Unit - Lesson 1 : Complex Algebra and Phasors

Title of the Lesson : Argand Diagram

Addition and Subtraction
Multiplication
Division
Rectangular and Polar Form
Duration : 6 hrs (Weeks 1-2)

Introduction:

Complex numbers are used in many scientific fields, including engineering,

electromagnetism, quantum physics and applied mathematics. Any physical motion
which is periodic, such as an oscillating beam, string, wire, pendulum, electronic
signal or electromagnetic wave can be represented by a complex number function.
This can make calculations with the various components simpler than with real
numbers and sines and cosines. In electrical engineering, the Fourier transform is
used to analyze varying voltages and currents. Complex numbers are used in signal
analysis and other fields for a convenient description for periodically varying signals.
This use is also extended into digital signal processing and digital image processing,
which utilize digital versions of Fourier analysis (and wavelet analysis) to transmit,
compress, restore and otherwise process digital audio signals, still images and video
signals. Knowledge of complex numbers is clearly absolutely essential for further
studies in so many engineering disciplines and is used extensively in many of the
succeeding chapters.

Objectives/Competencies: At the end of this chapter you should be able to

• define a complex
• understand the Argand diagram
• perform calculations on addition, subtraction, multiplication and division in
Cartesian and polar forms
• perform rectangular to polar form conversion

Pretest: This pretest is intended to measure what you already know about complex
algebra from your previous studies and personal readings/learnings. Answer
honestly for your own growth and development. Encircle the letter of the correct
answer.
1. Real number, in mathematics,
a. a quantity that can be expressed as an infinite decimal expansion
b. include the positive and negative integers and fractions (or rational numbers)
and also the irrational numbers.
c. include the positive and negative integers and fractions (or rational numbers)
and also the irrational numbers.
d. all of these
2. Complex number is defined
a. a number that can be expressed in the form a + jb where b real number
b. a number that can be expressed in the form a + jb where a is zero
c. a number that can be expressed in the form a + jb where a and b are not zero
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 d. all of these
3. Are these all complex numbers: 1 + j, 2 − j6, − j5.2
a. yes
b. no
c. depends
d. both a and b
4. Which is correct
a. a complex conjugate is formed by changing the sign between two terms in
a complex number
b. either one pair of complex numbers whose real parts are identical and whose
imaginary parts differ only in sign
c. for example, 6 + j4 and 6 - j4 are complex conjugates
d. all of these
5. Imaginary part jb is located at
a. 00
b. 900
c. 2700
d. none of these
6. Imaginary part -jb is located at
a. 00
b. 900
c. 2700
d. none of these
7. j operator is used instead of imaginary i because in in electrical engineering i
means
a. current
b. voltage
c. power
d. resistor
8. The product of two positive imaginary part jb is
a. –b
b. b
c. b2
d. none of these
9. The product of two negative imaginary part jb is
a. –b
b. b
c. b2
d. none of these
10. Real part of a complex number is located at
a. 00
b. 900
c. 1800
d. 2700
Lesson Proper:

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 A complex number is of the form (a+jb) where a is a real number and jb is an
imaginary number. Hence (1+j2) and (5−j7) are examples of complex numbers.
By definition, j =√−1 and j 2 =−1. Complex numbers are widely used in the analysis of
series, parallel and series–parallel electrical networks. A complex number can be
represented pictorially on an Argand∗ diagram. In Figure 1.1, the line 0A represents
the complex number (2 + j3), 0B represents (3−j), 0C represents (−2 + j2) and 0D
represents (−4−j3). A complex number of the form a+ jb is called a Cartesian or
rectangular complex number (Cartesian being named after Descartes∗). The
significance of the j operator is shown in Figure 1.2. In Figure1.2(a) the number 4
(i.e. 4+j0) is shown drawn as a phasor horizontally to the right of the origin on the
real axis.(Such a phasor could represent, for example, an alternating current,
i=4sinωt amperes, when time t is zero.) The number j4 (i.e. 0 + j 4) is shown in
Figure 1.2(b) drawn vertically upwards from the origin on the imaginary axis. Hence
multiplying the number 4 by the operator j results in an anticlockwise phase-shift of
90◦ without altering its magnitude. Multiplying j4 by j gives j24, i.e. −4, and is shown
in Figure 1.2(c) as a phasor four units long on the horizontal real axis to the left of
the origin –an anticlockwise phase-shift of 90◦ compared with the position

Jean-Robert Argand (July 18 1768– August 13 1822) *René Descartes (March 31,1596– February 11,1650)
was a highly influential mathematician who published was a French philosopher, mathematician and writer.
the first complete proof of the fundamental theorem of He developed the coordinate system we commonly
th
algebra Argand is famed for his geometrical interpre- use which called Cartesian system in the 17 century.
tation of the complex numbers where ii is interpreted
as a rotation through 90°.

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 Figure 1.1 The Argand diagram
shown in Figure 1.2(b). Thus multiplying by j2 reverses the original direction of a
phasor. Multiplying j24 by j gives j34, i.e. −j4, and is shown in Figure 1.2(d) as a
phasor four units long on the vertical, imaginary axis downward from the origin –an
◦
anticlockwise phase-shift of 90 compared with the position shown in Figure 1.2(c).
Multiplying j34 by j gives j44, i.e. 4, which is the original position of the phasor shown
in Figure 1.2(a). Summarizing, application of the operator j to any number rotates it
◦ ◦
90 anticlockwise on the Argand diagram, multiplying a number by j 2 rotates it 180
◦
anticlockwise, multiplying a number by j3 rotates it 270 anticlockwise and
4 ◦
multiplication by j rotates it 360 anticlockwise, i.e. back to its original position. In
each case the phasor is unchanged in its magnitude. By similar reasoning, if a
phasor is operated on by –j then a phase shift of −90◦ (i.e. clockwise direction)
occurs, again without change of magnitude. In electrical circuits, 90◦ phase shifts
occur between voltage and current with pure capacitors and inductors; this is the key
to why j notation is used so much in the analysis of electrical networks.

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 Figure 1.1 (b)

Operations involving Cartesian Complex Numbers

A. Addition and Subtraction
(a + jb) + (c+ jd) = (a +c) + j (b+d), and
(a + jb) − (c+ jd) = (a −c) + j (b−d)
Thus, (3+ j2) + (2− j4) = 3+ j2 + 2− j4 = 5 − j2, and
(3+ j2) − (2− j4) = 3+ j2 − 2+ j4 = 1 + j6
B. Multiplication: We know how to multiply two polynomials and so we also know
how to multiply two complex numbers. All we need to do is “foil” the two complex
numbers to get,
(a + j b)(c + jd) = ac + a(jd) + (j b)c + (j b)(jd)
= ac + jad + jbc + j 2bd
2
But j =−1, thus
(a + j b)(c + jd) = (ac − bd) + j (ad + bc)
For example,
(3 + j2)(2− j4) = 6 − j12+ j4 − j28
= (6 − (−1)8) + j (−12 + 4)
= 14 + j (−8) = 14 − j8

C. Complex conjugate: The complex conjugate of (a +jb) is (a −jb).

For example, the conjugate of (3−j2) is (3+j2)

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 The product of a complex number and its complex conjugate is always a real
number, and this is an important property used when dividing complex numbers.
Thus;
(a + jb)(a − jb) = a2 − jab+ jab − j2b2
= a2 − (−b2)
= a2 + b2 (i.e. a real number)
For example, (1 + j2) (1 − j2) = 12 + 22 = 5
and (3 − j4)(3 + j4) = 32 + 42 = 25

D. Division
The expression of one complex number divided by another, in the form a +jb, is
accomplished by multiplying the numerator and denominator by the complex
conjugate of the denominator. This has the effect of making the denominator a
real number. Hence, for example,

2 + j4 2 + j4 3 + j4
= X
3 − j4 3 − j4 3 + j4

6 + j8 + j12+j2 16 6 + j8 + j12−16
= =
32 +4 2 25
−10+j20 −10 j20
= = +
25 25 25

= -0.4 + j 0.8 (rectangular form) or 0.894 ∠-11.310 (polar form)

B
Note:√A2 + B 2 arctan where A = -0.4 and B = 0.8
A

Posttest: Perform the indicated operation and write your answer in rectangular and
polar form.

1. (−4 + j7)+(5 − j10)__________________________________________

2. (4 + j12)−(3− j15) __________________________________________
3. j5−(−9 + j) __________________________________________
4. (4−j5) (12+j11) __________________________________________
5. (2 + j7) (8 + j3) __________________________________________
6. (1 - j5) (−9 + j2) __________________________________________
7. (4 + j) (2 + j3) __________________________________________

7−j
8 . __________________________________________
2+j10

1+j5
9. __________________________________________
−j3

6+j7
10. __________________________________________
8−j

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Summary:

Complex numbers are expressions of the form a + jb, where a and b are real
numbers, and j is a new symbol, and jb is an imaginary number. Multiplication of
complex numbers will eventually be defined so that j2 = −1. In electrical engineering,
sometimes it is to consider writing j instead of i, because i is reserve for current.
Raising the question is 7 a real number or a complex number? Possible answers: 1.
real number 2. complex number 3. both 4. neither The answer is both because 7 can
be identified with 7 + j0.

References:
Kreyszig, Erwin, Advance Engineering Mathematics (8th ed.).
Advanced Engineering Mathematics in plain view