Sir Collins

REAL AND COMPLEX NUMBERS

Real Numbers

A real number is any number that can be placed on the number line, extending from

negative to positive infinity. This set of numbers is often referred to using the symbol ℝ.

The diagram below illustrates the real number system.

Imaginary Numbers
An imaginary number is a number, when squared, gives a negative result. This is so defined

since mathematical operations are not defined for finding the square roots of negative real

numbers. For example, √−20 is an imaginary number since there is no real result. An

imaginary number is also defined as any number multiplied by the imaginary unit ��. The

imaginary unit �� = √−��. Imaginary numbers are usually written using the imaginary

unit. Examples of imaginary numbers are �� and ����.

Sir Collins
Operating with the imaginary unit, ��

Mathematica operations can be performed on �� in the same way that they can be

performed on any algebraic term.

Addition and subtraction

4�� + 3�� = 7��

5�� − 3�� = 2��

Multiplication and division

�� × ��2 = ��3

��3 ÷ ��2 = ��

Powers of ��

The imaginary unit is defined as the square root of −1. Thus,

�� = √−1

��2 = (√−1)2= −1

��3 = (√−1)3= (√−1)2× √−1 = −1 × √−1 = −��

��4 = (√−1)4= ((√−1)2)2= (−1)2 = 1

Summary

The cycle repeats itself every four powers. Thus,

��5 = ��4 × �� = �� = √−1

 Sir Collins

��6 = ��4 × ��2 = 1 × (−1) = −1

��7 = ��4 × ��3 = 1 × (−��) = −��

��8 = ��4 × ��4 = 1 × 1 = 1

All other powers of �� can be calculated using ��4.

Sir Collins

Complex Numbers

Complex numbers are numbers, in the form �� + ����, consisting of two parts; a real

part and an imaginary part. In the complex number �� = �� + ����, where ��, �� ∈

ℝ, ��, is considered the real part and ���� is considered the imaginary part. All real

numbers are complex numbers.

Algebraic operations can be performed on complex numbers.

Addition and Subtraction of Complex Numbers
Complex numbers can be added/subtracted by adding/subtracting corresponding real parts

and imaginary parts. That is, (�� + ����) ± (�� + ����) = (�� ± ��) + ��(�� ±

��).

Example 1

• Simplify the following complex numbers:

a. (3 − 4��) + (2 + 7��)

(�� − ����) + (�� + ����) = (�� + ��) + (−�� + ��)��

= �� + ����
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b. (1 + ��) − (3 + 2��)

c. (−5 + 3��) + (4 − 2��)

d. (−3 − 4��) − (2 − 3��)

Multiplication of Complex Numbers

Complex numbers can be multiplied in the same way two binomial expressions can be

multiplied. The product of the two complex numbers (�� + ����) and (�� + ����)

can be found as follows:

(�� + ����)(�� + ����) = ���� + ������ + ������ + ������2

= ���� + (���� + ����)�� + ����(−1)

= ���� + (���� + ����)�� − ����

= (���� − ����) + (���� + ����)��

Example 2
 • Determine the product of the following complex numbers.

a. (3 + 4��)(2 + 3��)

(�� + ����)(�� + ����)

= ��(�� + ����) + ����(�� + ����)

= �� + ���� + ���� + ��������

= �� + ������ + ����(−��)

= �� + ������ − ����

= −�� + ������

b. (1 − 2��)(3 − 4��)
Sir Collins

c. (4 + 3��)(2 − 5��)

d. (1 − 3��)(2 + ��)

Complex Conjugate

Two complex numbers are conjugate if and only if only the sign of the imaginary parts

differs. That is, complex conjugates are in the form (�� + ����) and (�� − ����).

The product of two complex conjugate is a real number.

Example 3

• Determine the product of the following complex conjugates:

a. (3 − 4��)(3 + 4��)

(�� − ����)(�� + ����)

= ��(�� + ����) − ����(�� + ����)

= �� + ������ − ������ − ��������

 = �� − ����(−��)

= �� + ����

= ����

Alternatively

(�� − ����)(�� + ����)

= ���� − (����)��

= �� − ��������

= �� − ����(−��)

= ����

b. (1 + ��)(1 − ��)
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c. (2 + 5��)(2 − 5��)

d. (6 − ��)(6 + ��)

Division of Complex Numbers

Complex numbers can be divided by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by

the conjugate of the denominator.

Example 4

• Divide (2 + 5��) by (1 − ��).

�� + ����

�� − ��

=�� + ����
�� − ��×�� + ��
�� + ��
 =��(�� + ��) + ����(�� + ��)
��
���� − ��

��
=�� + ���� + ���� + ����
�� − (−��)

=�� + ���� + ��(−��)

��

=�� + ���� − ��

��

=−�� + ����
��
�� ��
=− ��+ ����
• Divide (3 − 4��) by (4 + 2��).