College Algebra

1.3
Complex Numbers;
Quadratic Equations in the
Complex Number System
 Solve the following:
• x2 = –1

• (2x + 5)2 + 7 = 0

• In each problem, we encounter the problem of taking

. 1

But there is no real number equal to . Why?  1

 Imaginary Numbers

Definition: The number i, called the imaginary

unit, is the number such that
i = ______ and i2 = ________
 Complex Numbers
If a and b are real numbers and i is the imaginary
unit, then a + bi is called a complex number.

▪ a is the real part

▪ bi is the imaginary part.
 Adding or Subtracting
Complex Numbers
Let a + bi and c + di be complex numbers.

1. Add/Subtract the Real parts.

2. Add/Subtract the Imaginary parts.

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

 Multiplying
Complex Numbers
Let a + bi and c + di be complex numbers.

1. Multiply the binomials (FOIL).

2. Convert i2 to -1 and add the like terms.

(3 – 2i) (5 – 4i)
Division Of Complex Numbers
Let a + bi and c + di be complex numbers.

a  bi
Then to perform the operation
c  di

multiply the numerator and denominator of

the fraction by the Complex Conjugate of
the Denominator.

8  2i
 3  5i
 83
i 33 i
Definition: For any positive real number a,
 a  ______ .

1 9 18

7
Solve the equation in the complex number system
x 9
2
x  25  0
2

Solve the equation x 2  6 x  13  0

in the complex number system.
b2 – 4ac is called the Discriminant.
Discriminant
Without solving, determine the character
of the solutions of each equation.

2 x  3x  1  0
2

5x  2 x  4  0
2

4x  4x 1  0
2