 41

Solve the equation 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 9 = 0 in the complex number system.

Solution

3 3√3
Ans: ± 𝑖
2 2

Did you notice ...

The complex roots obtained when solving a quadratic equation are conjugate
pairs. This is true for every set of complex roots.
35
FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

EXPLORE

You can explore this website for the applications of complex number:

https://www.mathwarehouse.com/algebra/complex-number/real-world-example-scillating-
springs-explained.php

You can view the video on Argand Diagram:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdmg4V3eXZU

Using the online application at

https://www.mathway.com/Graph

Sketch the graph of the quadratic function and hence find the solutions (roots). Describe the
types of roots that yields from the graph.
a) 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 14 = 0 b) 2𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 = 7𝑥 − 2
2
c) 𝑥 − 4𝑥 + 4 = 0 d) 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 9 = 0

36
 1 NUMBER SYSTEM

EXERCISE 1.3

1. Express each of the following complex numbers in the form of 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 :

6−√−8
a) 4 + √−25 b) c) 𝑎 + √−16𝑎2 d) 3 − √−18
−2

2. Simplify:
1
a) 𝑖 5 b) c) 𝑖 3 + 𝑖 6 +𝑖 9 d) 𝑖 4𝑛+1
𝑖3
e) 𝑖(−10 + 5𝑖) f) (1 + 𝑖)3 g) (1 + 𝑖)(−1 + 𝑖) + (1 + 2𝑖)2

3. Write down the values of 𝑧1 + 𝑧2 , 𝑧1 − 𝑧2 and 𝑧1 ∙ 𝑧2 in each of the following cases:

a) 𝑧1 = 2 + 5𝑖; 𝑧2 = 3 − 2𝑖
b) 𝑧1 = 𝑖; 𝑧2 = −10 + 5 𝑖
c) 𝑧1 = 2 + 𝑖; 𝑧2 = 2 − 𝑖

4. Express the following in the form of 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖:

1 2−𝑖 1+2𝑖 𝑖
a) b) c) d)
2+2𝑖 5𝑖 3−4𝑖 1+𝑖

5. Find all complex numbers of the form 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 in each of the following cases:
a) 𝑧 + 3𝑧 = 5 − 6𝑖
b) 𝑧𝑧 = 25 and 𝑎 + 𝑏 = 7
c) (4 + 2𝑖)𝑧 + (8 − 2𝑖)𝑧 = −2 + 10𝑖

𝑧1 −2𝑧2
6. If 𝑧1 = 3 − 2𝑖 and 𝑧2 = 5 − 3𝑖, evaluate in the form of 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖.
2𝑧1 −𝑧2

7. If 𝑧 is the complex number 𝑧 = 2 + 𝑖, show on an Argand diagram:

a) 𝑧 b) 2𝑧 c) 𝑧 + 2 d) 𝑖𝑧

8. Solve the following complex equations:

a) 2𝑥 2 + 7 = 0
b) 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 5 = 0
c) √𝑥 2 − 8𝑖𝑥 − 16 = 2𝑥 − 5𝑖

9. If 4𝑥 + (3𝑦 + 4)𝑖 = 21 + 7𝑖, where 𝑥, 𝑦 are real numbers, evaluate 𝑦.

10. Solve for 𝑎 and 𝑏 given that 𝑎𝑖 93 + 𝑏𝑖 35 + 𝑎𝑖 24 − 𝑏𝑖 86 = 40 + 20𝑖.

37
FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS I

38