Complex Numbers

Compiled by: Nyasha P. Tarakino (Trockers)

+263772978155/+263717267175

[email protected]

01 JUNE 2021

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SYLLABUS (6042) REQUIREMENTS
➢ Find the conjugates, moduli and arguments of
complex numbers
➢ Carry out operations with complex numbers
➢ Represent complex numbers on an Argand
diagram
➢ Solve polynomial equations with at least one pair
of non- real roots
➢ Express complex numbers in polar form
➢ Carry out operations of complex numbers
expressed in polar form
➢ Illustrate equations and inequalities involving
complex numbers by means of loci in an Argand
diagram
➢ Derive the DeMoivre’s Theorem
➢ Prove the DeMoivre’s Theorem
➢ Prove trigonometrical identities using
DeMoivre’s Theorem
➢ Solve equations using the DeMoivre’s Theorem
➢ Solve problems involving complex numbers
➢ Nth roots of unity

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 The Complex Number System

2
2 −𝑏±√𝑏 −4𝑎𝑐
o If 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, then 𝑥 = 2𝑎
o Now 𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐 is called the discriminant.
(i) If 𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐 = 0, there is one repeated real root
(ii) If 𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐 > 0, there are two distinct and real roots
(iii)If 𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐 < 0, there are no real roots but we have imaginary roots
represented by 𝒊.

Example
Solve the equation 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 20 = 0
Suggested solution
𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 20 = 0
𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 = −20
𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + (+2)2 = −20 + (+2)2
(𝑥 + 2)2 = −20 + (+2)2
(𝑥 + 2)2 = −16
𝑥 + 2 = ±√−16
𝑥 + 2 = ±√16 × −1
𝑥 + 2 = ±4√−1
𝑥 + 2 = ±4𝑖
∴ 𝑥 = −2 ± 4𝑖

The symbol 𝒊 is used to denote √−1

⇒ −1 = 𝑖 2

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 The General Complex Number

o A Complex number is represented in the form 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦, where 𝑥 and 𝑦 are real
numbers.
o 𝑥 represents the real part; 𝑦 represents the imaginary part and 𝑖 = √−1
o The set of real numbers (ℝ) is also a subset of the complex numbers (ℂ)

NB: Real numbers can be expressed in the form 𝑥 + 0𝑖

The modulus and argument of a Complex Number

o Complex numbers can be represented by points on a plane

o The diagram of points in Cartesian coordinates representing complex numbers is called
an Argand diagram
o The 𝑦-axis represents the imaginary part and the 𝑥-axis represents the real part of a
complex number 𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖
o 𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖 is called the Cartesian form of a complex number
o It is usually denoted by 𝑧
o 𝑃(𝑥; 𝑦) is a point which represent the complex number
o The line joining the origin 𝑂 and the point 𝑃(𝑥; 𝑦) is called the radius vector

Im(z) 𝑃(𝑥; 𝑦)

𝑂 Re(z)

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The Modulus of a Complex Number

Im(z)
𝑃(𝑥; 𝑦)

𝑟
𝑦

𝑂 𝑥 Re(z)

o If the complex number 𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖 is denoted by 𝑧, and hence 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖, |𝑧| is defined as

the distance from the origin 𝑂 to the point 𝑃 representing 𝑧.
o Thus |𝑧| = 𝑂𝑃 = 𝑟 .
o The modulus of a complex number 𝑧 is given by: |𝑧| = √𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2

⇒ |𝑧| = √𝑅𝑒 2 (𝑧) + 𝐼𝑚2 (𝑧)

The Argument/Amplitude of a Complex Number

Im(z)
𝑃(𝑥; 𝑦)
𝑟
𝑦
𝜃

𝑂 𝑥 Re(z)

o The argument of 𝑧 is defined as the angle between the radius vector (line 𝑂𝑃) and the
positive 𝑥 axis in the positive direction (Anticlockwise)
o It is also called the amplitude of 𝑧
o It is denoted by 𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑧) = 𝑎𝑚𝑝(𝑧) = 𝜃
o 2𝑛𝜋 + 𝜃 are also values of the argument for 𝑛 ∈ ℤ

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 o But we only need the Principal Argument
o The Principal Argument is the value of 𝜃 which satisfies the inequality
−𝜋 < 𝜃 ≤ 𝜋 𝑜𝑟 − 180° < 𝜃 ≤ 180°
o ∴The argument of a complex number 𝑧 is given by 𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑧) = 𝜃, where:
|𝑦|
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 =
|𝑥|

NB: One must be very careful when 𝑥 𝑜𝑟 𝑦, or both are negative. The quadrant in

which it appears will determine whether its argument is negative or positive

and whether it is acute or obtuse. Always draw a diagram when finding 𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑧).

CASE 1
Angles in first quadrant are measured anticlockwise from the positive real axis
|𝑦|
𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦 and 𝛼 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( )
|𝑥|

𝐼𝑚(𝑧)

𝑦
𝛼
𝑥
𝑂 𝑅𝑒(𝑧)

|𝑦|
∴ The required angle is 𝜃 = 𝛼 or 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( )
|𝑥|

CASE 2
Angles in second quadrant are measured anticlockwise from the positive real axis
|𝑦|
𝑧 = −𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦 and 𝛼 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( )
|𝑥|

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 𝐼𝑚(𝑧)

𝑦
𝜃
𝛼
𝑥
𝑂 𝑅𝑒(𝑧)

|𝑦|
∴ The required angle is 𝜃 = (𝜋 − 𝛼) or (180° − 𝛼) or 𝜋 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 (|𝑥|) or
|𝑦|
180° − 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( )
|𝑥|

CASE 3
Angles in third quadrant are measured clockwise from the positive real axis and is negative
|𝑦|
𝑧 = −𝑥 − 𝑖𝑦 and 𝛼 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( )
|𝑥|

𝐼𝑚(𝑧)

𝑥
𝛼 𝑂 𝑅𝑒(𝑧)
𝑦 𝜃

|𝑦|
∴ The required angle is 𝜃 = −(𝜋 − 𝛼) or −(180° − 𝛼) or – [𝜋 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 (|𝑥|)] or
|𝑦|
− [180° − 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 (|𝑥|)]

|𝑦| |𝑦|
NB: [𝜋 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 (|𝑥|) ] or [180° + 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 (|𝑥|) ] represents angles in the third quadrant but

they are not principal arguments

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CASE 4
Angles in fourth quadrant are measured clockwise from the positive real axis.

|𝑦|
𝑧 = 𝑥 − 𝑖𝑦 and 𝛼 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( )
|𝑥|

𝐼𝑚(𝑧) 𝑥
𝑂 𝛼 𝑅𝑒(𝑧)
𝑦

|𝑦|
∴ The required angle is 𝜃 = −𝛼 or − 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 (|𝑥|)

𝑦 𝑦
NB: (i) [2𝜋 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 (𝑥 ) ] or [360° − 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 (𝑥 ) ] represents angles in the fourth

quadrant but they are not principal arguments

(ii) Degrees/Radians can be used interchangeably
(iii) Angles from the x-axis moving in an anticlockwise direction (or above the x-
axis) are positive and angles from the x-axis moving in a clockwise direction
(or below the x-axis) are negative

Solved Problems

Example
Find the modulus and argument of the complex numbers:
a) −1 + √3𝑖
b) −√3 − 𝑖
c) √3 − 𝑖
d) 1 + √3𝑖

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Suggested solution

a) −1 + √3𝑖

√3

−1 𝑂

(i) √(−1)2 + (√3)2 = √4 = 2

(ii) From the argand diagram, 𝜃 lies in the second quadrant hence
√3 𝜋 2𝜋
𝜃 = 𝜋 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( ) = 𝜋 − =
1 3 3

b) −√3 − 𝑖

−√3 𝑂

−1

2
(i) √(−√3) + (−1)2 = √4 = 2

(ii) From the argand diagram, 𝜃 lies in the third quadrant hence
1 𝜋 5𝜋
𝜃 = − [𝜋 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( ) ] = − (𝜋 − ) = −
√3 6 6

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c) √3 − 𝑖

𝑂 √3

−1

2
(i) √(√3) + (−1)2 = √4 = 2

(ii) From the argand diagram, 𝜃 lies in the fourth quadrant hence
1 𝜋
𝜃 = − 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( ) =−
√3 6

d) 1 + √3𝑖

√3

𝑂 1

2
(i) √(√3) + (1)2 = √4 = 2

(ii) From the argand diagram, 𝜃 lies in the first quadrant hence
√3 𝜋
𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( ) = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 (√3) =
1 3

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 Addition, Subtraction and Multiplication of complex numbers

of the form 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦

o In general, if 𝑧1 = 𝑎1 + 𝑖𝑏1 and 𝑧2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑖𝑏2 then:

(i) 𝑧1 + 𝑧1 = (𝑎1 + 𝑎2 ) + 𝑖(𝑏1 + 𝑏2 )
(ii) 𝑧1 − 𝑧2 = (𝑎1 − 𝑎2 ) + 𝑖(𝑏1 − 𝑏2 )
(iii)𝑧1 𝑧2 = (𝑎1 𝑎2 − 𝑏1 𝑏2 ) + 𝑖(𝑎2 𝑏1 + 𝑎1 𝑏2 )

Solved Problems

Question 1
Given that 𝑧1 = 3 + 4𝑖 and 𝑧2 = 1 − 2𝑖, find
a) 𝑧1 + 𝑧2
b) 𝑧1 − 𝑧2
c) 𝑧1 𝑧2
Suggested Solution
a) 𝑧1 + 𝑧2 = (3 + 4𝑖) + (1 − 2𝑖)
= 3 + 4𝑖 + 1 − 2𝑖
= 4 + 2𝑖 or

𝑧1 + 𝑧2 = (3 + 4𝑖) + (1 − 2𝑖)
= (3 + 1) + 𝑖(4 − 2)
= 4 + 2𝑖

b) 𝑧1 − 𝑧2 = (3 + 4𝑖) − (1 − 2𝑖)
= 3 + 4𝑖 − 1 + 2𝑖
= 2 + 6𝑖 or

𝑧1 − 𝑧2 = (3 + 4𝑖) − (1 − 2𝑖)
= (3 − 1) + 𝑖[4— 2]
= 2 + 6𝑖

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c) 𝑧1 𝑧2 = (3 + 4𝑖)(1 − 2𝑖)
= 3 − 6𝑖 + 4𝑖 − 8𝑖 2
= 3 − 2𝑖 + 8 (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑖 2 = −1)
= 11 − 2𝑖 or

𝑧1 𝑧2 = (3 + 4𝑖)(1 − 2𝑖)
= (3 × 1 − 4 × −2) + 𝑖(1 × 4 + 3 × −2)
= 11 − 2𝑖

Question 2

The complex number 𝑢 is denoted by 4 + 2√3𝑖 and 𝑣 is denoted by −1 − 5√3𝑖. If another

complex number 𝑤 = 𝑢 + 𝑣,
Find
(i) 𝑤 in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏,
(ii) the modulus and argument of 𝑤.

Hence represent 𝑤 on an argand diagram.

Suggested Solution
(i) 𝑤 = 𝑢 + 𝑣
= (4 + 2√3𝑖) + (−1 − 5√3𝑖)
= 4 + 2√3𝑖 − 1 − 5√3𝑖
= 3 − 3√3𝑖

(ii) 𝑤 = 3 − 3√3𝑖

3
−3√3

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 |𝑤| = √(3)2 + (3√3)2

= √9 + 27
= √36
=6

3√3
𝜃 = −𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( )
3

= −𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 (√3)
𝜋
=−
3

Hence the required Argand diagram is:

𝐼𝑚(𝑧)

𝜋
3 𝑅𝑒 (𝑧)
3

6
−3√3

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 The conjugate of a complex number and the division of complex

numbers of the form 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦

o The conjugate of a complex number 𝑍 = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦, is denoted 𝑍 ∗ or 𝑍̅, is the complex

number 𝑍 ∗ = 𝑥 − 𝑖𝑦 eg the conjugate of −3 + 2𝑖 is − 3 − 2𝑖
o On an Argand diagram, the point representing the complex number 𝑍 ∗ is the reflection of
the point representing 𝑍 on the 𝑥 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠
o The important property of 𝑍 ∗ is that the product 𝑍𝑍 ∗ is real since:
𝑍𝑍 ∗ = (𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦)(𝑥 − 𝑖𝑦)
= (𝑥 2 + 𝑖𝑥𝑦 − 𝑖𝑥𝑦 − 𝑖 2 𝑦 2
= 𝑥2 + 𝑦2
NB: 𝑍𝑍 ∗ = |𝑧|2
o When dividing complex numbers we use the complex conjugate.

Worked Problems

Question 1
𝑧1
Simplify where 𝑧1 = 3 + 4𝑖 and 𝑧2 = 1 − 2𝑖
𝑧2

Suggested solution
𝑧1 (3 + 4𝑖)
=
𝑧2 (1 − 2𝑖)
𝑧1
[Multiply the numerator and denominator of by 𝑍2 ∗ ie (1 + 2𝑖)]
𝑧2

(3 + 4𝑖)(1 + 2𝑖)
=
(1 − 2𝑖)(1 + 2𝑖)

(3 + 6𝑖 + 4𝑖 + 𝑖 2 8)
=
(12 + 22 )

(3 + 10𝑖 − 8)
=
5

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 −5 + 10𝑖
=
5

= −1 + 2𝑖

Question 2
ZIMSEC November 2019 Paper 1
3+𝑖
A complex number is given by 𝑢 = 2−𝑖.

(a) Express 𝑢 in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real numbers. [2]
(b) Find the modulus and argument of 𝑢. [2]
(c) Show the complex number 𝑢 on an argand diagram. [1]

Suggested Solution
3+𝑖
(a) 𝑢 = 2−𝑖
(3 + 𝑖)(2 + 𝑖)
=
(2 − 𝑖)(2 + 𝑖)

6 + 3𝑖 + 2𝑖 + 𝑖 2
=
22 + 12

6 − 1 + 5𝑖
=
4+1

5 + 5𝑖
=
5
= 1+𝑖

(b) 𝑢 = 1 + 𝑖

1
1

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 |𝑢| = √(1)2 + (1)2

= √1 + 1
= √2

1
𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( )
1
= 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 (1)
𝜋
=
4

(c) The required Argand diagram is:

𝐼𝑚(𝑧)
1

√2

𝜋
3

1 𝑅𝑒(𝑧)

Question 3
ZIMSEC JUNE 2020 Paper 1
5𝑢
(a) Complex numbers 𝑤 and 𝑣 are such that 𝑢 = 1 + 2𝑖 and 𝑣 = −2 − 𝑖. Find = 𝑣 ,

leaving your answer in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏, where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are integers. [3]
(b) Hence, or otherwise, find
(i) |𝑤|, [2]
(ii) 𝑎𝑟𝑔 𝑤. [3]

Suggested Solution

5𝑢
(a) 𝑤 = 𝑣

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 5(1 + 2𝑖)
⇒𝑤=
−2 − 𝑖
5 + 10𝑖
=
−2 − 𝑖
(5 + 10𝑖)(−2 + 𝑖)
=
(−2 − 𝑖)(−2 + 𝑖)
−10 + 5𝑖 − 20𝑖 + 10𝑖 2
=
(−2)2 + (1)2
−10 − 15𝑖 − 10
=
5
−20 − 15𝑖
=
5
= −4 − 3𝑖

(b) (i) |𝑤| = √(4)2 + (3)2

= √25
=5

(ii)

𝐼𝑚(𝑧)

−4 𝑅𝑒(𝑧)

−3

3 3
𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑤) = − [𝜋 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( )] or − [180° − 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( )]
4 4
= −2.498 091545𝑟𝑎𝑑 or −143.130102354°
= −2.5 𝑟𝑎𝑑 or −143°

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 The Polar form of a complex number

Im(z) 𝑃(𝑥; 𝑦)

𝑟 𝑦
𝜃

𝑥
𝑂 Re(z)

o In the diagram above:

𝑥 𝑦
𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 = ⇒ 𝑥 = 𝑟𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 and 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 = ⇒ 𝑦 = 𝑟𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝑟 𝑟
o If 𝑃 is the point representing the complex number 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦, it follows that 𝑧 may be
written in the modulus and argument form as follows:
𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦
⇒ 𝑧 = 𝑟𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑟𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃
⇒ 𝑧 = 𝑟(𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃)
o This is called the polar form or modulus argument form of a complex number.
o A complex number may be written in the form 𝑧 = 𝑟(𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃), where |𝑧| = 𝑟 and
𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑧) = 𝜃
o For brevity, 𝑟(𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃) can be written as (𝑟, 𝜃) or 𝑟 𝑐𝑖𝑠(𝜃)

Solved Problems

Question
3
1. Express in polar form, giving exact values of 𝑟 and 𝜃 where possible, or value
1+𝑖√3
to two d.p.
2. Write in the form (𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏), where 𝑎 ∈ ℝ and 𝑏 ∈ ℝ .
𝜋 𝜋
a) 3√2 (𝐶𝑜𝑠 4 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 4)

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 5𝜋 5𝜋
b) 4 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 (− 6 ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 (− 6 )]

Suggested solution

3 3(1 − 𝑖√3)
1) =
1 + 𝑖√3 (1 + 𝑖√3)(1 − 𝑖√3)
3— 𝑖3√3
= 2
12 + (√3)
3— 𝑖3√3
=
4

3 3√3
= −𝑖
4 4
3
NB: Multiply the numerator and denominator of by the conjugate i.e. (1 − 𝑖√3)
1+𝑖√3

3
𝑂 4
3 √3
− 4

2 2
3 3√3 9 9×3 36 6 3
(i) 𝑟 = √( ) + (− ) = √ + = √ = =
4 4 16 16 16 4 2

(ii) From the argand diagram, 𝜃 lies in the fourth quadrant hence
3√3
𝜋
𝜃 = − 𝑡𝑎𝑛 −1
( 4 ) = − 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1(√3) = −
3 3
4
3 𝜋 𝜋
Therefore the solution is [𝐶𝑜𝑠 (− ) + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 (− )
2 3 3

𝜋 𝜋 √2 √2
2) (a) 3√2 (𝐶𝑜𝑠 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 ) = 3√2 ( + 𝑖 )
4 4 2 2

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 3×2 3×2
= +𝑖
2 2

= 3 + 3𝑖

−5𝜋 −5𝜋 √3 1
(b) 4 (𝐶𝑜𝑠 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 ) = 4 [− + 𝑖 (− )]
6 6 2 2

= −2√3 − 2𝑖
= −2(√3 + 𝑖)

Products and Quotients of complex number in their Polar form

o If 𝑧1 = 𝑟1 (𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃1 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃1 ) and 𝑧2 = 𝑟2 (𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃2 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃2 ) then:

(a) 𝑧1 𝑧2 = 𝑟1 𝑟2 [𝐶𝑜𝑠(𝜃1 + 𝜃2 ) + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛(𝜃1 + 𝜃2 )] and
𝑧1 𝑟1
(b) = [𝐶𝑜𝑠(𝜃1 − 𝜃2 ) + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛(𝜃1 − 𝜃2 )]
𝑧2 𝑟2

Solved Problem

Question
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
Simplify 𝑧1 𝑧2 where 𝑧1 = 2 (𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 3) and 𝑧2 = 3 (𝐶𝑜𝑠 6 − 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 6 )

Suggested Solution
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
𝑧1 𝑧2 = 2 (𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 3) 3 (𝐶𝑜𝑠 6 − 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 6 )
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
= 6 [𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝐶𝑜𝑠 6 − 𝑖𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝑆𝑖𝑛 6 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 3 𝐶𝑜𝑠 6 − 𝑖 2 𝑆𝑖𝑛 3 𝑆𝑖𝑛 6]
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
= 6 [(𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝐶𝑜𝑠 6 + 𝑆𝑖𝑛 3 𝑆𝑖𝑛 6 ) + 𝑖 (𝑆𝑖𝑛 3 𝐶𝑜𝑠 6 − 𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝑆𝑖𝑛 6 )]
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
= 6 [𝐶𝑜𝑠 (3 − 6 ) + 𝑖 𝑆𝑖𝑛 (3 − 6)]

NB Use the identities: 𝐶𝑜𝑠(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝐴𝐶𝑜𝑠𝐵 + 𝑖 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑆𝑖𝑛𝐵

𝑆𝑖𝑛(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝐴𝐶𝑜𝑠𝐵 + 𝑖 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑆𝑖𝑛𝐵
𝜋 𝜋
= 6 [𝐶𝑜𝑠 6 + 𝑖 𝑆𝑖𝑛 6]

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 Problems involving complex numbers

o You can solve problems by equating real parts and imaginary parts from each side of an
equation involving complex numbers.
o This technique can be used to find the square roots of a complex number
o If 𝑥1 + 𝑖𝑦1 = 𝑥2 + 𝑖𝑦2 , then 𝑥1 = 𝑥2 and 𝑦1 = 𝑦2

Solved problems

Question 1
If 3 + 5𝑖 = (𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏)(1 + 𝑖) where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real, find the value of 𝑎 and the value of 𝑏
Suggested Solution
(𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏)(1 + 𝑖) = 𝑎(1 + 𝑖) + 𝑖𝑏(1 + 𝑖) = 𝑎 + 𝑎𝑖 + 𝑏𝑖 − 𝑏 = (𝑎 − 𝑏) + 𝑖(𝑎 + 𝑏)
So (𝑎 − 𝑏) + 𝑖(𝑎 + 𝑏) = 3 + 5𝑖
⇒ 𝑎 − 𝑏 = 3 (i) (Equating real parts)
𝑎 + 𝑏 = 5 (ii) (Equating imaginary parts)
Adding (i) and (ii): 2𝑎 = 8 ⇒ 𝑎 = 4
𝑎 − 𝑏 = 3 (i)
⇒ 4−𝑏 =3
∴𝑏=1

Question 2
Find the square root of 3 + 4𝑖.
Suggested Solution
Suppose the square root of 3 + 4𝑖 is 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real.
⇒ (𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏)2 = 3 + 4𝑖
𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑏𝑖 + 𝑖 2 𝑏 2 = 3 + 4𝑖
(𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 ) + 2𝑎𝑏𝑖 = 3 + 4𝑖
Equating real parts and Imaginary parts together:
𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = 3 (i)
2𝑎𝑏 = 4 (ii)
From (ii):

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 2
𝑏= (iii)
𝑎
2 2
⇒ 𝑎2 − ( ) = 3
𝑎
4
⇒ 𝑎2 − 2 = 3
𝑎
⇒ 𝑎4 − 3𝑎2 − 4 = 0
⇒ 𝑎4 − 4𝑎2 + 𝑎2 − 4 = 0
⇒ 𝑎2 (𝑎2 − 4) + 1(𝑎2 − 4) = 0
⇒ (𝑎2 + 1)(𝑎2 − 4) = 0
⇒ 𝑎2 + 1 = 0 or 𝑎2 − 4 = 0
NB: The are no real solutions for 𝑎2 + 1 = 0
Now:
𝑎2 − 4 = 0
⇒ 𝑎 = ±2
2
𝑏= (iii)
𝑎
2
⇒𝑏=±
2
∴ 𝑏 = ±1
⇒ The roots are ±(2 + 𝑖)

SHORTCUT METHODS

METHOD 1

Suppose the square root of 3 + 4𝑖 is 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real.

⇒ (𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏)2 = 3 + 4𝑖
𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑏𝑖 + 𝑖 2 𝑏 2 = 3 + 4𝑖
(𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 ) + 2𝑎𝑏𝑖 = 3 + 4𝑖
Equating real parts and Imaginary parts together:
𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = 3 (i)
2𝑎𝑏 = 4 (ii)
⇒ 𝑎𝑏 = 2 (iii)
Using (iii) we have only the following possibility:

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 𝑎×𝑏 =2
2×1= 2
Now using (i):
𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = 3
If the RHS is positive 𝑎 will be largest value and if it is negative 𝑎 will be the smallest value
⇒ (2)2 − (1)2 = 4 − 1
=3
Now the complex roots are ±(𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏) = ±(2 + 𝑖)

METHOD 2

√3 + 4𝑖

Steps

4
• Halve the value of the Imaginary term i.e. =2
2
• Write down factors of the result we obtained in step number one i.e. 1 × 2
• Square the factors from the last stage (1)2 and (2)2
• Find the possible factors which gives the Real term (3) when subtracted i.e. (2)2 − (1)2
NB: (a) If the real term is negative e.g. −3 the small squared factor should
subtract the large squared factor i.e. (1)2 − (2)2
(b) If the real term is positive e.g. 3 the large squared factor should subtract
the small squared factor i.e. (2)2 − (1)2
• Write down the square root as follows:
±(2 + 𝑖)
NB: If the Imaginary term of the original question e.g. √3 − 4𝑖 is negative the
imaginary term of the answer should be negative e.g. ±(2 − 𝑖)

Question 3

(1+𝑖)4
Simplify , giving your answer in the form 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖
(2−2𝑖)3

Suggested Solution

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 (1 + 𝑖)4 (1 + 𝑖)4
≡
(2 − 2𝑖)3 23 (1 − 𝑖)3
(1 + 𝑖)4
=
8(1 − 𝑖)3
Let 1 + 𝑖 ≡ 𝑖(1 − 𝑖) br
(1 + 𝑖)4 [𝑖(1 − 𝑖)]4
⇒ =
8(1 − 𝑖)3 8(1 − 𝑖)3

𝑖 4 (1 − 𝑖)4
=
8(1 − 𝑖)3

1(1 − 𝑖)4−3
=
8
1−𝑖
=
8
1 𝑖
= −
8 8

Polynomials: Roots of Polynomial equations with

real coefficients

o If the roots 𝛼 and 𝛽 of a quadratic equation are complex, 𝛼 and 𝛽 are always a complex
conjugate pair
o Given any complex root of a quadratic equation you can find the equation
o Complex roots of a polynomial equation with real coefficients occur in conjugate pairs
o Suppose the equation 𝑎𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑏𝑥 𝑛−1 + 𝑐𝑥 𝑛−2 + 𝑑𝑥 𝑛−3 + ⋯ + 𝑘 has 𝑛 roots 𝛼 , 𝛽 and
𝛾, … then the
𝑏
(i) sum of the roots = − 𝑎
𝑐
(ii) sum of the products of all possible pairs of roots = 𝑎

(iii)sum of products of all possible combinations of roots taken three at a time, and
𝑑
so on = − 𝑎

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 𝑛
(−1) 𝑘
(iv) product of 𝑛 roots = 𝑎
.

Solved problems

Question 1

Given that the root of 3𝑧 3 − 10𝑧 2 + 20𝑧 − 16 = 0 is 1 − √3𝑖. Find the other roots.
Suggested Solution

The other root is 1 + √3𝑖 (conjugate).

𝑧2
Since sum of roots = coefficient of − :
𝑧3
Let the 3rd root = 𝑥.
10
Hence 𝑥 + (1 + √3𝑖 + (1 − √3𝑖) = − (− 3 )
10
𝑥+1+1= 3
10 4
𝑥= −2=
3 3
4
∴ The roots are (1 + √3𝑖) and 3.

Question 2
ZIMSEC 2018 Paper 1
The equation 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 8 = 0 is 2𝑖 as one of its roots. Find the other roots. [3]
Suggested Solution
The other root is −2𝑖 (conjugate).
𝑥2
Since sum of roots = coefficient of − :
𝑥3
Let the 3rd root = 𝑥.
2
Hence 𝑥 + 2𝑖 -2𝑖 = − (− 1)

𝑥 = 2.

∴ The roots are 2 and − 2i .

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Question 3
7 + 2𝑖 is one of the roots of a quadratic equation. Find its equation.
Suggested Solution
The other root is 7 − 2𝑖 (conjugate).

NB: The equation with roots 𝛼 and 𝛽 is (𝑥 − 𝛼)(x − 𝛽) = 0

⇒ [𝑥 − (7 − 2𝑖)][𝑥 − (7 + 2𝑖)] = 0
⇒ 𝑥 2 − 𝑥(7 + 2𝑖) − 𝑥(7 − 2𝑖) + (7 − 2𝑖)(7 + 2𝑖) = 0
⇒ 𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 − 7𝑥𝑖 − 7𝑥 + 7𝑥𝑖 + (72 + 22 ) = 0
⇒ 𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 + 53 = 0

Question 4
Show that 𝑥 = 2 is a solution of the cubic equation 𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 + 21𝑥 − 26 = 0.
Hence solve the equation completely.
Suggested Solution
Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 + 21𝑥 − 26
If 𝑥 = 2 the 𝑓(2) = 0
⇒ 𝑓(2) = (2)3 − 6(2)2 + 21(2) − 26 = 8 − 24 + 42 − 26 = 0
∴ (𝑥 − 2) is a solution.
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 13

𝑥−2 𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 + 21𝑥 − 26

− 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2

−4𝑥 2 + 21𝑥 − 26

− − 4𝑥 2 + 8𝑥

13𝑥 − 26

− 13𝑥 − 26

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𝑓(𝑥) = 0
⇒ (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 13) = 0
⇒ 𝑥 − 2 = 0 or 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 13 = 0
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 = −13
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + (−2)2 = −13 + (−2)2
(𝑥 − 2)2 = −9
𝑥 − 2 = ±√−9
𝑥 − 2 = ±3𝑖
𝑥 = 2 ± 3𝑖
∴ 𝑥 = 2; 2 + 3𝑖 or 2 − 3𝑖

NB: For a cubic equation either

• all the three roots are real or

• one of the roots is real and the other two roots form a complex conjugate pair.

Question 5
ZIMSEC JUNE 2020 PAPER 2
Given the polynomial function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 2 + 16𝑥 − 30 = 0 is

(i) show that 𝑧 = 1 + 3𝑖 is a root of the equation 𝑓(𝑥) = 0, [3]

(ii) find the other two roots of the equation 𝑓(𝑥) = 0. [3]
Suggested Solution
(i) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 2 + 16𝑥 − 30

Given 𝑧 = 1 + 3𝑖

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 2 + 16𝑥 − 30
𝑓(𝑧) = (1 + 3𝑖)3 − 5(1 + 3𝑖)2 + 16(1 + 3𝑖) − 30
𝑓(𝑧) = (1 + 3𝑖)(1 + 3𝑖)2 − 5(1 + 3𝑖)2 + 16(1 + 3𝑖) − 30
𝑓(𝑧) = (1 + 3𝑖)(1 + 6𝑖 − 9) − 5(1 + 6𝑖 − 9) + 16(1 + 3𝑖) − 30
𝑓(𝑧) = (1 + 3𝑖)(−8 + 6𝑖) − 5(−8 + 6𝑖) + 16(1 + 3𝑖) − 30

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 𝑓(𝑧) = (1 + 3𝑖)(−8 + 6𝑖) + 40 − 30𝑖 + 16 + 48𝑖 − 30
𝑓(𝑧) = −8 + 6𝑖 − 24𝑖 − 18 + 40 − 30𝑖 + 16 + 48𝑖 − 30
𝑓(𝑧) = −8 − 18 + 40 + 16 − 30 + 6𝑖 − 24𝑖 − 30𝑖 + 48𝑖
𝑓(𝑧) = 0 (𝐴𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑)

(ii) The other root is the conjugate i.e. 1 − 3𝑖

Finding the 3rd root

−5
Sum of roots = − =5
1
Now let this root be 𝑥
⇒ 𝑥 + 1 − 3𝑖 + 1 − 3𝑖 = 5
⇒𝑥+2=5
⇒𝑥=3
∴The other roots are (1 − 3𝑖) and 3

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 LOCI ON ARGAND DIAGRAM

o A locus is a set of points in a plane whose coordinates satisfy a given consistent

geometric condition
o Loci is the plural of locus
o Paths can be traced out by points representing variable complex numbers on an Argand
diagram just as they can in any other coordinate system.
o For ≤ or ≥ use continuous lines and circumferences i.e.

and

o For < or > use broken lines and circumferences i.e.

and

Types of LOCI

CASE 1
|𝑍| = 𝑘

o It represents a circle with centre 𝑂 and radius 𝑘.

o If the point 𝑃 represents the complex number 𝑍: |𝑍| = 𝑘, then the distance of 𝑃 from the
origin 𝑂 is a constant and so 𝑃 will trace out a circle.

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Proof

Given that 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦 and |𝑧| = √𝑅𝑒 2 (𝑧) + 𝐼𝑚2 (𝑧) :

|𝑧| = 𝑘
|𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦| = 𝑘

√𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑘
𝑥2 + 𝑦2 = 𝑘2
∴ It represents the Circle with centre (0; 0) and radius 𝑘.

Related Loci

a) |𝑍| ≤ 𝑘 b) |𝑍| < 𝑘

𝑘 𝑘

𝑂
𝑂

c) |𝑍| ≥ 𝑘 d) |𝑍| > 𝑘

𝑘
𝑂 𝑂
𝑘

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e) 𝑎 < |𝑍| ≤ 𝑏: {𝑏 > 𝑎} NB: |𝑍| > 𝑎 ∩ |𝑍| ≤ 𝑏

𝑂
𝑏

CASE 2
|𝑍 − 𝑍1 | = 𝑘

o It represents a circle with centre 𝑍1 and radius 𝑘.

o If |𝑍 − 𝑍1 | = 𝑘, where 𝑍1 is a fixed complex number represented by point 𝐴 on an argand
diagram then |𝑍 − 𝑍1 | represents the distance 𝐴𝑃 and is constant. It follows that 𝑃 must
lie on a circle with centre 𝐴 and radius 𝑘.

𝑍1

Proof

Given that 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦 , 𝑧1 = 𝑥1 + 𝑖𝑦1 and |𝑧| = √𝑅𝑒 2 (𝑧) + 𝐼𝑚2 (𝑧)

|𝑧 − 𝑧1 | = 𝑘
|(𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦) − (𝑥1 + 𝑖𝑦1 )| = 𝑘
|(𝑥 − 𝑥1 ) + 𝑖(𝑦 − 𝑦1 )| = 𝑘

√(𝑥 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦 − 𝑦1 )2 = 𝑘
(𝑥 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦 − 𝑦1 )2 = 𝑘 2
∴ It represents the Circle with centre (𝑥1 ; 𝑦1 ) and radius 𝑘.

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Related Loci

a) |𝑍 − 𝑍1 | ≤ 𝑘 b) |𝑍 − 𝑍1 | < 𝑘

𝑘 𝑘

𝑍1
𝑍1

c) |𝑍 − 𝑍1 | ≥ 𝑘 d) |𝑍 − 𝑍1 | > 𝑘

𝑘 𝑘

𝑍1 𝑍1

e) 𝑎 < |𝑍 − 𝑍1 | ≤ 𝑏: {𝑏 > 𝑎} NB: |𝑍 − 𝑍1 | > 𝑎 ∩ |𝑍 − 𝑍1 | ≤ 𝑏

𝑍1
𝑏

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CASE 3
|𝑍 − 𝑍1 | = 𝑘|𝑍 − 𝑍2 |

o It represents a circle with centre 𝑍𝑛 and radius 𝑛.

𝑍𝑛

Proof

Given that 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦 , 𝑧1 = 𝑥1 + 𝑖𝑦1, 𝑧2 = 𝑥2 + 𝑖𝑦2 and |𝑧| = √𝑅𝑒 2 (𝑧) + 𝐼𝑚2 (𝑧)
|𝑧 − 𝑧1 | = 𝑘|𝑧 − 𝑧2 |
|(𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦) − (𝑥1 + 𝑖𝑦1 )| = 𝑘|(𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦) − (𝑥2 + 𝑖𝑦2 )|
|(𝑥 − 𝑥1 ) + 𝑖(𝑦 − 𝑦1 )| = 𝑘|(𝑥 − 𝑥2 ) + 𝑖(𝑦 − 𝑦2 )|

√(𝑥 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦 − 𝑦1 )2 = 𝑘√(𝑥 − 𝑥2 )2 + (𝑦 − 𝑦2 )2
(𝑥 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦 − 𝑦1 )2 = 𝑘 2 [(𝑥 − 𝑥2 )2 + (𝑦 − 𝑦2 )2 ]
Since 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 , 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 and 𝑘 are all constants thus the equation above reduces to a circle of
the form:
𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐵𝑦 2 + 𝐶𝑥 + 𝐷𝑦 + 𝐸 = 0

NB: If it is the equation of a circle 𝐴 = 𝐵

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CASE 4
|𝑍 − 𝑍1 | = |𝑍 − 𝑍2 |

o It represents a straight line.

o It is the perpendicular bisector of the line joining 𝑍1 and 𝑍2 .

𝑍1

𝑍2

Proof

Given that = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦 , 𝑧1 = 𝑥1 + 𝑖𝑦1 , 𝑧2 = 𝑥2 + 𝑖𝑦2 and |𝑧| = √𝑅𝑒 2 (𝑧) + 𝐼𝑚2 (𝑧)
|𝑧 − 𝑧1 | = |𝑧 − 𝑧2 |
|(𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦) − (𝑥1 + 𝑖𝑦1 )| = |(𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦) − (𝑥2 + 𝑖𝑦2 )|
|(𝑥 − 𝑥1 ) + 𝑖(𝑦 − 𝑦1 )| = |(𝑥 − 𝑥2 ) + 𝑖(𝑦 − 𝑦2 )|

√(𝑥 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦 − 𝑦1 )2 = √(𝑥 − 𝑥2 )2 + (𝑦 − 𝑦2 )2
(𝑥 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦 − 𝑦1 )2 = (𝑥 − 𝑥2 )2 + (𝑦 − 𝑦2 )2
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥1 𝑥 + (𝑥1 )2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑦1 𝑦 + (𝑦1 )2 = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥2 𝑥 + (𝑥2 )2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑦2 𝑦 + (𝑦2 )2
2𝑥1 𝑥 − 2𝑥2 𝑥 + 2𝑦1 𝑦 − 2𝑦2 𝑦 + (𝑥2 )2 − (𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 )2 − (𝑦1 )2 = 0
𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 + 𝐶 = 0 since 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 , 𝑥2 and 𝑦2 are constants

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CASE 5
|𝑍 − 𝑍1 | ≤ |𝑍 − 𝑍2 |

o The locus 𝑍 is not only the perpendicular bisector of 𝐴𝐵, but also the whole half plane, in
which 𝐴 lies, bounded by this bisector.

𝑍1

𝑍2

NB: All the loci considered so far have been related to distances

LOCI IN ARGAND DIAGRAMS INVOLVING ANGLES

The simplest case is the locus of P subject to the conditions that arg (𝑧) =∝ where ∝ is a
fixed angle.

CASE 6
arg (𝑧) =∝

o It represents the half line through 𝑂 inclined at an angle ∝ to the positive direction of 𝑂𝑥.

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NB: The locus of 𝑃 is only a half line - the other half, shown dotted in the

diagram below, would have the equation 𝑎𝑟𝑔 (𝑧) = 𝜋+∝ possibly ±2𝜋 if
𝜋+∝ falls outside the specified range for 𝑎𝑟𝑔 (𝑧)

𝑂 ∝

CASE 7
arg (𝑧 − 𝑧1 ) =∝

It represents the half line through the point 𝑧1 inclined at an angle ∝ to the positive direction
of 𝑂𝑥.

𝑧1 ∝

CASE 8
∝≤ arg (𝑧 − 𝑧1 ) ≤ 𝛽
It indicates that the angle between 𝐴𝑃 and the positive 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 lies between ∝ and 𝛽, so
that 𝑃 can be on or within the two half line as sown in the diagram below.

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 𝛽
𝑧1 ∝
𝑂

CASE 9
𝑧 − 𝑧1
𝑎𝑟𝑔 ( )=𝜃
𝑧 − 𝑧2

𝑧 − 𝑧1
NB: 𝑎𝑟𝑔 ( ) = 𝜃 ≡ 𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑧 − 𝑧1 ) − 𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑧 − 𝑧2 ) = 𝜃
𝑧 − 𝑧2
o It describes an arc of a circle with the angle 𝜃 subtended from the chord at the end points
of 𝑧1 and 𝑧2
o Draw the arc starting from 𝑧1 to 𝑧2 .
• If θ is positive, then draw the arc going anticlockwise
• If θ is negative, then draw the arc going clockwise
• If θ is acute, then it will be on the major arc of the circle
• If θ is obtuse, then it will be on the minor arc of the circle

𝜽<0 𝜽>0

𝑧1

𝑧1 𝜃 𝑧2
𝜃
𝑧2

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Solved Problems

Question 1

Sketch on argand diagram the locus of points satisfying:

𝜋
a) arg (𝑧 − 1) = 4 b) |z − 2 − i| = 5 c) |z| = 3

Suggested Solution

𝑦 𝑦
5 3
a) b) c)
0
𝜋 (2; 1) 𝑥
4

(1; 0) 𝑥

𝜋
arg(𝑧 − 1) = 4 |z − (2 + i)| = 5 |z| = 3

Question 2

Sketch on argand diagram the locus of points satisfying:

a) |𝑧 − 3𝑖| ≤ 3

𝜋 5𝜋
b) ≤ arg (Z − 4 − 2i) ≤
2 6

𝑧−3𝑖 𝜋
c) 𝑎𝑟𝑔 ( 𝑧+4 ) ≤ 3

Suggested Solution

5𝜋 𝐴 (0; 3)
𝜋
a) (0; 3) b) 6 c) 3
(4; 2) 𝐵(−4; 0)

𝜋 5𝜋 𝑧 − 3𝑖 𝜋
|𝑧 − 3𝑖| ≤ 3 ≤ 𝑎𝑟𝑔 (Z − 4 − 2i) ≤ 𝑎𝑟𝑔 ( )=
2 6 𝑧+4 3

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Question 3

The point 𝑃 represents a complex number 𝑧 on an Argand diagram, where

|𝑧 − 6 + 3𝑖| = 3|𝑧 + 2 − 𝑖|

Show that the locus of 𝑃 is a circle, giving the coordinates of the centre and the radius of this
circle.

Suggested Solution

Let 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦

|𝑧 − 6 + 3𝑖| = 3|𝑧 + 2 − 𝑖|

|𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦 − 6 + 3𝑖| = 3|𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦 + 2 − 𝑖|

|(𝑥 − 6) + 𝑖(𝑦 + 3)| = 3|(𝑥 + 2) + 𝑖(𝑦 − 1)|

√(𝑥 − 6)2 + (𝑦 + 3)2 = 3[√(𝑥 + 2)2 + (𝑦 − 1)2 ]

(𝑥 − 6)2 + (𝑦 + 3)2 = 9[(𝑥 + 2)2 + (𝑦 − 1)2 ]

𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 36 + 𝑦 2 + 6𝑦 + 9 = 9[𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 4 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑦 + 1]

8𝑥 2 + 8𝑦 2 + 48𝑥 − 24𝑦 = 0

𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 𝑦 2 − 3𝑦 = 0

2
3 2 9
(𝑥 + 3) − 9 + (𝑦 − ) − = 0
2 4

2
3 2 45
(𝑥 + 3) + (𝑦 − ) =
2 4

3 3
center: (−3, ) and radius: √5
2 2

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Question 4

Sketch on argand diagram the locus of points satisfying:

𝜋
𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑧 − 2𝑖) − 𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑧 + 4) = −
12

Suggested Solution

𝜋
𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑧 − 2𝑖) − 𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑧 + 4) = −
12

𝑧 − 2𝑖 𝜋
𝑎𝑟𝑔 ( )=−
𝑧+4 12

𝑧 − (0 + 2𝑖) 𝜋
𝑎𝑟𝑔 [ ]=−
𝑧 − (−4 + 0𝑖) 12

Im(z)

𝜋
−4 Re(z)
12

Question 5

Shade the region on the Argand diagram where |𝑧 + 2| ≥ 2 and |𝑧 − 𝑖| ≤ 1 both hold.

Suggested Solution

|𝑧 − (−2 + 0𝑖)| ≥ 2 |𝑧 − (0 + 𝑖)| ≤ 1

𝐴(−2, 0) and radius = 2 𝐵(0,1)and radius = 1

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 𝐴 𝐵

The required region is given by:

Im(z)

𝐴 𝐵

Re(z)

Question 6

𝜋
Shade the region on the Argand diagram where |𝑧| < 3 and 0 ≤ 𝑎𝑟𝑔(z) < 4 both hold.

Suggested Solution

𝜋
|𝑧 − (0 + 0𝑖)| < 2 0 ≤ 𝑎𝑟𝑔[𝑧 − (0 + 0𝑖)] < 4

𝜋
𝐴(0, 0) and radius = 2 𝑎𝑟𝑔(z) ≥ 0 ; 𝑎𝑟𝑔(z) < 4 and 𝐴(0, 0)

𝐴
−2 2
𝐴
−2

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The required region is given by:

Im(z)

𝐴
−2
𝜋
2 Re(z)
4

−2

Question 7

Shade the region on the Argand diagram where 1 ≤ 𝐼𝑚(𝑧) ≤ 3 and 𝑅𝑒(z) < 2 both hold.

Suggested Solution

1 < 𝐼𝑚(𝑧) ≤ 3 𝑅𝑒(z) < 2

𝐼𝑚(𝑧) > 1 and 𝐼𝑚(𝑧) ≤ 3

1 2

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The required region is given by:

Im(z)

Re(z)
0 2

Question 8

Shade the region on the Argand diagram where 𝑅𝑒(𝑧 + 𝑖𝑧) ≥ 3

Suggested Solution

𝑅𝑒[(𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦) + 𝑖(𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦)] ≥ 3

𝑅𝑒(𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦 + 𝑖𝑥 − 𝑦) ≥ 3

𝑥−𝑦 ≥3

Im(z)

Re(z)
3

−3

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Question 9

Shade the region on the Argand diagram where 𝐼𝑚(𝑧 − 𝑖𝑧) < 1

Suggested Solution

𝐼𝑚[(𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦) − 𝑖(𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦)] < 1

𝐼𝑚(𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦 − 𝑖𝑥 + 𝑦) < 1

𝑦−𝑥 <1

Im(z)
1

Re(z)
−1

Question 10

The point 𝑃 represents a complex number 𝑧 on an Argand diagram, where

|𝑧 − 𝑖| = √3|𝑧 + 1|

Show that the locus of 𝑃 is a circle, giving the coordinates of the centre and the radius of this
circle.

Suggested Solution

Let 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦

|𝑧 − 𝑖| = √3|𝑧 + 1|

|𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦 − 𝑖| = √3|𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦 + 1|

|𝑥 + 𝑖(𝑦 − 1)| = √3|(𝑥 + 1) + 𝑖𝑦|

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√𝑥 2 + (𝑦 − 1)2 = √3[√(𝑥 + 1)2 + 𝑦 2 ]

𝑥 2 + (𝑦 − 1)2 = 3[(𝑥 + 1)2 + 𝑦 2 ]

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑦 + 1 = 3[𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1 + 𝑦 2 ]

2𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2 + 6𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 2 = 0

𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑦 = −2

3 2 9 1 2 1
(𝑥 + ) − + (𝑦 + ) − = −2
2 4 2 4

3 2 1 2 10
(𝑥 + ) + (𝑦 + ) = −2 +
2 2 4

3 2 1 2 2
(𝑥 + ) + (𝑦 + ) =
2 2 4

3 1 1
center: (− ; − ) and radius: √2
2 2 2

Question 11

Describe the locus represented by |z − 1 + 2i| = 5

Suggested Solution

Given that 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦
|z − 1 + 2i| = 5
|(𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦) − (1 − 2𝑖)| = 5
|(𝑥 − 1) + 𝑖(𝑦 + 2)| = 5

√(𝑥 − 1)2 + (𝑦 + 2)2 = 5

(𝑥 − 1)2 + (𝑦 + 2)2 = 52
∴ It represents the Circle with centre (1; −2) and radius 5.

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Question 12

Shade the region on the Argand diagram which satsfies the following:

𝜋
|𝑧 − 1| ≤ 1, 𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑧 − 1) > 2 and 𝑧 + 𝑧̅ ≥ 1.

Suggested Solution

𝜋
|𝑧 − (1 + 0𝑖)| ≤ 1 𝑎𝑟𝑔[𝑧 − (1 + 0𝑖)] ≥ 2

𝐴(1, 0) and radius = 1 𝐴(1, 0)

𝐴
0 2

𝑧 + 𝑧̅ ≥ 1

(𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦) + (𝑥 − 𝑖𝑦) ≥ 1

2𝑥 ≥ 1

1
𝑥≥
2

1
2

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The required region is given by:

Im(z)

0 1 1 2
2 Re(z)

Question 13
The complex number 𝑧 satisfies the following inequalities:
𝜋
|𝑧 − 2 − 2𝑖| < 2; 𝑎𝑟 𝑔(𝑧 − 2 − 2𝑖) ≤ and 𝑅𝑒(𝑧) < 3.
3
Sketch and shade on an Argand diagram the region represented by the inequalities.

Suggested Solution

𝜋
|𝑧 − 2 − 2𝑖| < 2 𝑎𝑟 𝑔(𝑧 − 2 − 2𝑖) ≤
3
𝜋
|𝑧 − (2 + 2𝑖)| < 2 𝑎𝑟 𝑔[𝑧 − (2 + 2𝑖)] ≤
3

𝜋
(2,2)
3
(2,2)

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𝑅𝑒(𝑧) < 3

The required solution is given by:

Im(z)

𝜋
3
(2, 2)

Re(z)
3

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 SOLVED PAST EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

Question 1

ZIMSEC JUNE 2019 PAPER 2

On a single diagram shade the region defined by the inequalities

𝜋 𝜋
≤ arg (Z − 4) ≤ and |𝑧 − 4| ≤ 4 [3]
6 4

Suggested Solution

𝜋 𝜋
≤ arg(Z − 4) ≤ |𝑧 − 4| ≤ 4
6 4

𝜋/4 𝜋/6
4
4 0 8

The required region is:

Im

𝜋/4

4
𝜋/6 Re

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Question 2

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2019 PAPER 2

𝜋 𝜋
The complex number 𝒛 satisfies the inequalities 2 < |𝐳| < 3 and < 𝑎𝑟𝑔𝒛 < .
6 3

Sketch and shade on an Argand diagram the region represented by the inequalities. [4]

Suggested Solution

𝜋 𝜋
≤ 𝑎𝑟𝑔 𝒛 ≤ 2 < |𝐳| < 3
6 3

𝜋/3 𝜋/6 −3 3
-2 2

-2

−3
NB: |𝑍| > 2 ∩ |𝑍| < 3

The required region is:

Im

𝜋/3 2
𝜋/6
−3 3 Re
-2 2

-2

−3

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Question 3

ZIMSEC JUNE 2020 PAPER 2

On a single diagram shade the region defined by the inequalities

|2𝑧 − 1 − 4𝑖| < 2 and 𝑅𝑒(𝑧) ≤ 0 [3]

Suggested Solution

Shading the region represented by the complex number 𝑧 satisfying the inequalities:

|2𝑧 − 1 − 4𝑖| < 2 and 𝑅𝑒(𝑧) ≤ 0

|2𝑧 − 1 − 4𝑖| < 2 𝑅𝑒(𝑧) ≤ 0

Let 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦
⇒ |2(𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦) − 1 − 4𝑖| < 2
⇒ |2𝑥 − 1 + 2𝑖𝑦 − 4𝑖| < 2 0
⇒ |(2𝑥 − 1) + (2𝑦 − 4)𝑖| < 2

⇒ √(2𝑥 − 1)2 + (2𝑦 − 4)2 < 2

⇒ (2𝑥 − 1)2 + (2𝑦 − 4)2 < 22
1 2 4 2
⇒ 4 (𝑥 − ) + 4 (𝑦 − ) < 4
2 2
1 2 4 2
⇒ (2)2 (𝑥 − ) + (2)2 (𝑦 − ) < 4
2 2
1 2 4 2
(𝑥
⇒4 − ) +4 − ) <4
(𝑦
2 2
1 2
⇒ 4 (𝑥 − ) + 4(𝑦 − 2)2 < 4
2
1 2
⇒ (𝑥 − ) + (𝑦 − 2)2 < 1
2
1
∴ It represents a circle with centre ( ; 2) and radius = 1
2

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 1
( ; 2)
2

∴ The required region is given by:

𝐼𝑚(𝑧)

1
( ; 2)
2

𝑅𝑒(𝑧)

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 Maximum and Minimum values for

arguments and moduli

Modulus
o The maximum value of the modulus is the furthest point through the centre of the circle
to the circumference from the origin
o The minimum value of the modulus is the closest point from the origin to the
circumference of the circle.

Steps
o Draw the required circle
o Draw the line from the origin to the centre
o Use the Pythagoras’ theorem to determine the length of the line

i.e. (i) Maximum value is 𝑂𝐶 + 𝐶𝐵(𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒)

(ii) Minimum value is 𝑂𝐶 − 𝐴𝐶(𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒)

For maximum and minimum angles we can use the triangular inequality:
||𝑍1 | − |𝑍2 || ≤ |𝑍1 + 𝑍2 | ≤ ||𝑍1 | + |𝑍2 ||
∴The least value is given by ||𝑍1 | − |𝑍2 || and the maximum value is ||𝑍1 | + |𝑍2 ||

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Argument
o The maximum and minimum angles are at points of tangency

Steps
o Draw the required circles
o Draw lines from the origin which touches the circle at two points (tangents)
o Use Pythagoras’ theorem
o Use Trigonometric ratios

𝜃
𝑂

Minimum Angle

𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠
𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = 𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 ( )
𝑂𝐶

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 o For the minimum value for the argument we have to draw the tangent going through
the right side (lower side) of the circle.

Maximum Angle

𝐵
𝐶

𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠
𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = 𝜃 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 ( )
𝑂𝐶

o For the maximum value for the argument we have to draw the tangent going through
the left side (upper side) of the circle.

Solved problems

Question 1
Given that |𝑧 − 3 − 4𝑖| = 2.
Find
(a) the maximum value for 𝑎𝑟𝑔 (𝑧),
(b) the minimum value for 𝑎𝑟𝑔 (𝑧),
(c) the maximum value of |𝑧|,
(d) the minimum value of |𝑧|.
Suggested Solution
|𝑧 − (3 + 4𝑖)| = 2
Centre(A) = (3; 4) and radius 2

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 2
A

(a) the maximum 𝑎𝑟𝑔 (𝑧)

2
A

α 4

β
0 3

The maximum angle is α + β

Now:
𝑂𝐴2 = 32 + 42
𝑂𝐴2 = 25
𝑂𝐴 = √25
∴ 𝑂𝐴 = 5 or we can simply use the concept of Pythagorean identities for 3, 4 and 5.
2
𝑠𝑖𝑛α =
5
2
⇒ α = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 ( ) = 0.411516846𝑟𝑎𝑑 = 0.41𝑟𝑎𝑑
5
Now:
4
𝑡𝑎𝑛β =
3
4
⇒ α = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( ) = 0.927295218𝑟𝑎𝑑 = 0.93𝑟𝑎𝑑
3
∴The maximum angle is β + α = 0.41𝑟𝑎𝑑 + 0.93𝑟𝑎𝑑 = 1.34𝑟𝑎𝑑

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(b) the minimum 𝑎𝑟𝑔 (𝑧)

A
2

5
α 4

3 𝐵
0

̂B − β
The minimum angle is AO
Now:
2
𝑠𝑖𝑛α =
5
2
⇒ α = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 ( ) = 0.411516846𝑟𝑎𝑑 = 0.41𝑟𝑎𝑑
5
∴The minimum angle is β − α = 0.93𝑟𝑎𝑑 − 0.41𝑟𝑎𝑑 = 0.52𝑟𝑎𝑑

(c) the maximum value of |𝑧|

A
𝐶

𝑂 3

𝑂𝐴2 = 32 + 42
𝑂𝐴2 = 25

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 𝑂𝐴 = √25
⇒ 𝑂𝐴 = 5
∴ The maximum value of |𝑧| = 5 + 2 = 7

(d) the minimum value of |𝑧|.

A
4

𝑂 3

𝑂𝐴2 = 32 + 42
𝑂𝐴2 = 25
𝑂𝐴 = √25
⇒ 𝑂𝐴 = 5
∴ The minimum value of |𝑧| = 5 − 2 = 3

The maximum and minimum values of |𝑧| can also be found using the triangular inequality
||𝑍1 | − |𝑍2 || ≤ |𝑍1 + 𝑍2 | ≤ ||𝑍1 | + |𝑍2 ||

||𝑧 − (3 + 4𝑖)| − |(3 + 4𝑖)|| ≤ |𝑧 − (3 + 4𝑖) + (3 + 4𝑖)| ≤ ||𝑧 − (3 + 4𝑖)| + |(3 + 4𝑖)||
|𝑧 − (3 + 4𝑖) + (3 + 4𝑖)| = 2 and |3 + 4𝑖| = 5
Now:
|2 − 5| ≤ |𝑧| ≤ |2 + 5|
|−3| ≤ |𝑧| ≤ |7|
3 ≤ |𝑧| ≤ 7
∴The least value is 3 and the maximum value is 7

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Question 2
Edexcel GCE Further Pure Mathematics 2

A complex number 𝑧 satisfies the equation

|𝑧 − 5 − 12𝑖| = 3
Find
(a) Describe in geometrical terms, with the aid of a sketch, the locus of the point which
represents 𝑧 in the argand diagram. [3]
For points on this locus, find
(b) the maximum and minimum values of |𝑧|, [4]
(c) the maximum and minimum values for 𝑎𝑟𝑔 (𝑧), giving your answers in radians to 2
decimal places. [4]
Suggested Solution
(a) |𝑧 − 5 − 12𝑖| = 3
|𝑧 − (5 + 12𝑖)| = 3
It is a circle with centre (5, 12) and radius = 3

3
12

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(b) the maximum and minimum values of |𝑧|

𝐴
12

𝑂 5

𝑂𝐶 2 = 52 + 122
𝑂𝐶 2 = 169
𝑂𝐶 = √169
⇒ 𝑂𝐶 = 13
The maximum value of |𝑧| = 𝑂𝐶 + 𝐶𝐵 = 13 + 3 = 16
The minimum value of |𝑧| = 𝑂𝐶 − 𝑂𝐴 = 13 + 3 = 10

The maximum and minimum values of |𝑧| can also be found using the triangular inequality
||𝑍1 | − |𝑍2 || ≤ |𝑍1 + 𝑍2 | ≤ ||𝑍1 | + |𝑍2 ||

||𝑧 − (5 + 12𝑖)| − |(5 + 12𝑖)|| ≤ |𝑧 − (5 + 12𝑖) + (5 + 12𝑖)| ≤ ||𝑧 − (5 + 12𝑖)| + |(5 + 12𝑖)||
|𝑧 − (5 + 12𝑖) + (5 + 12𝑖)| = 3 and |5 + 12𝑖| = 13
Now:
|3 − 13| ≤ |𝑧| ≤ |3 + 13|
|−10| ≤ |𝑧| ≤ |16|
10 ≤ |𝑧| ≤ 16
∴The least value is 10 and the maximum value is 16

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(c) the maximum and minimum values for 𝑎𝑟𝑔 (𝑧)

3
A

α 12

β
0 5

The maximum angle is α + β

Now:
𝑂𝐴2 = 52 + 122
𝑂𝐴2 = 169
𝑂𝐴 = √169
∴ 𝑂𝐴 = 13 or we can simply use the concept of Pythagorean identities for 5, 12 and 13
3
𝑠𝑖𝑛α =
13
3
⇒ α = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 ( ) = 0.232868178𝑟𝑎𝑑 = 0.23𝑟𝑎𝑑
13
Now:
12
𝑡𝑎𝑛β =
5
12
⇒ β = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( ) = 1.176005207𝑟𝑎𝑑 = 1.18𝑟𝑎𝑑
5
∴The maximum angle is α + β = 0.23𝑟𝑎𝑑 + 1.18𝑟𝑎𝑑 = 1.41𝑟𝑎𝑑

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 A
3

13
𝛼 12

5 𝐵
0

The minimum angle is β − 𝛼

Now:
3
𝑠𝑖𝑛β =
13
3
⇒ β = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 ( ) = 0.232868178𝑟𝑎𝑑 = 0.23𝑟𝑎𝑑
13
∴The minimum angle is β − 𝛼 = 1.176𝑟𝑎𝑑 − 0.2329𝑟𝑎𝑑 = 0.94𝑟𝑎𝑑

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 DEMOIVRE’S THEOREM

o Given that 𝑍 = 𝑟(𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃) is a complex number and 𝑛 is a positive integer, then

𝑍 𝑛 = [𝑟(𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃)]𝑛 = 𝑟 𝑛 (𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑛𝜃)

NB: DeMoivre’s theorem holds also when 𝑛 is negative or fractional

o The DeMoivre’s theorem can also be written as

𝑍 𝑛 = 𝑟 𝑛 𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝜃

o 𝑍 = 𝑟(𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃) can also be written as 𝑍 = 𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝜃

NB: One very important application of DeMoivre’s theorem is in condition of complex

numbers of the form (𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏)𝑛

Solved Problems

Question 1
𝜋 𝜋 3
Simplify (𝐶𝑜𝑠 6 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 6)

Suggested solution
𝜋 𝜋 3 3𝜋 3𝜋
(𝐶𝑜𝑠 6 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 6 ) = 𝐶𝑜𝑠 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛
6 6

𝜋 𝜋
= 𝐶𝑜𝑠 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛
2 2
=0+𝑖

=𝑖

Question 2
10
Find (√3 + 𝑖) in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏.

Suggested solution

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NB: (i) Clearly it would not be practical to multiply (√3 + 𝑖) by itself ten times.

(ii) Express it in polar form.

(√3 + 𝑖)

𝑟 1

√3

2
𝑟 = √(√3) + (1)2 = √4 = 2

1 𝜋
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = ⇒𝜃=
√3 6
𝜋 𝜋
Thus (√3 + 𝑖) = 2 (𝐶𝑜𝑠 6 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 6 ) and

10 𝜋 𝜋 10 10𝜋 10𝜋
(√3 + 𝑖) = 210 (𝐶𝑜𝑠 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 ) = 210 ( 𝐶𝑜𝑠 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 )
6 6 6 6

1 √3
= 1024 ( + 𝑖 )
2 2

= 512 − 𝑖512√3

Question 3
𝜋 𝜋 3
Simplify (𝐶𝑜𝑠 6 − 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 6 )

Suggested solution

NB: DeMoivre’s theorem applies only to expression in the form (𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃)
and not (𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 − 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃), so the expression to be simplified must be written in
the form [𝐶𝑜𝑠(−𝜃) + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛(−𝜃)]

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 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
⇒ (𝐶𝑜𝑠 − 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 ) = 𝐶𝑜𝑠 (− ) + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 (− )
6 6 6 6
Hence

𝜋 𝜋 3 𝜋 𝜋 3
(𝐶𝑜𝑠 − 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 ) = [𝐶𝑜𝑠 (− ) + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 (− )]
6 6 6 6
3𝜋 3𝜋
= 𝐶𝑜𝑠 (− ) + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 (− )
6 6
𝜋 𝜋
= 𝐶𝑜𝑠 (− ) + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 (− )
2 2
𝜋 𝜋
= 𝐶𝑜𝑠 ( ) − 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 ( )
2 2
= −𝑖

Question 4
1
Find 3 in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏.
(−2+2√3𝑖)

Suggested solution
𝑦

𝑟 = √(−2)2 + (2√3)2 = √16 = 4

2√3 𝜋
𝜃 = 𝜋 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( )⇒𝜃=𝜋−
2 3

2𝜋
=
3

1 −3
Now 3 = (−2 + 2√3𝑖)
(−2+2√3𝑖)

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 2𝜋 2𝜋 −3
= [4 {𝐶𝑜𝑠 ( ) + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 ( )}]
3 3

2𝜋 2𝜋
= 4−3 [𝐶𝑜𝑠 (−3 × ) + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛 (−3 × )]
3 3

1
= [𝐶𝑜𝑠(−2𝜋) + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛(−2𝜋)]
64

1
= (1 + 0)
64

1
=
64

Question 5
If 𝑧 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃, show that
1
= 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 − 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃.
𝑧
Hence use the DeMoivre’s theorem to show that
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 − 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ≡ 𝐶𝑜𝑠(−𝜃) + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛(−𝜃).
Suggested solution
1 1
=
𝑧 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃

1(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)
=
(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 − 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)

𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
=
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃

𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
=
1

= 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 (𝑎𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑)

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Now:
1
= 𝑧 −1 = (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)−1
𝑧
= cos (−𝜃) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛(−𝜃) Using DeMoivre’s theorem

𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ≡ cos(−𝜃) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛(−𝜃) (𝑎𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑)

APPLICATION OF DEMOIVRE’S THEOREM IN ESTABLISHING

TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES

Question 1
Show that 𝐶𝑜𝑠3𝜃 = 4𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 − 3𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃
Suggested Solution
𝐶𝑜𝑠3𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛3𝜃 = (𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 )3 (Using DeMoivre’s Theorem)
𝑛(𝑛 − 1)𝑎𝑛−2 2
(𝑎 + 𝑏)𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛 + 𝑛𝑎𝑛−1 𝑏 + 𝑏 +⋯
2!

Now:
𝐶𝑜𝑠3𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛3𝜃 = 𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 + 3𝐶𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃(𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃) + 3𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃(𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃)2 + (𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃)3
= 𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 + 3𝑖𝐶𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 − 3𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 − 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃 (Since 𝑖 2 = −1)
Now 𝐶𝑜𝑠3𝜃 is the real part of the LHS of the equation, and the real parts of both sides can be
equated
𝐶𝑜𝑠3𝜃 = 𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 − 3𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝜃
= 𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 − 3𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃(1 − 𝐶𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃) (Since 𝐶𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 = 1)
= 4𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 − 3𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃

Question 2
Express 𝑇𝑎𝑛3𝜃 in terms of 𝑇𝑎𝑛𝜃.
Suggested Solution

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 𝑆𝑖𝑛3𝜃
𝑇𝑎𝑛3𝜃 =
𝐶𝑜𝑠 3𝜃
NB: 𝑆𝑖𝑛3𝜃 and 𝐶𝑜𝑠3𝜃 are obtained from the expansion of (𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 )3 .
Now
𝑆𝑖𝑛3𝜃 3𝐶𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 − 𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃
𝑇𝑎𝑛3𝜃 = =
𝐶𝑜𝑠 3𝜃 𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 − 3𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝜃

Dividing every term by 𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃

3𝐶𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃

( − )
𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃
𝑇𝑎𝑛3𝜃 =
𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 3𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝜃
( − )
𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃

3𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃
( )
𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 − 𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃
=
𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 3𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝜃
( − )
𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 𝐶𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃

3𝑇𝑎𝑛𝜃 − 𝑇𝑎𝑛3 𝜃
=
1 − 3𝑇𝑎𝑛2 𝜃

Question 3
Express 𝐶𝑜𝑡3𝜃 in terms of 𝐶𝑜𝑡𝜃.
Suggested Solution
𝐶𝑜𝑠3𝜃
𝐶𝑜𝑡3𝜃 =
𝑆𝑖𝑛 3𝜃

NB: 𝑆𝑖𝑛3𝜃 and 𝐶𝑜𝑠3𝜃 are obtained from the expansion of (𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 )3 .

Now
𝐶𝑜𝑠3𝜃 𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 − 3𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝜃
𝐶𝑜𝑡3𝜃 = =
𝑆𝑖𝑛 3𝜃 3𝐶𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 − 𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃

Dividing every term by 𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃

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 𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 3𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝜃
( − )
𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃 𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃
𝐶𝑜𝑡3𝜃 =
3𝐶𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃
( − )
𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃 𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃
𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 3𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃
( − 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 )
𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃
=
3𝐶𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃
( − )
𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃

𝐶𝑜𝑡 3 𝜃 − 3𝐶𝑜𝑡𝜃
=
3𝐶𝑜𝑡 2 𝜃 − 1

Question 4
ZIMSEC JUNE 2020 PAPER 2
Use DeMoivre’s theorem to show that
𝐶𝑜𝑠6𝜃 ≡ 32𝐶𝑜𝑠 6 𝜃 − 48𝐶𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃 + 18𝐶𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 1 [6]
Suggested Solution
𝑐𝑜𝑠6𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛6𝜃 ≡ (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)6

Let 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 𝑐 and 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 𝑠

6(5) 4 6(5)(4) 3 6(5)(4)(3) 2

(𝑐 + 𝑖𝑠)6 = 𝑐 6 + 6𝑐 5 (𝑖𝑠) + 𝑐 (𝑖𝑠)2 + 𝑐 (𝑖𝑠)3 + 𝑐 (𝑖𝑠)4
2×1 3×2×1 4×3×2×1

6(5)(4)(3)(2) 2 6(5)(4)(3)(2)(1) 0
…+ 𝑐 (𝑖𝑠)5 + 𝑐 (𝑖𝑠)6
5×4×3×2×1 6×5×4×3×2×1

= 𝑐 6 + 𝑖6𝑐 5 𝑠 − 15𝑐 4 𝑠 2 − 𝑖20𝑐 3 𝑠 3 + 15𝑐 2 𝑠 4 − 𝑖6𝑐 2 𝑠 5 − 𝑠 6

Now:
𝑐𝑜𝑠6𝜃 = 𝑐 6 − 15𝑐 4 𝑠 2 + 15𝑐 2 𝑠 4 − 𝑠 6 and 𝑠𝑖𝑛6𝜃 = 6𝑐 5 𝑠 − 20𝑐 3 𝑠 3 − 6𝑐 2 𝑠 5

Also:
𝑐𝑜𝑠6𝜃 = 𝑐 6 − 15𝑐 4 𝑠 2 + 15𝑐 2 𝑠 4 − 𝑠 6
⇒ 𝑐𝑜𝑠6𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 6 𝜃 − 15𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 15𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃𝑠𝑖𝑛4 𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛6 𝜃
⇒ 𝑐𝑜𝑠6𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 6 𝜃 − 15𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃(1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃) + 15𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃(1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃)2 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃𝑠𝑖𝑛4 𝜃
⇒ 𝑐𝑜𝑠6𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 6 𝜃 − 15𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃 + 15𝑐𝑜𝑠 6 𝜃 + 15𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃(1 − 2𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃) …

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 … − (1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃)(1 − 2𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃)
⇒ 𝑐𝑜𝑠6𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 6 𝜃 − 15𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃 + 15𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃 + 15𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 30𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃 + 15𝑐𝑜𝑠 6 𝜃 …
… − (1 − 2𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 2𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 6 𝜃)
⇒ 𝑐𝑜𝑠6𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 6 𝜃 − 15𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃 + 15𝑐𝑜𝑠 6 𝜃 + 15𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 30𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃 + 15𝑐𝑜𝑠 6 𝜃 …
… − 1 + 2𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 2𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 6 𝜃
∴ 𝑐𝑜𝑠6𝜃 = 32𝑐𝑜𝑠 6 𝜃 − 48𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃 + 18𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 1 (𝐴𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑)

EXPRESSIONS FOR POWERS OF Sin𝜃 AND Cos𝜃 IN TERMS OF

MULTIPLES OF SINES AND COSINES

o Expressions for powers of 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 and 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 in terms of sines and cosines of multiples of 𝜃
canbe derived using the following results:
Suppose 𝑧 = 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃, then
1
𝑧 −1 = = (𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃)−1
𝑧
= 𝐶𝑜𝑠(−𝜃) + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛(−𝜃)

= 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 − 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃

1
o Therefore if 𝑧 = 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 then = 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 − 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝑧
1
(i) Adding 𝑧 + 𝑧 = 2𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 and
1
(ii) Subtracting 𝑧 − 𝑧 = 2𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃

1 1
NB: If 𝑧 = 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃: 𝑧 + 𝑧 = 2𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 and 𝑧 − 𝑧 = 2𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃

o Also 𝑧 𝑛 = (𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃)𝑛 = 𝐶𝑜𝑠(𝑛𝜃) + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛(𝑛𝜃),

1
o Then 𝑧 −𝑛 = 𝑧𝑛 = (𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃)−𝑛

= 𝐶𝑜𝑠(−𝑛𝜃) + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛(−𝑛𝜃)
= 𝐶𝑜𝑠(𝑛𝜃) − 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛(𝑛𝜃)

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 1
o Combining 𝑧 𝑛 and as before:
𝑧𝑛
1
(i) Adding 𝑧 𝑛 + 𝑧𝑛 = 2𝐶𝑜𝑠(𝑛𝜃) and
1
(ii) Subtracting 𝑧 𝑛 − 𝑧𝑛 = 2𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛(𝑛𝜃)

1 1
NB: If 𝑧 = 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃: 𝑧 𝑛 + 𝑧𝑛 = 2𝐶𝑜𝑠(𝑛𝜃) and 𝑧 𝑛 − 𝑧𝑛 = 2𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛(𝑛𝜃)

NB: A common mistake is to omit the 𝑖 in 2𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛(𝑛𝜃), so make a point of remembering this

result carefully.

Solved problems

Question 1
1
Use DeMoivre’s Theorem to show that 𝐶𝑜𝑠 5 𝜃 = 16 (𝐶𝑜𝑠5𝜃 + 5𝐶𝑜𝑠3𝜃 + 10𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃).

Suggested Solution
1
Suppose 𝑧 = 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 then 𝑧 + = 2𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝑧

Now

1 5
(2𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃)5 = (𝑧 + )
𝑧

1 5 5 4
1 3
1 2 2
1 3 1 4 1 5
∴ (𝑧 + ) = 𝑧 + 5𝑧 ( ) + 10𝑧 ( ) + 10𝑧 ( ) + 5𝑧 ( ) + ( )
𝑧 𝑧 𝑧 𝑧 𝑧 𝑧

5 3
1 1 3 1 5
= 𝑧 + 5𝑧 + 10𝑧 + 10 ( ) + 5 ( ) + ( )
𝑧 𝑧 𝑧

5
1 5
5 3
1 3 1
⇒ 32 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝜃 = 𝑧 + ( ) + 5𝑧 + 5 ( ) + 10𝑧 + 10 ( )
𝑧 𝑧 𝑧

1 1 3 1
= (𝑧 5 + ) + 5 [𝑧 3
+ ( ) ] + 10 [𝑧 + ( )]
𝑧5 𝑧 𝑧

1
Using the results established earlier: 𝑧 𝑛 + 𝑧𝑛 = 2𝐶𝑜𝑠(𝑛𝜃)

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 1
𝑧5 + = 2𝐶𝑜𝑠(5𝜃)
𝑧5

1
𝑧3 + = 2𝐶𝑜𝑠(3𝜃)
𝑧3

1
and 𝑧 + = 2𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝑧

Hence 32 𝐶𝑜𝑠 5 𝜃 = 2𝐶𝑜𝑠(5𝜃) + 5[2𝐶𝑜𝑠(3𝜃)] + 10(2𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃)

2𝐶𝑜𝑠(5𝜃) 5[2𝐶𝑜𝑠(3𝜃)] 10(2𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃)

𝐶𝑜𝑠 5 𝜃 = + +
32 32 32

1
∴ 𝐶𝑜𝑠 5 𝜃 = (𝐶𝑜𝑠5𝜃 + 5𝐶𝑜𝑠3𝜃 + 10𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃) {𝑎𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑}.
16

NB: One very succesful application of the example above would be integrating 𝐶𝑜𝑠 5 𝜃

1
∫ 𝐶𝑜𝑠 5 𝜃 = ∫ (𝐶𝑜𝑠5𝜃 + 5𝐶𝑜𝑠3𝜃 + 10𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃)
16

1 𝑆𝑖𝑛(5𝜃) 5[𝑆𝑖𝑛(3𝜃)]
= [ + + 10𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃] + 𝑐
16 5 3

Question 2
1
a) Show that 𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃 = 32 (3𝑆𝑖𝑛2𝜃 − 𝑆𝑖𝑛6𝜃)

b) Evaluate
𝜋
2

∫ 𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃 𝑑𝜃.

0

Suggested Solution

1 3
(2𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃)3 = (𝑧 + ) (i)
𝑧

1 3
(2𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃)3 = (𝑧 − ) (ii)
𝑧

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Multiplying (i) and (ii)

3 3 3
1 3 1 3
8𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝜃 × 8𝑖 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝜃 = (𝑧 + ) (𝑧 − )
𝑧 𝑧

1 1 3 1 3
−64𝑖𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃 = [(𝑧 − ) (𝑧 + )] = (𝑧 2 − 2 )
𝑧 𝑧 𝑧

1 1 2 1 3
= (𝑧 2 )3 − 3(𝑧 2 )2 ( 2 ) + 3(𝑧 2 ) ( 2 ) − ( 2 )
𝑧 𝑧 𝑧

1 1
= 𝑧 6 − 3𝑧 2 + 3 ( 2 ) − 6
𝑧 𝑧

1 1
= (𝑧 6 − 6
) − 3 (𝑧 2 − 2 )
𝑧 𝑧

1 1
Now 𝑧 6 − 6 = 2𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛6𝜃 and 𝑧 2 − 2 = 2𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛2𝜃
𝑧 𝑧

⇒ −64𝑖𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃 = 2𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛6𝜃 − 3(2𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛2𝜃)

Dividing by (−64𝑖)

1 3 1
𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃 = − (𝑆𝑖𝑛6𝜃) + ( 𝑆𝑖𝑛2𝜃) = (3𝑆𝑖𝑛2𝜃 − 𝑆𝑖𝑛6𝜃) {𝑎𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑}
32 32 32

b)
𝜋 𝜋
2 2
1
∫ 𝐶𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 𝑆𝑖𝑛3 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 = ∫(3𝑆𝑖𝑛2𝜃 − 𝑆𝑖𝑛6𝜃)𝑑𝜃
32
0 0
1 −3𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠6𝜃 𝜋⁄2
= [ + ]
32 2 6 0
1 3 1 3 1
= [ − — + )
32 2 6 2 6

1 8
= ×
32 3

1
=
12

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 Exponential Form of a Complex Number

If 𝑍 = 𝑟(𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃) then 𝑍 = 𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝜃 and 𝑍 𝑛 = 𝑟𝑒 𝑛𝑖𝜃

Example

Express 2 − 2𝑖 in the form 𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝜃 .

Suggested Solution
2 − 2𝑖

𝑂 2
−2

(i) √(2)2 + (2)2 = √8 = 2√2

(ii) From the argand diagram, 𝜃 lies in the fourth quadrant hence
2 𝜋
𝜃 = − tan−1 (2) = − 4
𝜋𝑖
∴ 2 − 2𝑖 = 2√2𝑒 − 4

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 The Cube Roots of Unity

o The cube roots of 1 are numbers: when they are cubed their value is 1.
o They satisfy the equation 𝑧 3 − 1 = 0.
o Clearly, one of the roots of 𝑧 3 − 1 is = 1
⇒ (𝑧 − 1 ) must be a factor of 𝑧 3 − 1.
o ∴ Factorising (after performing long division) we get (𝑧 − 1 ) (𝑧 2 + 𝑧 + 1 )
o Now the other roots come from the quadratic equation 𝑧 2 + 𝑧 + 1 = 0.
o If one of these roots is denoted by 𝑤, then 𝑤 satisfies the equation 𝑧 2 + 𝑧 + 1 = 0 so that
𝑤 2 + 𝑤 + 1 = 0.
o It can also be shown that if 𝑤 is a roots of 𝑧 3 = 1 then 𝑤 2 is also a root, in fact, the other
root.
o i.e. Substituting 𝑤 2 into the left hand side of 𝑧 3 = 1 gives
(𝑤 2 )3 = 𝑤 6 = (𝑤 3 )2 = 12 = 1, as 𝑤 3 = 1 since 𝑤 is a solution of 𝑧 3 = 1.
o Thus the cube roots are 1, 𝑤 and 𝑤 2 , where 𝑤 and 𝑤 2 are non-real.
o 𝑤 can be expressed in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏.
i.e. 𝑤2 + 𝑤 + 1 = 0
1 2 1
⇒ (𝑤 + ) − + 1 = 0
2 4
1 2 3
⇒ (𝑤 + ) = −
2 4

1 3
⇒𝑤+ = ∓√ −
2 4

1 √3
⇒𝑤+ = ∓𝑖
2 2
1 √3
⇒𝑤 =− ±𝑖
2 2
−1 ± 𝑖√3
∴𝑤=
2
−1+𝑖 √3 −1−𝑖 √3
NB: It doesn’t matter whether 𝑤 is labelled as or as because each is
2 2

the square of the other.

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 −1+𝑖√3
In other words of 𝑤 = then:
2

2
2
−1 + 𝑖√3 1 − 2𝑖√3 + 𝑖 2 (3)
𝑤 =( ) =
2 4

1 − 3 − 2𝑖√3)
=
4

−2 − 2𝑖√3)
=
4

−1 − 𝑖√3
= , (which is the other root − conjugate)
2

−1+𝑖√3 −1−𝑖√3
If 𝑤 = , then 𝑤 2 = .
2 2

o Now the cube roots of unity are 1, 𝑤 and 𝑤 2 , where:

(i) 𝑤 3 = 1
(ii) 1 + 𝑤 + 𝑤 2 = 0
−1+𝑖 √3 −1−𝑖 √3
(iii)the non-real roots are and
2 2

Solved problems

Question 1
Simplify 𝑤 7 + 𝑤 8 where 𝑤 is a complex cube root of 1.
Suggested Solution
𝑤 7 = 𝑤 6 × 𝑤 = (𝑤 3 )2 × 𝑤 = 12 × 𝑤 = 𝑤 {because 𝑤 3 = 1}

𝑤 8 = 𝑤 6 × 𝑤 2 = (𝑤 3 )2 × 𝑤 2 = 12 × 𝑤 2 = 𝑤 2 {because 𝑤 3 = 1 }

∴ 𝑤 7 + 𝑤 8 = 𝑤 + 𝑤 2 = −1 {because 1 + 𝑤 + 𝑤 2 = 0}

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Question 2
Show that
1 1 1
+ + =0
1 + 𝑤 1 + 𝑤2 𝑤 + 𝑤2
Suggested Solution
1 + 𝑤 + 𝑤 2 = 0 ⟹ (i) 1 + 𝑤 = −𝑤 2

(ii) 1 + 𝑤 2 = −𝑤

(iii) 𝑤+𝑤 2 = −1

Now the equation simplifies to

1 1 1
+ +
−𝑤 2 −𝑤 −1

Multiply the first term by 𝑤 and the second term by 𝑤 2 (NB: Multiply both on the numerator
and the denominator)

𝑤 1 𝑤2 1 𝑤 𝑤2
( ) + ( ) − 1 ⇒ + −1
𝑤 −𝑤 2 𝑤 2 −𝑤 −𝑤 3 −𝑤 3

But

𝑤 𝑤2
𝑤3 = 1 ⇒ + − 1 = −𝑤 − 𝑤 2 − 1
−1 −1

= −1(𝑤 + 𝑤 2 + 1)

= −1(0) = 0 {Since 1 + 𝑤 + 𝑤 2 = 0}

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 The Nth Roots of Unity

o The equation𝑧 𝑛 = 1 clearly has at least one root, namely 𝑧 = 1, but actually has many
more, most of which (If not all) are complex.
o To find the remaining roots, the right hand side of the equation 𝑧 𝑛 = 1 should be
expressed in exponential form,
⇒ 𝑧 𝑛 = 𝑒 2𝑘𝜋𝑖
o Taking the nth root of both sides gives
2𝑘𝜋𝑖
𝑧=𝑒 𝑛

o Different integer values of 𝑘 will give rise to different roots

o Thus the equation 𝑧 𝑛 = 1 has roots:
2𝑘𝜋𝑖
𝑧=𝑒 𝑛 , 𝑘 = 0,1,2,3, … , (𝑛 − 1)

Solved problem

Question
Find in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏, the roots of the equation 𝑧 6 = 1 and illustrate these roots on an
argand diagram.
Suggested Solution
2𝑘𝜋𝑖 𝑘𝜋𝑖
𝑧6 = 1 = 𝑒 6 =𝑒 3 𝑘 = 0,1,2,3,4,5.

Thus the roots are:

𝑘 = 0; 𝑧=1

𝜋𝑖 𝜋 𝜋
𝑘 = 1; 𝑧 = 𝑒 3 = cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )
3 3

1 √3
= +𝑖
2 2

2𝜋𝑖 2𝜋 2𝜋
𝑘 = 2; 𝑧=𝑒 3 = cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )
3 3

1 √3
=− +𝑖
2 2

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𝑘 = 3; 𝑧 = 𝑒 𝜋𝑖 = cos(𝜋) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜋)

= −1

4𝜋𝑖 4𝜋 4𝜋
𝑘 = 4; 𝑧=𝑒 3 = cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )
3 3

1 √3
=− −𝑖
2 2

5𝜋𝑖 5𝜋 5𝜋
𝑘 = 5; 𝑧=𝑒 3 = cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )
3 3

1 √3
= −𝑖
2 2

To summarise the sixth roots:

1 √3
𝑧 = ±1 and 𝑧 = ± ± 𝑖
2 2

Im
2𝜋𝑖
𝑒 3

𝜋𝑖
𝑒3

−1 1 Re

4𝜋𝑖 5𝜋𝑖
𝑒 3 𝑒 3

NB: (i) The arguments of the roots should be between – 𝜋 and +𝜋 instead of 0
𝑘𝜋𝑖
and 2𝜋. In the example above the roots would be given as 𝑧 = 𝑒 3 for
𝑘 = 0, ±1, ±2, 3.

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 The roots of 𝑧 𝑛 = 𝛼 where 𝛼 is a non-real number

o Every complex number of the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 can be written in the form 𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝜃 , where 𝑟 is real
and 𝜃 lies in an interval of 2𝜋 (Ussually from 0 to 2𝜋 or from – 𝜋 to 𝜋 )
o Suppose that 𝑧 = 𝑟(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)
o Then
1
𝑛 𝜃 𝜃
𝑧 𝑛 = √𝑟 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) ~ 𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐷𝑒𝑀𝑜𝑖𝑣𝑟𝑒𝑠 ′ 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑚
𝑛 𝑛
o However, it is also true that:
𝑧 = 𝑟[𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜃 + 2𝜋) + 𝑖 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜃 + 2𝜋)]

and also true for:

𝑧 = 𝑟[𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜃 + 4𝜋) + 𝑖 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜃 + 4𝜋)]

∴ In general it is also true that:

𝑧 = 𝑟[𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜃 + 2𝑘𝜋) + 𝑖 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜃 + 2𝑘𝜋)]
where 𝑘 ∈ ℤ: 𝑘 = 0, 1, 2, 3, … , (𝑛 − 1)

o So solving the equation

𝑧 𝑛 = 𝑟[𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜃 + 2𝑘𝜋) + 𝑖 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜃 + 2𝑘𝜋)] yields the result:

o Taking the 𝑛th root of both sides

𝑛 𝜃 + 2𝑘𝜋 𝜃 + 2𝑘𝜋
𝑧 = √𝑟 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( ) + 𝑖 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )] 𝑘 = 0,1,2,3, … , (𝑛 − 1)
𝑛 𝑛
or

𝜃+2𝑘𝜋
𝑛 𝑖( )
𝑧 = √𝑟 𝑒 𝑛 𝑘 = 0,1,2,3, … , (𝑛 − 1)

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Solved problems

Question 1
Find the three roots of the equation 𝑧 3 = 2 + 2𝑖.
Suggested Solution
Express 2 + 2𝑖 in exponential form.

Im
2

𝑂 2 Re

(i) √(2)2 + (2)2 = √8

(ii) From the argand diagram, 𝜃 lies in the first quadrant hence
2 𝜋
𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 (2) = 4
𝜋
∴ 2 + 2𝑖 = √8𝑒 𝑖 4
𝜋
⇒ 𝑧 𝑛 = √8𝑒 𝑖( 4 +2𝑘𝜋)
𝜋
+2𝑘𝜋
1 𝑖 ( 4 )
3 (1+8𝑘)𝜋
3 𝑖[ ]
⇒ 𝑍 = (√8) 𝑒 = √2𝑒 12 where 𝑘 = 0,1,2

The roots are

𝜋
𝑖
𝑘 = 0; 𝑧 = √2𝑒 12
9𝜋
𝑖
𝑘 = 1; 𝑧 = √2𝑒 12
17𝜋 −7𝜋
𝑖 𝑖
𝑘 = 2; 𝑧 = √2𝑒 12 or (√2𝑒 12 )

NB: These roots can be written in the form 𝑟(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃) i.e.

(1+8𝑘)𝜋 (1+8𝑘)𝜋
√2 [cos ( 12
) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( 12
)] for 𝑘 = 0,1,2(𝑜𝑟 − 1).

The roots are

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 𝜋 𝜋
𝑘 = 0; 𝑧 = √2 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
12 12
3𝜋 3𝜋
𝑘 = 1; 𝑧 = √2 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
4 4
17𝜋 17𝜋 −7𝜋
𝑘 = 2; 𝑧 = √2 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )] or (𝜃 = )
12 12 12

17𝜋 7𝜋
Remember that the principal argument is – 𝜋 < 𝜃 ≤ 𝜋 Thus ≡ − 12
12

NB: We can also express these solutions in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 i.e.

The roots are

𝑘 = 0; 𝑧 = 1.37 + 0.37𝑖
𝑘 = 1; 𝑧 =1+𝑖
𝑘 = 2; 𝑧 = −0.37 − 1.37𝑖

Question 2

Solve the equation 𝑍 4 + 2√3 − 2𝑖 = 0, giving your answer in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 where
𝑎 and 𝑏 must be given correct to two decimal places.
Suggested Solution

𝑍 4 = −2√3 + 2𝑖

Let 𝑧 = −2√3 + 2𝑖

Im
2

−2√3 Re

2
𝜃 = [𝜋 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( )]
2√3
1
= [𝜋 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( )]
√3

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 𝜋
= (𝜋 − )
6
5𝜋
=
6
2
𝑟 = √(2)2 + (2√3)

= √4 + 12
= √16
=4
5𝜋 5𝜋
∴ 𝑧 = 4 [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
6 6

𝑛 𝜃 + 2𝑘𝜋 𝜃 + 2𝑘𝜋
𝑍𝑘 = √𝑟 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )] where 𝑘 = 0,1,2 and 3
𝑛 𝑛
5𝜋 2𝜋 5𝜋
4
( 6 − 3 ) + 2𝑘𝜋 ( 6 ) + 2𝑘𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘 = √4 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }] where 𝑘 = 0,1,2 and 3
4 4

5𝜋 5𝜋
4
( 6 ) + 2𝑘𝜋 ( 6 ) + 2𝑘𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘 = √4 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }] where 𝑘 = 0, 1, 2 and 3
4 4

5𝜋 5𝜋
4
( 6 ) + 2(0)𝜋 ( 6 ) + 2(0)𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘=0 = √4 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }]
4 4

4 5𝜋 5𝜋
= √4 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
24 24
= 1.12197154 + 0.860918669𝑖
= 1.12 + 0.86𝑖

5𝜋 5𝜋
4
( 6 ) + 2(1)𝜋 ( 6 ) + 2(1)𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘=1 = √4 [cos { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }]
4 4

4 17𝜋 17𝜋
= √4 [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
24 24
= −0.860918669 + 1.12197154𝑖
= −0.86 + 1.12𝑖

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 5𝜋 5𝜋
4
( 6 ) + 2(2)𝜋 ( 6 ) + 2(2)𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘=2 = √4 [cos { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }]
4 4

4 29𝜋 29𝜋
= √4 [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
24 24
= −1.12197154 − 0.860918669𝑖
= −1.12 − 0.86𝑖

5𝜋 5𝜋
4
( 6 ) + 2(3)𝜋 ( 6 ) + 2(3)𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘=3 = √4 [cos { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }]
4 4

4 41𝜋 41𝜋
= √4 [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
24 24
= 0.860918669 − 1.12197154𝑖
= 0.86 − 1.12𝑖

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 SOLVED PAST EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

Question 1
ZIMSEC JUNE 2010 PAPER 2
Express −8 − 𝑖8√3 in the form 𝑟(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃). Hence or otherwise find all the fourth roots
of −8 − 𝑖8√3.
Suggested Solution

Let 𝑧 = −8 − 𝑖8√3

Im

−8 Re

−8√3

8√3
𝜃 = − [𝜋 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( )]
8

= −[𝜋 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 (√3)]

𝜋
= − (𝜋 − )
3
2𝜋
=−
3

2
𝑟 = √(8)2 + (8√3)

= √64 + 192
= √256
= 16
2𝜋 2𝜋
∴ 𝑧 = 16 [cos (− ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 (− )]
3 3

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 𝑛 𝜃 + 2𝑘𝜋 𝜃 + 2𝑘𝜋
𝑍𝑘 = √𝑟 [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )] where 𝑘 = 0,1,2 and 3
𝑛 𝑛
2𝜋 2𝜋
4
(− 3 ) + 2𝑘𝜋 (− 3 ) + 2𝑘𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘 = √16 [cos { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }] where 𝑘 = 0,1,2 and 3
4 4

2𝜋 2𝜋
(− 3 ) + 2𝑘𝜋 (− 3 ) + 2𝑘𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘 = 2 [cos { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }] where 𝑘 = 0,1,2 and 3
4 4

2𝜋 2𝜋
(− 3 ) + 2(0)𝜋 (− 3 ) + 2(0)𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘=0 = 2 [cos { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }]
4 4

𝜋 𝜋
= 2 [cos (− ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 (− )]
6 6
√3 1
= 2( −𝑖 )
2 2

= √3 − 𝑖

2𝜋 2𝜋
(− 3 ) + 2(1)𝜋 (− 3 ) + 2(1)𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘=1 = 2 [cos { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }]
4 4

𝜋 𝜋
= 2 [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
3 3
1 √3
= 2( + 𝑖 )
2 2

= 1 + 𝑖√3

2𝜋 2𝜋
(− 3 ) + 2(2)𝜋 (− 3 ) + 2(2)𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘=2 = 2 [cos { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }]
4 4

5𝜋 5𝜋
= 2 [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
6 6
√3 1
= 2 (− +𝑖 )
2 2

= −√3 + 𝑖

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 2𝜋 2𝜋
(− 3 ) + 2(3)𝜋 (− 3 ) + 2(3)𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘=3 = 2 [cos { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }]
4 4

4𝜋 4𝜋
= 2 [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
3 3
1 √3
= 2 (− − 𝑖 )
2 2

= −1 − 𝑖√3

Question 2

ZIMSEC JUNE 2013

Using the substitution 𝑤 = 𝑧 4 , solve the equation 𝑧 8 − 𝑧 4 − 6 = 0 where 𝑧 is a complex

number.

Suggested Solution
𝑧8 − 𝑧4 − 6 = 0
Let 𝑤 = 𝑧 4
⇒ 𝑤2 − 𝑤 = 6

2
1 2 1 2
⇒ 𝑤 − 𝑤 + (− ) = 6 + (− )
2 2
1 2 1
⇒ (𝑤 − ) = 6 +
2 4
1 2 25
⇒ (𝑤 − ) =
2 4

1 25
⇒𝑤− = ±√
2 4
1 5
⇒𝑤− =±
2 2
1 5
⇒𝑤= ±
2 2
1 5 1 5
⇒ 𝑤 = + or −
2 2 2 2
∴ 𝑤 = 3 or − 2
But 𝑧 4 = 𝑤

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⇒ 𝑧 4 = 3 or 𝑧 4 = −2

Now:
𝑧 4 = −2
𝑛 𝜃 + 2𝑘𝜋 𝜃 + 2𝑘𝜋
𝑍𝑘 = √|𝑟| [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )] where 𝑘 = 0,1,2 and 3
𝑛 𝑛
𝜋 + 2𝑘𝜋 𝜋 + 2𝑘𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘 = 4√| − 2| [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )] where 𝑘 = 0,1,2 and 3
4 4
4 𝜋 + 2𝑘𝜋 𝜋 + 2𝑘𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘 = √2 [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )] where 𝑘 = 0,1,2 and 3
4 4

4 𝜋 + 2(0)𝜋 𝜋 + 2(0)𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘=0 = √2 [cos { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }]
4 4
4 𝜋 𝜋
= √2 [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
4 4
4 √2 √2
= √2 ( +𝑖 )
2 2
= 0.840896415 + 𝑖0.840896415
= 0.84 + 𝑖0.84 ( to 2𝑠. 𝑓. )

4 𝜋 + 2(1)𝜋 𝜋 + 2(1)𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘=1 = √2 [cos { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }]
4 4
4 3𝜋 3𝜋
= √2 [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
4 4
4 √2 √2
= √2 (− +𝑖 )
2 2
= −0.840896415 + 𝑖0.840896415
= −0.84 + 𝑖0.84 ( to 2𝑠. 𝑓. )

4 𝜋 + 2(2)𝜋 𝜋 + 2(2)𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘=2 = √2 [cos { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }]
4 4
4 5𝜋 5𝜋
= √2 [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
4 4

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 4 √2 √2
= √2 (− −𝑖 )
2 2
= −0.840896415 − 𝑖0.840896415
= −0.84 − 𝑖0.84 ( to 2𝑠. 𝑓. )
4 𝜋 + 2(3)𝜋 𝜋 + 2(3)𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘=3 = √2 [cos { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }]
4 4
4 7𝜋 7𝜋
= √2 [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
4 4
4 √2 √2
= √2 ( −i )
2 2
= 0.840896415 − 𝑖0.840896415
= 0.84 − 𝑖0.84 ( to 2𝑠. 𝑓. )

Also:
𝑧4 = 3
𝑛 𝜃 + 2𝑘𝜋 𝜃 + 2𝑘𝜋
𝑍𝑘 = √𝑟 [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )] where 𝑘 = 0,1,2 and 3
𝑛 𝑛
4 2𝑘𝜋 2𝑘𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘 = √3 [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )] where 𝑘 = 0,1,2 and 3
4 4

4 2(0)𝜋 2(0)𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘=0 = √3 [cos { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }]
4 4
4
= √3[cos(0) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛(0)]
4
= √3(1)
= 1.316074013
= 1.3 ( to 2𝑠. 𝑓. )

4 2(1)𝜋 2(1)𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘=1 = √3 [cos { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }]
4 4
4 𝜋 𝜋
= √3 [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
2 2
4
= √3(𝑖)
= 1.316074013𝑖
= 1.3𝑖 ( to 2𝑠. 𝑓. )

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 4 2(2)𝜋 2(2)𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘=2 = √3 [cos { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }]
4 4
4
= √3[cos(𝜋) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜋)]
4
= √3(−1)
= −1.316074013
= −1.3 ( to 2𝑠. 𝑓. )

4 2(3)𝜋 2(3)𝜋
⇒ 𝑍𝑘=3 = √3 [cos { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }]
4 4
4 3𝜋 3𝜋
= √3 [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
2 2
4
= √3(−𝑖)
= −1.316074013𝑖
= −1.3𝑖 ( to 2𝑠. 𝑓. )

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 Solutions of the Binomial Equations

Case 1
𝑍 = 𝐴𝑁 where 𝐴 is a real positive number and 𝑁 is a fraction.
𝑛 2𝑘𝜋 2𝑘𝜋
𝑍 = √𝐴 [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
𝑛 𝑛
where 𝑘 = 0,1,2,3, … , (𝑛 − 1)

Case 2
𝑍 = 𝐴𝑁 where 𝐴 is a real negative number and 𝑁 is a fraction.
𝑛 𝜋 + 2𝑘𝜋 𝜋 + 2𝑘𝜋
𝑍 = √|𝐴| [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
𝑛 𝑛
where 𝑘 = 0,1,2,3, … , (𝑛 − 1)
Case 3
𝑍 = 𝐴𝑁 where 𝐴 is an imaginary positive number and 𝑁 is a fraction.
𝜋 𝜋
+ 2𝑘𝜋 + 2𝑘𝜋
𝑛
𝑍 = √𝐴 [cos ( 2 ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 (2 )]
𝑛 𝑛

where 𝑘 = 0,1,2,3, … , (𝑛 − 1)

Case 4
𝑍 = 𝐴𝑁 where 𝐴 is an imaginary negative number and 𝑁 is a fraction.
𝜋 𝜋
𝑛
− 2 + +2𝑘𝜋 − 2 + +2𝑘𝜋
𝑍 = √|𝐴| [cos ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
𝑛 𝑛

where 𝑘 = 0,1,2,3, … , (𝑛 − 1)

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Solved Problems

Question 1
Solve 𝑧 3 = −8, express your answers in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏.
Suggested Solution

3 𝜋 + 2𝑘𝜋 𝜋 + 2𝑘𝜋
𝑍𝑘 = √| − 8| [𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
3 3
where 𝑘 = 0,1,2.
𝜋+2(0)𝜋 𝜋+2(0)𝜋
𝑍𝑘=0 = 2 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )] = 1 + 𝑖√3
3 3
𝜋+2(1)𝜋 𝜋+2(1)𝜋
𝑍𝑘=1 = 2 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )] = −2
3 3
𝜋+2(2)𝜋 𝜋+2(2)𝜋
𝑍𝑘=2 = 2 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )] = 1 − 𝑖√3 .
3 3

Question 2

Solve 𝑧 6 = 64, express your answers in the form 𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝜃 .

Suggested solution
𝑧 6 = 64

6
2𝑘𝜋𝑖
𝑧 = √64𝑒 6 𝑘 = 0,1,2,3,4,5.

2𝑘𝜋𝑖
⇒ 𝑧 = 2𝑒 6 𝑘 = 0,1,2,3,4,5

𝑍𝑘=0 = 2
2𝜋𝑖 𝜋𝑖
𝑍𝑘=1 = 2𝑒 6 = 2𝑒 3
4𝜋𝑖 2𝜋𝑖
𝑍𝑘=2 = 2𝑒 6 = 2𝑒 3

6𝜋𝑖
𝑍𝑘=3 = 2𝑒 6 = 2𝑒 𝜋𝑖
8𝜋𝑖 4𝜋𝑖 2𝜋𝑖
𝑍𝑘=4 = 2𝑒 6 = 2𝑒 3 NB: Because of the principal argument the solution is = 2𝑒 − 3

10𝜋𝑖 5𝜋𝑖 𝜋𝑖
𝑍𝑘=5 = 2𝑒 6 = 2𝑒 3 NB: Because of the principal argument the solution is = 2𝑒 − 3

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 PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Question 1

Solve the following equation 𝑧 4 + 8 + 𝑖8√3 = 0, giving your answer in the form
𝑟(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)
2𝜋 2𝜋
(− 3 ) + 2𝑘𝜋 (− 3 ) + 2𝑘𝜋
𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 𝑍𝑘 = 2 [cos { } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { }] where 𝑘 = 0,1,2 and 3
4 4

Question 2

Solve the following equations and express them in the form 𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝜃 .

a) 𝑧 3 = 1 − 𝑖
b) 𝑧 8 = 1 − √3𝑖
c) (𝑧 + 1)3 = 8𝑖
d) (𝑧 − 1)3 = −8

(8𝑘−1)𝜋
Answer: (a)[ √2𝑒 𝑖
6
12 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑘 = 1,2,3]

(6𝑘−1)𝜋
8 𝑖
(b) [√2𝑒 24 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑘 = 1,2,3, … ,8]

(4𝑘+1)𝜋
(c)[(2𝑒 𝑖 6 − 1) 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑘 = 0,1,2]

(2𝑘+1)𝜋
(c)[(2𝑒 𝑖 6 + 1) 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑘 = 0,1,2]

Question 3

a) Use DeMoivre’s theorem to show that 𝑐𝑜𝑠5𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃(16𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃 − 20𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 5).

𝜋 5+√5
b) By solving the equation 𝑐𝑜𝑠5𝜃 = 0, deduce that 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 (10) = 2 .

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Question 4

a) Express 4 − 4𝑖 in the form 𝑟(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃), where 𝑟 > 0, −𝜋 < 𝜃 < 𝜋, where 𝑟 and
𝜃 are exact values.
b) Hence, or otherwise, solve the equation 𝑧 5 = 4 − 4𝑖 leaving your answers in the form
𝑧 = 𝑅𝑒 −𝑖𝑘𝜋 ,where 𝑅 is the modulus of 𝑧 and 𝑘 is a rational number such that
−1 ≤ 𝑘 ≤ 1.
c) Show on an Argand diagram the points representing your solution.

𝜋 𝜋
Answer: (a) √32 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 (− 4 ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 (− 4 )]
(6𝑘−1)𝜋
(b[ √2𝑒 𝑖
8
24 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑘 = 1,2,3, … ,5]

Question 5

(cos 3𝜃+𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 3𝜃)2

Express in the form 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑛𝑥 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑛𝑥 where 𝑛 is an integer to be found.
𝑐𝑜𝜃−𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃

Answer: 𝑐𝑜𝑠 7𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 7𝜃

Question 6
Use DeMoivre’s theorem to evaluate
1
a) (1 − 𝑖)6 b)
1 1 16
(2−2)

Answer: (a)8𝑖

(b)256

Question 7
1
a) If 𝑧 = 𝑟(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃), use DeMoivre’s theorem to show that 𝑧 𝑛 + 𝑧𝑛 = 2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜃.

1 3
b) Express (𝑧 2 + ) in terms of 𝑐𝑜𝑠6𝜃 and 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃.
𝑧2

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 c) Hence, or otherwise, show that 𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 2𝜃 = 𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑠6𝜃 + 𝑏𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃, where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are
constants.
d) Hence, or otherwise
𝜋
6
∫ 𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 2𝜃 𝑑𝜃 = 𝑘√3,
0

where 𝑘 is a constant

Answer: (b)2𝑐𝑜𝑠6𝜃 + 6𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃

1 3
(c) 𝑐𝑜𝑠6𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃,
4 4
3
(d) √3
4

Question 8
The region 𝑅 in an argand diagram is satisfied by the inequalities |𝑧| ≤ 5 and |𝑧| ≤ |𝑧 − 6|.
Draw an argand diagram and shade in the region 𝑅.
𝑦

5 6 𝑥
−5 3

−5

Question 9
The region 𝑅 in an argand diagram is satisfied by the inequalities |𝑧 − 4 − 2𝑖| < 2 and
𝜋
𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑧 − 4 − 2𝑖) ≤ 2.

Draw and indicate by shading the region 𝑅.

𝑦

(4; 2)

𝑥
0

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Question 10

𝜋
𝑖
𝑒 2
a) (i) Express 𝜋 in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏
𝑖
𝑒 3

(ii) Hence find the sixth roots of 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏, the complex number obtained above. Give
your answer in the form 𝑟(cos𝜃 + 𝑖sin𝜃)
b) (i) Sketch on an argand diagram the locus of points of 𝑧 where
|𝑧 − 1 − 𝑖| = |𝑧 + 2 + 3𝑖|
(ii) Hence or otherwise state the Cartesian equation of this locus.

√3 1
Answer: a(i) + 𝑖
2 2
𝜋 𝜋
( )+2𝑘𝜋 ( )+2𝑘𝜋
(ii)𝑍𝑘 = [𝑐𝑜𝑠 { 6 } + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 { 6 }] where 𝑘 = 0,1,2 and 3
4 4

b (i) 𝑦

(1; 1)
𝑥
1
(− ; −1)
2

(−2; −3)
(ii)6𝑥 + 8𝑦 − 5 = 0

Question 11

The polynomial 2𝑥 4 + 𝑥 3 + 17𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 − 9 is denoted 𝑝(𝑥).

(i) Show that 3𝑖 is a root of the equation 𝑝(𝑥).

(ii) State the other complex root of the equation 𝑝(𝑥) = 0.
(iii)Hence or otherwise find the other 2 roots of the equation 𝑝(𝑥) = 0.

Answer: (ii)−3𝑖 (𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑗𝑢𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑒)

1
(iii)−1; 2

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Question 12

(1+𝑖)4
a) Simplify giving your answer in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏
(2−2𝑖)3

b) Use DeMoivre’s theorem to show that

𝑡𝑎𝑛4𝜃(1 − 6𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛4 𝜃) = 4𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 − 4𝑡𝑎𝑛3 𝜃.

1 1
Answer: (a) − 𝑖
8 8

Question 13
Solve 𝑧 4 = −625, express your answers in the form 𝑟(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃).
𝜋 + 2𝑘𝜋 𝜋 + 2𝑘𝜋
Answer: 𝑍𝑘 = 5 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
4 4
where 𝑘 = 0,1,2, 3.

Question 14
Solve 𝑧 3 = 𝑖, express your answers in the form 𝑟(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃).
𝜋 𝜋
+ 2𝑘𝜋 + 2𝑘𝜋
Answer: 𝑍𝑘 = [𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( 2 ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 (2 )]
3 3

where 𝑘 = 0,1,2.

Question 15
Solve 𝑧 4 = 625, express your answers in the form 𝑟(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃).
𝑘𝜋 𝑘𝜋
Answer: 𝑍𝑘 = 5 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( ) + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
2 2
where 𝑘 = 0,1,2, 3.

Question 16
8
Express (1 + 𝑖√3) in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏.

Answer: −128 + 128√3𝑖

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Question 17
Solve 𝑧 3 = −1 + 𝑖, express your answers in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏, where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are expressed in
2 decimal places.

Answer: 𝑍0 = 0.79 + 0.79𝑖

𝑍1 = −1.08 + 0.29𝑖
𝑍2 = 0.29 ± 1.08𝑖

Question 18
4
√2 √2
Find the value of ( 2 − 2 𝑖) .

Answer: −1

Question 19

Find √3 − 4𝑖.

Answer: = ±(2 − 𝑖)

Question 20

Find √5 − 12𝑖.

Answer: = ±(3 − 2𝑖)

Question 21

Use DeMoivre’s theorem to show that

(i) 𝑐𝑜𝑠4𝜃 = 8𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃 − 8𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 1,

1
(ii) 𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃 = (𝑐𝑜𝑠4𝜃 + 4𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃 + 3).
8

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Question 22
4
Find the value of (√2 − √2𝑖) .

Answer: −16

Question 23
The region 𝑅 in an argand diagram is satisfied by the inequalities 1 ≤ |𝑧 − 3 − 3𝑖| < 3 and
𝜋
𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑧 − 3 − 3𝑖) ≤ .
6
Draw and indicate by shading the region 𝑅.

Answer: Im(z)

𝜋
6
(3,3)

Re(z)

Question 24
4
√3 1
Express (− 2 − 2 𝑖) in polar form.

10𝜋 10𝜋
Answer: 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( 3 ) − 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( 3 )

Question 25
8
Express (1 − √3𝑖) in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏.

Answer: −128 + 128√3𝑖

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 ZIMSEC PAST EXAMINATION QUESTIONS PAPER 1

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2003 SPECIMEN

1 2−3𝑖
a) Given that the imaginary part of 𝑍 is− , where 𝑍 = 1−𝑎𝑖, find possible values of 𝑎.
2
[2]
b) Given that 𝑍1 = 1 + 𝑖√3 and 𝑍2 = √3 + 𝑖.
(i) Calculate the modulus and argument of 𝑍1 and 𝑍2 .
𝑍1
(ii) Hence plot on an Argand diagram 𝑍1 𝑍2 and . [4]
𝑍2
c) Given that (𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏)2 = 8 + 6𝑖, find the values of 𝑎 and 𝑏. [4]

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2003

Given that 𝑧1 = 1 + 3𝑖 and 𝑧2 = 3 + 2𝑖, find

(i) |𝑧1 |, [1]

(ii) 𝑎𝑟𝑔 𝑧2 , [1]
(iii)𝑧1 𝑧2 , [2]
𝑧1
(iv) , [2]
𝑧2

Show the complex numbers 𝑧1 and 𝑧2 on the same Argand diagram, clearly labelling |𝑧1 |
and 𝑎𝑟𝑔 𝑧2. [2]

ZIMSEC JUNE 2004

2+𝑖
a) Express 𝑍 = in modulus argument form. Hence find their simplest form the moduli
3−𝑖
and arguments of numbers:
(i) 𝑍 2 ,
1
(ii) [6]
𝑍
b) (i) Shade the area represented on an argand diagram by:
|𝑍 − 1 + 2𝑖| < 3 [2]
(ii) Sketch the locus of 𝑍 if
𝜋
arg(𝑍 − 1) − arg(𝑍 + 1) = 6 , [3]

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ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2004

Given that 𝑍 = 4 − 2𝑖, find

(i) |𝑍| and 𝑎𝑟𝑔 𝑍, [2]

𝑍
(ii) ̅ in the form 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖, where 𝑍̅ represents the conjugate 𝑍 and 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real
𝑍
numbers. [2]

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2005

The complex number 𝑧 = 2 + 3𝑖 has a modulus 𝑘 and argument ∝.

a) Determine the value 𝑘 and ∝. [2]

b) 𝜔 is the complex number 𝑧 + 3𝑖𝑧. Find 𝜔 in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 and hence represent
𝜔 on the Argand diagram. [3]

ZIMSEC JUNE 2006

6+4𝑖
a) Express the complex number 𝑧 = 1+5𝑖 in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏. Hence find |𝑧| and

𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑧) . [4]
b) Show by substitution that 𝑤 = 2 − 3𝑖 is a root of the equation 𝑤 2 − 4𝑤 + 13 = 0.
[3]

ZIMSEC NOVEMEBER 2006

𝑧
The complex number 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦 satisfies the equation = 2 − 1.
𝑧+2

Find the value of 𝑥 and the value of 𝑦. [4]

ZIMSEC JUNE 2008

Given the complex number 𝑊 = 2 − 3𝑖,

evaluate

(i) 𝑖𝑊,
(ii) 𝑊 + 𝑖𝑊. [3]

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 Plot the points 𝑃, 𝑄 and 𝑅 representing the complex numbers 𝑊, 𝑖𝑊, 𝑊 + 𝑖𝑊
respectively on an Argand diagram. [2]
Hence name the quadrilateral 𝑂𝑃𝑅𝑄, where 𝑂 is the origin. [1]

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2008

3𝜋
A complex number 𝑧 has modulus 8 and argument .
4

State the modulus and argument of 𝑧 2 . [2]

Using these values show the number 𝑧 2 on an Argand diagram, and hence express 𝑧 2 in
the form 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖. [2]

ZIMSEC JUNE 2009

The complex number 𝑝 = 3 − 5𝑖 and it is given that 𝑞 = 4𝑖𝑝

a) State the relationship between

(i) |𝑝| and |𝑞|,
(ii) 𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑝) and 𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑞), [2]
b) Given that 𝑟 = 𝑝 + 𝑞, find r in the form 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real numbers. [2]
c) The points 𝑃, 𝑄 and 𝑅 in an Argand diagram represent the complex numbers 𝑝, 𝑞
and 𝑟 respectively.
(i) State the kind of quadrilateral that 𝑂𝑃𝑅𝑄 is, where 𝑂 is the origin.
(ii) Find the area of 𝑂𝑃𝑅𝑄. [3]

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2009

The complex numbers z and w are given by −3 + 2𝑖 and 𝑤 = 5 + 4𝑖.

Find

(i) |𝑧|, [1]

(ii) 𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑧), [2]

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 𝑧
(iii) in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are exact.
𝑤
𝑧
Hence represent in an Argand diagram. [3]
𝑤

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2010

1+𝑖
Express 𝑧 = in the form 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖, where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real. [3]
3+4𝑖

Hence or otherwise find |𝑧| in the form 𝑐√𝑑 where 𝑑 is a prime number. [2]

ZIMSEC JUNE 2011

It is given that 𝑧1 = 2 − 4𝑖 and 𝑧2 = 6 − 2𝑖.

a) Find 𝑧1 − 𝑧2 and 𝑧1 𝑧2 in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏. [3]

1
b) if 𝑤 = 𝑧 , obtain the exact values of the modulus and argument of 𝑤. [4]
1

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2011

a) The complex number u is such that (−1 + 3𝑖)𝑢 = 5 − 3𝑖.

Find
(i) the modulus of 𝑢,
(ii) the argument of 𝑢. [4]
b) Given that complex number 𝑤 is 2𝑖.
Find in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏
𝑢
(i) ,
𝑤
(ii) 𝑢𝑤. [4]

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ZIMSEC JUNE 2012

4+3𝑖
The complex number 𝑤 = 3−2𝑖.

a) Express w in the form 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦 where 𝑥 and 𝑦 are real. [2]

b) Find
(i) modulus of 𝑤,
(ii) argument of 𝑤. [5]

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2012

30° 𝑥

|𝑧 1 | = 2

A complex number 𝑧 1 has modulus 2 and is positioned as shown in the Argand diagram
above.

(i) State the principal argument of 𝑧 1 and write 𝑧 1 in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are
exact real numbers. [3]
(ii) Find exactly in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏, the complex number 𝑤, given that
(−8√3)𝑖
𝑤= 𝑧1
. [2]

(iii)Show a sketch of 𝑤 in an Argand diagram, labelling the modulus and argument values
in your diagram. [3]

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ZIMSEC JUNE 2013

Given that 𝑝 = 5 + 𝑖 and 𝑞 = −2 + 3𝑖,

a) (i) show the complex numbers 𝑖𝑝 and 𝑝 + 𝑞 on an argand diagram,

(ii) describe the geometrical transformation which maps 𝑖𝑝 ont 𝑝. [3]
b) Find
(i) the modulus and argument of 𝑝,
(ii) 𝑝𝑞,
𝑝
(iii) . [5]
𝑞

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2013

If 𝑍1 = −1 + 𝑖 and 𝑍2 = −1 − √3𝑖,

Find

(i) the modulus and argument of 𝑍2 . [2]

(ii) (a) 𝑍1 𝑍2 ,
𝑍1
(b) . [4]
𝑍2

ZIMSEC JUNE 2014

Given that 𝑎 = 2 + 𝑖 and 𝑏 = 1 + 3𝑖,

(i) show on a single argand diagram the complex numbers

1. 𝑎𝑏
𝑎
2. . [6]
𝑏
(ii) find the modulus and argument of each case in (i)1 and (i)2. [4]

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ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2014

The complex number z satisfies the equation

13
𝑧 + 2𝑧̅ =
−2 + 3𝑖
Find

(i) z in the form 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦, [3]

1
(ii) the modulus and argument of . [4]
𝑧

ZIMSEC JUNE 2015

𝑤 2 3
The complex number 𝑤 = 3 − 4𝑖 and 𝑢 is such that = + 𝑖
𝑢 13 13

a) Find
(i) 𝑢 in the form 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦
(ii) 1. |𝑢|
2. arg (𝑢). [7]
b) Sketch 𝑢 on an argand diagram showing clearly the |𝑢| and 𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑢). [2]

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2015

Two complex numbers 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦 and 𝑤 = 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 are such that

𝑧 + 𝑖𝑤 = 2 and 𝑖𝑧 + 𝑤 = 2 + 3𝑖.

Find

(i) 1. 𝑧,
2. 𝑤, [4]
(ii) the modulus of 𝑧𝑤, [2]
𝑧
(iii) the argument . [3]
𝑤

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ZIMSEC JUNE 2016
4−1
(i) Express the complex number 𝑤 = 8 + in the form 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦. [4]
1+2𝑖
(ii) Hence, or otherwise, find
1. |𝑤| in the form 𝑎√𝑏.
2. argument of 𝑤. [6]

ZIMSEC JUNE 2017

The complex numbers 𝑧1 and 𝑧2 are such that 𝑧1 = 2 − 3𝑖 and 𝑧2 = 1 + 3𝑖.

a) Find
𝑧1
(i) in the form 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦 [3]
𝑧2
𝑧
(ii) |𝑧 1 | [2]
2
𝑧
(iii)𝑎𝑟𝑔 (𝑧 1 ) [2]
2
𝑧1
b) Hence represent on a clearly labelled Argand diagram. [2]
𝑧2

ZIMSEC NOVEMEBR 2017

Given the complex numbers 𝑤 = 1 + 2𝑖 and 𝑢 = 3 − 1, find

a) in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏, where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real numbers

(i) 𝑢 + 𝑤 [1]
(ii) 𝑢𝑤 [1]
b) the argument of 𝑢𝑤. [2]

ZIMSEC JUNE 2018

The complex number 𝑤 = −2 + (2√3)𝑖

Find

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 a) |𝑤| the modulus of 𝑤, [1]
b) the argument of the conjugate of 𝑤, [2]
𝑤+1
c) in the form 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦. [3]
𝑤

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2019

3+𝑖
A complex number is give by 𝑢 = 2−𝑖.

(a) Express 𝑢 in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real numbers. [2]
(b) Find the modulus and argument of 𝑢. [2]
(c) Show the complex number 𝑢 on an Argand diagram. [1]

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 ZIMSEC PAST EXAMINATION QUESTIONS PAPER 2

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2019

a) The equation 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 6 = 0 has a root 1 − 𝑖.

Find the other three roots. [6]
𝜋 𝜋
b) The complex number 𝒛 satisfies the inequalities 2 < |𝐳| < 3 and < arg 𝐳 < .
6 3
Sketch and shade on an Argand diagram the region represented by the
inequalities. [4]
c) Solve the equation 𝑧 4 − 8√3 + 8𝑖 = 0 giving your answers in the form
𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏, correct to 2 decimal places. [6]

ZIMSEC JUNE 2019

a) On a single diagram shade the region defined by the inequalities

𝜋 𝜋
≤ 𝑎𝑟𝑔(𝑧 − 4) ≤ and |z − 4| ≤ 4. [𝟑]
6 6
b) Solve the equation 𝑧 3 = −5 + 12𝑖. [6]
c) Use DeMoivre’s theorem to show that

𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑠𝑖𝑛5𝜃 = 16𝑠𝑖𝑛6 𝜃 − 20𝑠𝑖𝑛4 𝜃 + 5𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃. [7]

ZIMSEC JUNE 2018

a) It is given that (𝑥 + 2√2) and (𝑥 − 2√2) are factor of the polynomial

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 − 6𝑥 3 + 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 − 104
(i) Find the value of 𝑎 and 𝑏. [5]
(ii) Hence, or otherwise, find the roots of the equation 𝑓(𝑥) = 0. [5]
1 4
b) Find the real part of (2 + 2) , giving your answer in exact form. [6]

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ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2017
4
d) Find the value of (2 + 2√3𝑖) using the De Moivre’s Theorem. [4]
𝑠𝑖𝑛6𝜃
e) Express in terms of 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃. [6]
4𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃

ZIMSEC JUNE 2017

a) Given that the complex numbers 𝑊1 = 1 + 𝑖𝑥 and 𝑊2 = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦, where 𝑥 and 𝑦 are
numbers, satisfy the equation 𝑊1 − 𝑊2 = 3𝑖,
find the value of 𝑥 and the value of 𝑦. [4]
b) Indicate by shading on a single Argand diagram the region in which both of the
following inequalities are satisfied:
𝜋 𝜋
≤ arg 𝑧 ≤
4 2
|𝑧 − 3𝑖| ≤ 3
[3]
c) Use De-Moivres theorem to
1 1 12
(i) find the value of (𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜋 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 4 𝜋) , [2]

4𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃−4𝑡𝑎𝑛3 𝜃
(ii) Show that tan4θ = . [2]
1−6𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃+𝑡𝑎𝑛4 𝜃

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2016

a) Express in the form 𝑟(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃), the roots of the equation 𝑧 7 − 8 − 8𝑖 = 0. [9]
𝜋
b) show 𝐴𝑟𝑔(𝑧 + 1) = in an argand diagram. [2]
3

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2015

(a) Is 𝑧1 = 3 + 𝑖, 𝑧2 = −3 − 4𝑖 and 𝑧3 = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦, sketch the locus of points

𝑧1 = 3 + 𝑃(𝑥; 𝑦) on the Argand diagram for which |𝑧 − 𝑧1 | = |𝑧2 |. [3]
(b) Hence, from (a) write down the number 𝑧 corresponding to the point on the locus for
which

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 (i) the imaginary part is 𝑖,
𝜋
(ii) arg(𝑧 − 𝑧1 ) = 2 . [3]
𝜋𝑖
(c) Given that 𝑧 = 3𝑒 − 2 + 4,
find
(i) |𝑧|,
(ii) arg (𝑧).
[3]

ZIMSEC JUNE 2015

5+𝑖
a) Given that = , find the fifth roots of 𝑧 in the form 𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝜃 . [8]
2+3𝑖
b) Given that 1 + 𝑖 is a root of the equation 𝑧 3 + 𝑝𝑧 2 + 𝑞𝑧 + 6 = 0 where 𝑝 and 𝑞 are
constants,
find
1. the other two roots.
2. the values of 𝑝 and 𝑞. [6]

ZIMSEC JUNE 2013

(a) Using the substitution 𝑤 = 𝑧 4 , solve the equation 𝑧 8 − 𝑧 4 − 6 = 0 where 𝑧 is a

complex number. [10]
𝑧+2
(b) The real part of the complex number is zero. Show that the locus of the point
𝑧−2
representing 𝑧 in the Argand diagram plane is a circle centre (0,0) and radius 2. [4]
(c) Sketch in an argand diagram the set of points representing all complex numbers 𝑧
𝜋 𝜋
satsfying both the inequalities |𝑧 − 3 − 𝑖| ≤ 4 and ≤ arg(𝑧 − 4 − 2𝑖) ≤ . [3]
3 2

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2012

(1+i)4
(a) Simplify , giving your answer in the form 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖. [4]
(2−2i)3

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 𝑐𝑜𝑠3𝜃+𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛3𝜃
(b) (i) Simplify , [2]
𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃−𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜃
(ii) Use De Moivre’s theorem to express 𝑠𝑖𝑛5𝜃 in terms of 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃. [6]
(c) (i) Sketch an argand diagram of the locus of 𝑧 where |𝑧 − 1 − 𝑖| = |𝑧 + 2 + 3𝑖|
(ii) Hence or otherwise state the Cartesian equation of the locus. [5]

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2011

3 4i 20 3 4i 20
(a) Express in exponential form ( + ) −( − ) . [5]
5 5 5 5

4𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃−4𝑡𝑎𝑛3 𝜃
(b) (i) Prove that 𝑡𝑎𝑛4𝜃 = based on DeMoivre’s theorem.
1−6𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃+𝑡𝑎𝑛4 𝜃
(ii) Hence find the first four exact values of θ for which
𝑡𝑎𝑛4 𝜃 − 4𝑡𝑎𝑛3 𝜃 − 6𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃 − 4𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 + 1 = 0. [10]

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2009

1
Given that 𝑧 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃. Show that 𝑧 − = 2𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃. [3]
𝑧

Hence express 𝑠𝑖𝑛4 𝜃 in terms of 𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃 and 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃 using De Moivre’s theorem. [4]

a) Express 4(√3 − 𝑖) in the form 𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝜃 where 𝑟 > 0 and −𝜋 < 𝜃 < 𝜋. [3]
b) Given that 𝑥1 = 1 + 2𝑖 is a root of the equation 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 + 20𝑥 − 75 = 0,
find the other three roots. [5]

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2008

(1+𝑖)5
a) Find the modulus and argument of for −𝜋 < 𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑧 < 𝜋. [4]
(1−𝑖)7

b) Sketch in an Argand diagram the set of points representing all complex numbers 𝑧
satisfying both of the inequalities.
|𝑧 − 2𝑖| < 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 |𝑧 − 2𝑖| ≤ |𝑧| [3]
c) Use DeMoivre’s theorem to express 𝑠𝑖𝑛5𝜃 in terms of 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃. [5]

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ZIMSEC JUNE 2007

a) Illustrate on an Argand diagram the set of points representing the complex number 𝑧
satisfying both
3𝜋
|𝑧 − 1 − 2𝑖| ≤ 3 and arg(𝑧 − 2 − 𝑖) = . [3]
4
5𝜋 5𝜋 2𝜋 2𝜋
b) Given that 𝑧 = 2 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 6 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 6 ) and 𝑤 = √3 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛 3 ), find the

modulus and argument of

(i) 𝑧𝑤, [2]
𝑧
(ii) . [2]
𝑤

c) Given that 𝑧 = 1 + 𝑖√3, prove that 𝑧11 = 210 (1 − 𝑖√3). [3]

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2006

a) The equation 3𝑧 3 − 10𝑧 2 + 20𝑧 − 16 = 0 has 1 − √3𝑖 as one of its roots.

(i) Find the other two roots. [5]
(ii) Sketch these roots in an Argand diagram. [2]
b) Express 3√3 − 3𝑖 in the form 𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝜃 . [3]
Hence find the 4th root of 3√3 − 3𝑖, giving your answers correct to 2
decimal places. [5]

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2005

a) By using the substitution 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦, show that the Cartesian equation of the circle
representing the complex number 𝑧, where
|𝑧 + 1| = 2|𝑧 − 1|, can be expressed in the form 𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐵𝑥 + 𝐶𝑦 2 + 𝐷 = 0, where
𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶 and 𝐷 are integers. [3]
Sketch this circle on an Argand diagram. [3]
b) Using De Moivre’s theorem to express 𝑐𝑜𝑠6𝜃 in terms of powers of 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃. [6]
c) Solve the equation 𝑧 4 + 8 + 𝑖8√3 = 0 giving your answers in the form
𝑟(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃). [8]

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ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2004
𝜋
A complex number 𝑍 has modulus 8 and argument . Another complex number 𝑊 has
4
1 𝜋
modulus and argument .
2 8

a) Write each of the complex numbers in the form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏.

(i) 𝑍𝑊 4 , [6]
𝑍2
(ii) . [6]
𝑊2
b) Find the smallest value 𝑛 such that |𝑊 𝑛 | < 0.01. [3]

ZIMSEC JUNE 2004

a) Use De Moivre’s theorem to express 𝑠𝑖𝑛5𝜃 in terms of powers of 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃. [5]

b) Given that 𝑍 4 = 8 − 𝑖8√3, find all possible values of 𝑍 giving your answers in the
form 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 with 𝑎 and 𝑏 correct to 2 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑠. [7]
c) Sketch on an Argand diagram the locus of 𝑍, where
|𝑍 + 4| = |𝑍 − 4𝑖|
[2]
Hence or otherwise state the Cartesian equation of the locus. [1]

ZIMSEC NOVEMBER 2003

a) Sketch the following locus on an Argand diagram

𝑧−1 𝜋
𝐴𝑟𝑔 ( )=
𝑧 − 4𝑖 3
[4]
b) Express 𝑐𝑜𝑠 5 𝜃 in terms of cosines of multiple angles. [7]
c) Show that 2 + 3𝑖 is a root of the equation 𝑧 3 − 3𝑧 2 + 9𝑧 + 13 = 0.
Hence find the other two roots. [6]

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ASANTE SANA

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*******THERE IS A LIGHT AT THE END OF EVERY TUNNEL *******

CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS ON THE FORM

OF THE PRESENTATION, INCLUDING ANY
OMISSIONS OR ERRORS, ARE WELCOME.

***ENJOY***

Nyasha P. Tarakino (Trockers)

+263772978155/+263717267175

[email protected]

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