SIE1002 Engineering Mathematics 1

Chapter 4: Complex Numbers

Learning Outcomes
After studying this chapter, you should
1. Understand how quadratic equations lead to complex numbers and
how to plot complex numbers on an Argand diagram;
2. Be able to do basic arithmetic operations on complex numbers of
the form a + ib;
3. Understand the polar form [r, ] of a complex number and its
algebra;
4. Understand Eulers relation and the exponential form of a complex
number rei;
5. Be able to use de Moivres theorem.

Introduction
The history of complex numbers goes back to the ancient Greeks who
decided that no number existed that satisfies

For example (a problem posed by Cardan in 1545):

Find two numbers, a and b, whose sum is 10 and whose product is 40.

Eliminating b gives,

Solving this quadratic gives,

Introduction
This shows that there are no real solutions, but if it is agreed to continue
using the numbers

Then equations (1) and (2) are satisfied.

So these are solutions of the original problem but they are not real numbers.

The square root of -1 is denoted by i or j.

Complex Number
It is a combination of a Real Number and an Imaginary Number.
Real Numbers are:

88.88

-0.168

Imaginary Numbers are:

When squared, they give a negative result.

Normally this doesnt happen, because:
- When you square a positive number you get a positive result;
- When you square a negative number, you also get a positive result.

Just imagine there is such a number! And we are going to need it!
The unit imaginary number (like 1 for Real Numbers) is i.

Example 1

Interesting Property
It is a combination of a Real Number and an Imaginary Number.

Observations:
(i)

in repeats the pattern i, 1, i, 1 periodically.

(ii)

in always resets to 1 when n is a multiple of four.

These observations allow us to infer the values of larger powers of i.

Example 2

Complex Number Property

The Argand Diagram

Geometrically, complex numbers can be represented as points on an x-y
plane. The graphical representation of the complex number field is called an
Argand Diagram, named after the Swiss mathematician Jean Argand (17681822).

Example 3

Arithmetic: equality, addition & subtraction

The rules for adding and subtracting complex numbers are very
straightforward:

To add (or subtract) complex numbers, we simply add (or subtract) their
real parts and their imaginary parts separately.

Example 4

Arithmetic: multiplication

Example 5

Arithmetic: division

Complex conjugate

Arithmetic: division
Hence, to solve

We multiply the numerator and denominator of the quotient by the complex

conjugate of the denominator.

Example 6

Polar form of a complex number

Polar form of a complex number

The Polar form:

Since the polar coordinates (r, ) and (r, +2) represent the same point, a
convention is used to determine the argument of z uniquely, restricting its
range to the principal value, where

Example 7

(a)

(b)

(c)

Discussion

Example 8

Advantage of Polar Form - Multiplication

Now, we are familiar with converting from Cartesian to Polar form. Lets see
its advantage in multiplication.

cos 1 2 cos 1 cos 2 sin 1 sin 2

sin 1 2 sin 1 cos 2 cos 1 sin 2

Thus, simplifying our multiplication to

z1 z 2 r1r2 cos 1 2 i sin 1 2

Advantage of Polar Form - Division

For division,

Hence, we realize by now that the chosen form of a complex number does
affect how conveniently certain arithmetic operations are carried out.
Generally, the polar form is suited for multiplication and division, whereas
the Cartesian form is suited for addition and subtraction.

Example 9

De Moivres theorem
An important theorem in complex numbers is named after the French
mathematician, Abraham de Moivre (1667-1754). Although born in France,
he came to England where he made the acquaintance of Newton and Halley
and became a private teacher of Mathematics.

De Moivres theorem

Example 10

Example 11

Roots of a complex number

Roots of a complex number

Example 12

Example 12

Eulers formula

Example 13

(a)

(b)

Engineering Application
Alternating currents in electrical networks
Voltage is in phase with the
current.

Impedance,

ZR

Impedance, Z

j
C

Impedance, Z jL
Angular frequency, 2f

Example 14
Calculate the complex impedance of the elements shown below when an
alternating current of frequency 100 Hz flows.

1
3

[ans: Z 30 and ]
The complex impedance is the sum of the individual impedances.

Z R jL
Z 15 j (2 100)(41.3 103 )
Z 15 j 25.9
1
Z 30 and 3

Example 15

1
1
1

Z 1 j 5 j5

1 1 1

Z 1 j 1

j 1 5 j5

j 5 j5 5 j5

1 1 j 5 j5

Z 2 50

1
0.5 0.1 j 0.5 0.1
Z

1
Z 1.1538 j 0.7692 ]
0.6 j 0.[ans:
4
Z
1
Z
0 .6 j 0 . 4
Z

1
0 .6 j 0 .4

0 .6 j 0 .4 0 .6 j 0 .4

0.6 j 0.4
0.52

Z 1.1538 j 0.7692

References
Modern Engineering Mathematics, 4th edition with MyMathLab, Glyn James,
Pearson.
MATLAB for Engineers, 3rd edition, Holly Moore, Pearson.