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Complex numbers

i² = −1, arithmetic in the complex plane, modulus and conjugates.

Allowing one new number, i with i² = −1, makes every polynomial equation solvable. Complex numbers add like vectors and multiply by multiplying lengths and adding angles; the modulus |a + bi| = √(a² + b²) is the distance from 0. The solver evaluates the arithmetic exactly and the quadratic pages show where complex roots come from.

Expressing Square Roots of Negative Numbers as Multiples of

We know how to find the square root of any positive real number. In a similar way, we can find the square root of a negative number. The difference is that the root is not real. If the value in the radicand is negative, the root is said to be an imaginary number. The imaginary number \(i\) is defined as the square root of negative 1.

\[\sqrt{-1}=i\]

So, using properties of radicals,

\[{i}^{2}={(\sqrt{-1})}^{2}=-1\]

We can write the square root of any negative number as a multiple of \(i.\) Consider the square root of –25.

\[\begin{array}{l}\begin{array}{l} \\ \sqrt{-25}=\sqrt{25⋅(-1)}\end{array} \\ =\sqrt{25}\sqrt{-1} \\ =5i\end{array}\]

We use \(5i\) and not \(-\text{5}i\) because the principal root of \(25\) is the positive root.

A complex number is the sum of a real number and an imaginary number. A complex number is expressed in standard form when written \(a+bi\) where \(a\) is the real part and \(bi\) is the imaginary part. For example, \(5+2i\) is a complex number. So, too, is \(3+4\sqrt{3}i.\)

Imaginary numbers are distinguished from real numbers because a squared imaginary number produces a negative real number. Recall, when a positive real number is squared, the result is a positive real number and when a negative real number is squared, again, the result is a positive real number. Complex numbers are a combination of real and imaginary numbers.

Example

Try it.

Express \(\sqrt{-9}\) in standard form.

Solution

\[\sqrt{-9}=\sqrt{9}\sqrt{-1}=3i\]

In standard form, this is \(0+3i.\)

Plotting a Complex Number on the Complex Plane

We cannot plot complex numbers on a number line as we might real numbers. However, we can still represent them graphically. To represent a complex number we need to address the two components of the number. We use the complex plane, which is a coordinate system in which the horizontal axis represents the real component and the vertical axis represents the imaginary component. Complex numbers are the points on the plane, expressed as ordered pairs \((a,b),\) where \(a\) represents the coordinate for the horizontal axis and \(b\) represents the coordinate for the vertical axis.

Let’s consider the number \(-2+3i.\) The real part of the complex number is \(-2\) and the imaginary part is \(3i.\) We plot the ordered pair \((-2,3)\) to represent the complex number \(-2+3i\) as shown in .

Example

Try it.

Plot the complex number \(3-4i\) on the complex plane.

Solution

The real part of the complex number is \(3,\) and the imaginary part is \(-4i.\) We plot the ordered pair \((3,-4)\)

Adding and Subtracting Complex Numbers

Just as with real numbers, we can perform arithmetic operations on complex numbers. To add or subtract complex numbers, we combine the real parts and combine the imaginary parts.

Example

Try it.

Add \(3-4i\) and \(2+5i.\)

Solution

We add the real parts and add the imaginary parts.

\[\begin{array}{l}(a+bi)+(c+di)=(a+c)+(b+d)i \\ (3-4i)+(2+5i)=(3+2)+(-4+5)i \\ =5+i\end{array}\]

Multiplying Complex Numbers

Multiplying complex numbers is much like multiplying binomials. The major difference is that we work with the real and imaginary parts separately.

Let’s begin by multiplying a complex number by a real number. We distribute the real number just as we would with a binomial. So, for example,

Example

Try it.

Find the product \(4(2+5i).\)

Solution

Distribute the 4.

\[\begin{array}{l}4(2+5i)=(4⋅2)+(4⋅5i) \\ =8+20i\end{array}\]

Now, let’s multiply two complex numbers. We can use either the distributive property or the FOIL method. Recall that FOIL is an acronym for multiplying First, Outer, Inner, and Last terms together. Using either the distributive property or the FOIL method, we get

\[(a+bi)(c+di)=ac+adi+bci+bd{i}^{2}\]

Because \({i}^{2}=-1,\) we have

\[(a+bi)(c+di)=ac+adi+bci-bd\]

To simplify, we combine the real parts, and we combine the imaginary parts.

\[(a+bi)(c+di)=(ac-bd)+(ad+bc)i\]

Example

Try it.

Multiply \((4+3i)(2-5i).\)

Solution

Use \((a+bi)(c+di)=(ac-bd)+(ad+bc)i\)

\[\begin{array}{l}(4+3i)(2-5i)=(4⋅2-3⋅(-5))+(4⋅(-5)+3⋅2)i \\ =(8+15)+(-20+6)i \\ =23-14i\end{array}\]

Dividing Complex Numbers

Division of two complex numbers is more complicated than addition, subtraction, and multiplication because we cannot divide by an imaginary number, meaning that any fraction must have a real-number denominator. We need to find a term by which we can multiply the numerator and the denominator that will eliminate the imaginary portion of the denominator so that we end up with a real number as the denominator. This term is called the complex conjugate of the denominator, which is found by changing the sign of the imaginary part of the complex number. In other words, the complex conjugate of \(a+bi\) is \(a-bi.\)

Note that complex conjugates have a reciprocal relationship: The complex conjugate of \(a+bi\) is \(a-bi,\) and the complex conjugate of \(a-bi\) is \(a+bi.\) Further, when a quadratic equation with real coefficients has complex solutions, the solutions are always complex conjugates of one another.

Suppose we want to divide \(c+di\) by \(a+bi,\) where neither \(a\) nor \(b\) equals zero. We first write the division as a fraction, then find the complex conjugate of the denominator, and multiply.

\[\frac{c+di}{a+bi}\text{ where}\ a\ne 0\text{ and}\ b\ne 0\]

Multiply the numerator and denominator by the complex conjugate of the denominator.

\[\frac{(c+di)}{(a+bi)}⋅\frac{(a-bi)}{(a-bi)}=\frac{(c+di)(a-bi)}{(a+bi)(a-bi)}\]

Apply the distributive property.

\[=\frac{ca-cbi+adi-bd{i}^{2}}{{a}^{2}-abi+abi-{b}^{2}{i}^{2}}\]

Simplify, remembering that \({i}^{2}=-1.\)

\[\begin{array}{l}=\frac{ca-cbi+adi-bd(-1)}{{a}^{2}-abi+abi-{b}^{2}(-1)} \\ =\frac{(ca+bd)+(ad-cb)i}{{a}^{2}+{b}^{2}}\end{array}\]

Example

Try it.

Find the complex conjugate of each number.

ⓐ \(2+i\sqrt{5}\)
ⓑ \(-\frac{1}{2}i\)

Solution

ⓐ The number is already in the form \(a+bi.\) The complex conjugate is \(a-bi,\) or \(2-i\sqrt{5}.\)
ⓑ We can rewrite this number in the form \(a+bi\) as \(0-\frac{1}{2}i.\) The complex conjugate is \(a-bi,\) or \(0+\frac{1}{2}i.\) This can be written simply as \(\frac{1}{2}i.\)

Condensed: the full section is in OpenStax Precalculus 2e.

Simplifying Powers of

The powers of \(i\) are cyclic. Let’s look at what happens when we raise \(i\) to increasing powers.

\[\begin{array}{l}{i}^{1}=i \\ {i}^{2}=-1 \\ {i}^{3}={i}^{2}⋅i=-1⋅i=-i \\ {i}^{4}={i}^{3}⋅i=-i⋅i=-{i}^{2}=-(-1)=1 \\ {i}^{5}={i}^{4}⋅i=1⋅i=i\end{array}\]

We can see that when we get to the fifth power of \(i,\) it is equal to the first power. As we continue to multiply \(i\) by itself for increasing powers, we will see a cycle of 4. Let’s examine the next 4 powers of \(i.\)

\[\begin{array}{l}{i}^{6}={i}^{5}⋅i=i⋅i={i}^{2}=-1 \\ {i}^{7}={i}^{6}⋅i={i}^{2}⋅i={i}^{3}=-i \\ {i}^{8}={i}^{7}⋅i={i}^{3}⋅i={i}^{4}=1 \\ {i}^{9}={i}^{8}⋅i={i}^{4}⋅i={i}^{5}=i\end{array}\]

Example

Try it.

Evaluate \({i}^{35}.\)

Solution

Since \({i}^{4}=1,\) we can simplify the problem by factoring out as many factors of \({i}^{4}\) as possible. To do so, first determine how many times 4 goes into 35: \(35=4⋅8+3.\)

\[{i}^{35}={i}^{4⋅8+3}={i}^{4⋅8}⋅{i}^{3}={({i}^{4})}^{8}⋅{i}^{3}={1}^{8}⋅{i}^{3}={i}^{3}=-i\]

The square root of any negative number can be written as a multiple of \(i.\)
To plot a complex number, we use two number lines, crossed to form the complex plane. The horizontal axis is the real axis, and the vertical axis is the imaginary axis.
Complex numbers can be added and subtracted by combining the real parts and combining the imaginary parts.
Complex numbers can be multiplied and divided.
To multiply complex numbers, distribute just as with polynomials.
To divide complex numbers, multiply both the numerator and denominator by the complex conjugate of the denominator to eliminate the complex number from the denominator.
The powers of \(i\) are cyclic, repeating every fourth one.

Complex Numbers

Try it.

Explain how to add complex numbers.

Solution

Add the real parts together and the imaginary parts together.

Try it.

What is the basic principle in multiplication of complex numbers?

Try it.

Give an example to show the product of two imaginary numbers is not always imaginary.

Solution

\(i\) times \(i\) equals –1, which is not imaginary. (answers vary)

Try it.

What is a characteristic of the plot of a real number in the complex plane?

For the following exercises, evaluate the algebraic expressions.

Try it.

\(\text{If}\ f(x)={x}^{2}+x-4,\) evaluate \(f(2i).\)

Solution

\(-8+2i\)

Try it.

\(\text{If}\ f(x)={x}^{3}-2,\) evaluate \(f(i).\)

Try it.

\(\text{If}\ f(x)={x}^{2}+3x+5,\) evaluate \(f(2+i).\)

Solution

\(14+7i\)

Try it.

\(\text{If}\ f(x)=2{x}^{2}+x-3,\) evaluate \(f(2-3i).\)

Try it.

\(\text{If}\ f(x)=\frac{x+1}{2-x},\) evaluate \(f(5i).\)

Solution

\(-\frac{23}{29}+\frac{15}{29}i\)

Try it.

\(\text{If}\ f(x)=\frac{1+2x}{x+3},\) evaluate \(f(4i).\)

For the following exercises, determine the number of real and nonreal solutions for each quadratic function shown.

For the following exercises, plot the complex numbers on the complex plane.

For the following exercises, perform the indicated operation and express the result as a simplified complex number.

Try it.

\((3+2i)+(5-3i)\)

Solution

\(8-i\)

Try it.

\((-2-4i)+(1+6i)\)

Try it.

\((-5+3i)-(6-i)\)

Solution

\(-11+4i\)

Try it.

\((2-3i)-(3+2i)\)

Try it.

\((-4+4i)-(-6+9i)\)

Solution

\(2-5i\)

Try it.

\((2+3i)(4i)\)

Try it.

\((5-2i)(3i)\)

Solution

\(6+15i\)

Try it.

\((6-2i)(5)\)

Try it.

\((-2+4i)(8)\)

Solution

\(-16+32i\)

Try it.

\((2+3i)(4-i)\)

Try it.

\((-1+2i)(-2+3i)\)

Solution

\(-4-7i\)

Try it.

\((4-2i)(4+2i)\)

Try it.

\((3+4i)(3-4i)\)

Solution

Try it.

\(\frac{3+4i}{2}\)

Try it.

\(\frac{6-2i}{3}\)

Solution

\(2-\frac{2}{3}i\)

Try it.

\(\frac{-5+3i}{2i}\)

Try it.

\(\frac{6+4i}{i}\)

Solution

\(4-6i\)

Try it.

\(\frac{2-3i}{4+3i}\)

Try it.

\(\frac{3+4i}{2-i}\)

Solution

\(\frac{2}{5}+\frac{11}{5}i\)

Try it.

\(\frac{2+3i}{2-3i}\)

Try it.

\(\sqrt{-9}+3\sqrt{-16}\)

Solution

\(15i\)

Try it.

\(-\sqrt{-4}-4\sqrt{-25}\)

Try it.

\(\frac{2+\sqrt{-12}}{2}\)

Solution

\(1+i\sqrt{3}\)

Try it.

\(\frac{4+\sqrt{-20}}{2}\)

Try it.

\({i}^{8}\)

Solution

\(1\)

Try it.

\({i}^{15}\)

Try it.

\({i}^{22}\)

Solution

\(-1\)

For the following exercises, evaluate the expressions, writing the result as a simplified complex number.

Try it.

\(\frac{1}{i}+\frac{4}{{i}^{3}}\)

Solution

\(3i\)

Try it.

\(\frac{1}{{i}^{11}}-\frac{1}{{i}^{21}}\)

Try it.

\({i}^{7}(1+{i}^{2})\)

Solution

Try it.

\({i}^{-3}+5{i}^{7}\)

Try it.

\(\frac{(2+i)(4-2i)}{(1+i)}\)

Solution

5, 5i

Try it.

\(\frac{(1+3i)(2-4i)}{(1+2i)}\)

Try it.

\(\frac{{(3+i)}^{2}}{{(1+2i)}^{2}}\)

Solution

\(-2i\)

Try it.

\(\frac{3+2i}{2+i}+(4+3i)\)

Try it.

\(\frac{4+i}{i}+\frac{3-4i}{1-i}\)

Solution

\(\frac{9}{2}-\frac{9}{2}i\)

Try it.

\(\frac{3+2i}{1+2i}-\frac{2-3i}{3+i}\)

Condensed: the full section is in OpenStax Precalculus 2e.

דוגמה עובדת · (1 + 2i)*(3 - i)

Precalculus · Complex-Numbers

Evaluate (1 + 2i)*(3 - i)

\left(1 + 2 i\right) \left(3 - i\right)

צעד אחר צעד

\left(1 + 2 i\right) \left(3 - i\right) = 5 + 5 i
Evaluate.

גלה את התשובה

5 + 5 i

עכשיו אתה בחר בעיה, או הקלד או צייר בעצמך. כל צעד, תמונה, התשובה חבויה עד שתשאל.

תרגול (40)

נסה תחילה כל אחד על הנייר. גלה את התשובה לסימון; ניתן לפתוח את אלה המאומתים בפתרון לכל צעד.

Express \(\sqrt{-9}\) in standard form.

גלה את התשובה

\[\sqrt{-9}=\sqrt{9}\sqrt{-1}=3i\]
In standard form, this is \(0+3i.\)
Express \(\sqrt{-24}\) in standard form.

גלה את התשובה

\(\sqrt{-24}=0+2i\sqrt{6}\)
Plot the complex number \(3-4i\) on the complex plane.

גלה את התשובה

The real part of the complex number is \(3,\) and the imaginary part is \(-4i.\) We plot the ordered pair \((3,-4)\)
Plot the complex number \(-4-i\) on the complex plane.
Add \(3-4i\) and \(2+5i.\)

גלה את התשובה

We add the real parts and add the imaginary parts.
\[\begin{array}{l}(a+bi)+(c+di)=(a+c)+(b+d)i \\ (3-4i)+(2+5i)=(3+2)+(-4+5)i \\ =5+i\end{array}\]
Subtract \(2+5i\) from \(3-4i.\)

גלה את התשובה

\((3-4i)-(2+5i)=1-9i\)
Find the product \(4(2+5i).\)

גלה את התשובה

Distribute the 4.
\[\begin{array}{l}4(2+5i)=(4⋅2)+(4⋅5i) \\ =8+20i\end{array}\]
Find the product \(-4(2+6i).\)

גלה את התשובה

\(-8-24i\)
Multiply \((4+3i)(2-5i).\)

גלה את התשובה

Use \((a+bi)(c+di)=(ac-bd)+(ad+bc)i\)
\[\begin{array}{l}(4+3i)(2-5i)=(4⋅2-3⋅(-5))+(4⋅(-5)+3⋅2)i \\ =(8+15)+(-20+6)i \\ =23-14i\end{array}\]
Multiply \((3-4i)(2+3i).\)

גלה את התשובה

\(18+i\)
Find the complex conjugate of each number.
1. ⓐ \(2+i\sqrt{5}\)
2. ⓑ \(-\frac{1}{2}i\)
גלה את התשובה
1. ⓐ The number is already in the form \(a+bi.\) The complex conjugate is \(a-bi,\) or \(2-i\sqrt{5}.\)
2. ⓑ We can rewrite this number in the form \(a+bi\) as \(0-\frac{1}{2}i.\) The complex conjugate is \(a-bi,\) or \(0+\frac{1}{2}i.\) This can be written simply as \(\frac{1}{2}i.\)
Divide \((2+5i)\) by \((4-i).\)

גלה את התשובה

We begin by writing the problem as a fraction.
\[\frac{(2+5i)}{(4-i)}\]
Then we multiply the numerator and denominator by the complex conjugate of the denominator.
\[\frac{(2+5i)}{(4-i)}⋅\frac{(4+i)}{(4+i)}\]
To multiply two complex numbers, we expand the product as we would with polynomials (the process commonly called FOIL).
\[\begin{array}{ll}\frac{(2+5i)}{(4-i)}⋅\frac{(4+i)}{(4+i)}=\frac{8+2i+20i+5{i}^{2}}{16+4i-4i-{i}^{2}} & \\ =\frac{8+2i+20i+5(-1)}{16+4i-4i-(-1)} & \text{Because}\ {i}^{2}=-1 \\ =\frac{3+22i}{17} & \\ =\frac{3}{17}+\frac{22}{17}i & \text{Separate real and imaginary parts}.\end{array}\]
Note that this expresses the quotient in standard form.
Let \(f(x)={x}^{2}-5x+2.\) Evaluate \(f(3+i).\)

גלה את התשובה

Substitute \(x=3+i\) into the function \(f(x)={x}^{2}-5x+2\) and simplify.
Let \(f(x)=2{x}^{2}-3x.\) Evaluate \(f(8-i).\)

גלה את התשובה

\(102-29i\)
Let \(f(x)=\frac{2+x}{x+3}.\) Evaluate \(f(10i).\)

גלה את התשובה

Substitute \(x=10i\) and simplify.
\[\begin{array}{ll}\frac{2+10i}{10i+3} & \text{Substitute}\ 10i\text{ for}\ x. \\ \frac{2+10i}{3+10i} & \text{Rewrite the denominator in standard form}. \\ \frac{2+10i}{3+10i}⋅\frac{3-10i}{3-10i} & \text{Prepare to multiply the numerator and} \\ & \text{denominator by the complex conjugate} \\ & \text{of the denominator}. \\ \frac{6-20i+30i-100{i}^{2}}{9-30i+30i-100{i}^{2}} & \text{Multiply using the distributive property or the FOIL method}. \\ \frac{6-20i+30i-100(-1)}{9-30i+30i-100(-1)} & \text{Substitute -1 for}{i}^{2}. \\ \frac{106+10i}{109} & \text{Simplify}. \\ \frac{106}{109}+\frac{10}{109}i & \text{Separate the real and imaginary parts}.\end{array}\]
Let \(f(x)=\frac{x+1}{x-4}.\) Evaluate \(f(-i).\)

גלה את התשובה

\(-\frac{3}{17}+\frac{5i}{17}\)
Evaluate \({i}^{35}.\)

גלה את התשובה

Since \({i}^{4}=1,\) we can simplify the problem by factoring out as many factors of \({i}^{4}\) as possible. To do so, first determine how many times 4 goes into 35: \(35=4⋅8+3.\)
\[{i}^{35}={i}^{4⋅8+3}={i}^{4⋅8}⋅{i}^{3}={({i}^{4})}^{8}⋅{i}^{3}={1}^{8}⋅{i}^{3}={i}^{3}=-i\]
Explain how to add complex numbers.

גלה את התשובה

Add the real parts together and the imaginary parts together.
What is the basic principle in multiplication of complex numbers?
Give an example to show the product of two imaginary numbers is not always imaginary.

גלה את התשובה

\(i\) times \(i\) equals –1, which is not imaginary. (answers vary)
What is a characteristic of the plot of a real number in the complex plane?
\(\text{If}\ f(x)={x}^{2}+x-4,\) evaluate \(f(2i).\)

גלה את התשובה

\(-8+2i\)
\(\text{If}\ f(x)={x}^{3}-2,\) evaluate \(f(i).\)
\(\text{If}\ f(x)={x}^{2}+3x+5,\) evaluate \(f(2+i).\)

גלה את התשובה

\(14+7i\)
\(\text{If}\ f(x)=2{x}^{2}+x-3,\) evaluate \(f(2-3i).\)
\(\text{If}\ f(x)=\frac{x+1}{2-x},\) evaluate \(f(5i).\)

גלה את התשובה

\(-\frac{23}{29}+\frac{15}{29}i\)
\(\text{If}\ f(x)=\frac{1+2x}{x+3},\) evaluate \(f(4i).\)
\((3+2i)+(5-3i)\)

גלה את התשובה

\(8-i\)
\((-2-4i)+(1+6i)\)
\((-5+3i)-(6-i)\)

גלה את התשובה

\(-11+4i\)
\((2-3i)-(3+2i)\)
\((-4+4i)-(-6+9i)\)

גלה את התשובה

\(2-5i\)
\((2+3i)(4i)\)
\((5-2i)(3i)\)

גלה את התשובה

\(6+15i\)
\((6-2i)(5)\)
\((-2+4i)(8)\)

גלה את התשובה

\(-16+32i\)
\((2+3i)(4-i)\)
\((-1+2i)(-2+3i)\)

גלה את התשובה

\(-4-7i\)
\((4-2i)(4+2i)\)
\((3+4i)(3-4i)\)

גלה את התשובה

25

תמשיך לעבוד.

חשבון חינם מוסיף הערות על כל שיעור, תיעוד של מה שסיימת, הבעיות שלך נפתרות במקום אחד, ומורה פרטי אתה יכול לשאול על הדף הזה. המתמטיקה עצמה פתוחה לכולם, חתומה או לא.

הרשמה התחברות

סמלים המשמשים כאן

הקש כל סמל להגדרה המלאה, תמונה, ומה כל אות בזה אומר.

איך: Complex numbers

Express square roots of negative numbers as multiples of
Plot complex numbers on the complex plane.
Add and subtract complex numbers.
Multiply and divide complex numbers.
Write
Express

שאלות שאנשים שואלים

What is a function, really?

A rule that assigns exactly one output to each input. The vertical-line test on a graph is the same idea: no input may have two outputs.

Why do we need complex numbers?

Because x² + 1 = 0 has no real solution, and allowing one new number i with i² = −1 makes every polynomial equation solvable. They then turn out to describe rotation, waves and alternating current more naturally than real numbers do.

חלקים מהדף הזה מותאמים OpenStax Precalculus 2e (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0). מעוכלים ומסבירים מחדש כאן; טעויות הן שלנו. מכיוון שמקורו מורשה לשימוש לא מסחרי, השיעור הזה בחינם, לא מוכר כלום, והוא משותף תחת אותו רישיון.

יותר בפנים. Precalculus

Polynomial functions Rational functions Sequences and series The binomial theorem Conic sections Vectors Exponential and logarithmic functions Polynomial division and the remainder theorem Parametric equations and polar coordinates

Factorization of \({i}^{35}\)	\({i}^{34}⋅i\)	\({i}^{33}⋅{i}^{2}\)	\({i}^{31}⋅{i}^{4}\)	\({i}^{19}⋅{i}^{16}\)
Reduced form	\({({i}^{2})}^{17}⋅i\)	\({i}^{33}⋅(-1)\)	\({i}^{31}⋅1\)	\({i}^{19}⋅{({i}^{4})}^{4}\)
Simplified form	\({(-1)}^{17}⋅i\)	\(-{i}^{33}\)	\({i}^{31}\)	\({i}^{19}\)