M A N O J K H A N D E L W A L , 9 8 2 8 4 1 0 1 3 6

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6
COMPLEX NUMBERS


Symbol : is called the imaginary unit.
Complex Number: , where and
If then is Purely real
If then is Purely imaginary
Zero is purely real as well as purely imaginary
It is also denoted by an ordered pair . Thus
Properties of Complex Numbers:
If , then
If , then
Algebra of complex numbers is different than real numbers:


In real numbers if

, then and .
However in complex numbers,

does not imply

and

.
Inequalities in complex numbers are not defined. There is no validity if we say
that complex number is positive or negative. e.g. z > 0, 4 + 2i < 2 + 4i are
meaningless.
( )
( )
2
2 3 6
2 3 2 3 6 6
incorrect
i i i correct
=
= = =

M A N O J K H A N D E L W A L , 9 8 2 8 4 1 0 1 3 6

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Powers of :

In general,
4 4 1 4 2 4 3
1, , 1,
n n n n
i i i i i i where n is an integer
+ + +
= = = =
.
Algebraic Operations:
Note: Additive Identity of z is 0 and Additive Inverse of z is
Multiplicative Identity of z is 1 and Multiplicative Inverse of z is

Multiplicative inverse of z
2
1 z
z
z
= =

M A N O J K H A N D E L W A L , 9 8 2 8 4 1 0 1 3 6

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Modulus of a Complex Number:
The modulus of a complex number z = a + i b is denoted by | z | and is defined as
||

Geometrically, | z |is the distance of point z from the origin.
Properties of ||
2
1 2 1 2
1
1
2 2
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
n
n
z z z
z z z
z z z z
z
z
z z
z z
= =
=
=
=
=

Conjugate of a Complex Number:
The conjugate of a complex number z = a + i b is denoted by z and is defined as
z a ib =
Geometrically, z is the "reflection" of z about the real (horizontal) axis.
Properties of ||
1 2 1 2
1 2 1 2
1 2 1 2
1 2
2 2
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
z z
z z z z
z z z z
z z z z
z z
z z
=
+ = +
=
=
| |
=
|
\ .