Relations of the Complex Plane

Argand Diagram and Points in the Complex Plane

A plot of complex numbers in the complex plane. The 𝑥-axis is the real axis and 𝑦-axis is the imaginary
axis. A point 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖 can be plotted on an argand diagram by moving 𝑥 units right on the Real axis
and 𝑦 unit up on the Imaginary axis from the origin.

An argand diagram can also be constructed using a polar gird of concentric circles to represent
increasing magnitudes, and rays that represent increasing arguments (angles). The circles' radii
increase by 1s, while the arguments shown can vary depending on the context of the question.
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
Examples include integer multiples of ⎯⎯, or ⎯⎯⎯, or ⎯⎯and ⎯⎯.
6 12 6 4

𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
Increment of ⎯⎯ Increment of ⎯⎯⎯ Increments of ⎯⎯and ⎯⎯
6 12 6 4

Example VCAA 2006 Sample Exam 2 /
VCAA 2000 Exam 2 Question 3a
Let 𝑣 = 6 + 8𝑖 and 𝑤 = 7 + 𝑖.
Plot the points corresponding to 𝑣 and 𝑤
on the diagram below, labelling them as 𝑉
and 𝑊 respectively.
Example VCAA 2006 Exam 2 Question 5ai
𝜋
Let 𝑧 = cis ⎯⎯ . Plot and label carefully the points
4
−𝑧 , 𝑧 and − 𝑧 on the Argand diagram below.

Verifying Points Lie on a Subset of the Complex Plane

Verifying Points Lie on a Subset of the Complex Plane
In the same way that we check if a point lies on the graph of a Cartesian equation, by substituting the
point and checking if the left-hand side is equal to the right-hand side, we can verify a point lies on the
graph of a complex equation on the complex plane.

Example VCAA 2009 Exam 2 Question 2a

⎯⎯
1 √3
In the complex plane, 𝐿 is the line with equation − 1| = 𝑧 − ⎯⎯− ⎯⎯⎯𝑖 .
|𝑧
2 2
Verify that the point (0, 0) lies on 𝐿.

LHS = |0 − 1| = |−1| = 1
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
⎯⎯ ⎯⎯ ⎯⎯
1 √3 1 √3 1 √3 1 3 ⎯⎯
RHS = 0 − ⎯⎯− ⎯⎯⎯𝑖 = − ⎯⎯− ⎯⎯⎯𝑖 = − ⎯⎯ + − ⎯⎯⎯ = ⎯⎯+ ⎯⎯= √1 = 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 4 4
LHS = RHS, ∴ (0, 0) lies on 𝐿

Example VCAA 2006 Sample Exam 2 Question 3bi / VCAA 2000 Exam 2 Question 3bi
Let 𝑣 = 6 + 8𝑖 and 𝑤 = 7 + 𝑖. Let 𝑆 be defined by 𝑆 = {𝑧: |𝑧| = 10, 𝑧 ∈ 𝐶}. Verify that 𝑣 ∈ 𝑆.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ⎯⎯⎯

|𝑣| = |6 + 8𝑖| = 6 + 8 = √36 + 64 = √100 = 10

Example VCAA 2017 Exam 2 Question 5

On an Argand diagram, a point that lies on the path defined by |𝑧 − 2 + 𝑖| = |𝑧 − 4| is

1 1 1 1 1 ✔
3, − ⎯⎯ 3 − ⎯⎯𝑖 − 2 + 𝑖 = 1 + ⎯⎯𝑖 3 − ⎯⎯𝑖 − 4 = −1 − ⎯⎯𝑖
2 2 2 2 2
1 1 1 1 1 ❌
−3, − ⎯⎯ −3 − ⎯⎯𝑖 − 2 + 𝑖 = −5 + ⎯⎯𝑖 −3 − ⎯⎯𝑖 − 4 = −7 − ⎯⎯
2 2 2 2 2𝑖
3 3 5 3 3 ❌
−3, ⎯⎯ −3 + ⎯⎯𝑖 − 2 + 𝑖 = −5 + ⎯⎯𝑖 −3 + ⎯⎯𝑖 − 4 = −7 + ⎯⎯𝑖
2 2 2 2 2
1 1 3 1 1 ❌
3, ⎯⎯ 3 + ⎯⎯𝑖 − 2 + 𝑖 = 1 + ⎯⎯𝑖 3 + ⎯⎯𝑖 − 4 = −1 + ⎯⎯𝑖
2 2 2 2 2
3 3 1 3 3 ❌
3, − ⎯⎯ 3 − ⎯⎯𝑖 − 2 + 𝑖 = 1 − ⎯⎯𝑖 3 − ⎯⎯𝑖 − 4 = −1 − ⎯⎯𝑖
2 2 2 2 2

Example VCAA 2015 Exam 2 Question 6

Which one of the following relations has a graph that passes through the point 1 + 2𝑖 in the complex
plane?
⎯⎯
𝑧𝑧̅ = √5 (1 + 2𝑖)(1 + 2𝑖) = (1 + 2𝑖)(1 − 2𝑖) = 1 − 4𝑖 = 5 ❌
𝜋 2 ❌
Arg(𝑧) = ⎯⎯ Arg(1 + 2𝑖) = tan ⎯⎯ = 1.107 …
3 1
|𝑧 − 1| = |𝑧 − 2𝑖| |(1 + 2𝑖) − 1| = |2𝑖| = 2, |(1 + 2𝑖) − 2𝑖| = |1| = 1 ❌
Re(𝑧) = 2Im(𝑧) Re(1 + 2𝑖) = 1, 2Im(1 + 2𝑖) = 2(2) = 4 ❌
𝑧 + 𝑧̅ = 2 (1 + 2𝑖) + (1 + 2𝑖) = (1 + 2𝑖) + (1 − 2𝑖) = 2 ✔

Converting Complex Equations to Cartesian Equations

Converting Complex Equations to Cartesian Equations
Equations of a complex variable, 𝑧, can be sketched on an argand diagram. It is beneficial to learn what
the coresponding graph from a complex equation will be for simple recognition like you can with
Cartesian equations. However, being able to write the complex equation in a familiar Cartesian form is
helpful when dealing with an unfamiliar equation.

To convert a complex equation to a Cartesian equation, substitute 𝑧 with 𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖 and simplify to a

familiar or given form. A Cartesian equation should include the imaginary unit, 𝑖.

Other helpful substitutions include:

1 1 ⎯⎯ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Re(𝑧) = 𝑥 = ⎯⎯(𝑧 + 𝑧̅) Im(𝑧) = 𝑦 = ⎯⎯(𝑧 − 𝑧̅) |𝑧| = √𝑧𝑧̅ = 𝑥 +𝑦
2 2𝑖
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
|𝑧 + (𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖)| = (𝑥 + 𝑎) + (𝑦 + 𝑏)
Re 𝑧 + (𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖) = 𝑥 + 𝑎 Im 𝑧 + (𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖) = 𝑦 + 𝑏

Example Example
Write the rule |𝑧 + 𝑧̅| = |𝑧 − 𝑧̅|, where 𝑧 ∈ 𝐶, in Write the rule Re (𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖)𝑧 = 1, where
Cartesian form. 𝑎, 𝑏 ∈ 𝑅 and 𝑧 ∈ 𝐶, in Cartesian form.

|𝑧 + 𝑧̅| = |𝑧 − 𝑧̅| Re (𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖)𝑧 = 1

⇒ (𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖) + (𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖) = (𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖) − (𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖) ⇒ Re (𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖)(𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖) = 1
⇒ |(𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖) + (𝑥 − 𝑦𝑖)| = |(𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖) − (𝑥 − 𝑦𝑖)| ⇒ Re (𝑎𝑥 − 𝑏𝑦) + (𝑎𝑦 + 𝑏𝑥)𝑖 = 1
⇒ |2𝑥| = |2𝑦𝑖| ⇒ 𝑎𝑥 − 𝑏𝑦 = 1
⇒ 2𝑥 = 2𝑦
⇒𝑦=𝑥

Example VCAA 2016 Exam 2 Question 2a

A line in the complex plane is given by |𝑧 − 1| = |𝑧 + 2 − 3𝑖|, 𝑧 ∈ 𝐶.
Find the equation of this line in the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐.

|𝑧 − 1| = |𝑧 + 2 − 3𝑖|
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
⇒ (𝑥 − 1) + 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 2) + (𝑦 − 3)
⇒ (𝑥 − 1) + 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 2) + (𝑦 − 3)
⇒ 𝑥 − 2𝑥 + 1 + 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 4𝑥 + 4 + 𝑦 − 6𝑦 + 9
⇒ −2𝑥 + 1 = 4𝑥 − 6𝑦 + 13
⇒ 0 = 6𝑥 − 6𝑦 + 12
⇒𝑦 =𝑥+2

Example VCAA 2006 Exam 2 Question 7

Which one of the following relations does not have a graph that is a straight line passing through the
origin?

𝑧 + 𝑧̅ = 0 Re(𝑧) − 2 Im(𝑧) = 0 𝑧 = 𝑖𝑧̅

⇒ (𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖) + (𝑥 − 𝑦𝑖) = 0 ⇒ 𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 0 ⇒ 𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖 = 𝑖(𝑥 − 𝑦𝑖)
⇒ 2𝑥 = 0 1 ⇒ 𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖 = 𝑥𝑖 − 𝑦𝑖
⇒ 𝑦 = ⎯⎯𝑥✔
⇒ 𝑥 = 0✔ 2 ⇒ 𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖 = 𝑥𝑖 + 𝑦
⇒ 𝑥 − 𝑥𝑖 = 𝑦 − 𝑦𝑖
3 Re(𝑧) = Im(𝑧) Re(𝑧) + Im(𝑧) = 1 ⇒ (1 − 𝑖)𝑥 = (1 − 𝑖)𝑦
⇒ 3𝑥 = 𝑦 ⇒𝑥+𝑦 =1 ⇒ 𝑦 = 𝑥✔
⇒ 𝑦 = 3𝑥✔ ⇒ 𝑦 = −𝑥 + 1❌

Example VCAA 2014 Exam 2 Question 2bii Example Modified VCAA 2018 Exam 2 Question 2b
Example VCAA 2014 Exam 2 Question 2bii Example Modified VCAA 2018 Exam 2 Question 2b
Show that the relation (𝑧 + 2𝑖)(𝑧̅ − 2𝑖) = 4 ⎯⎯
Express the circle given by |𝑧 + 1| = √2|𝑧 − 𝑖| in
can be expressed in cartesian form as cartesian form.
𝑥 + (𝑦 + 2) = 4.
⎯⎯
|𝑧 + 1| = √2|𝑧 − 𝑖|
(𝑧 + 2𝑖)(𝑧̅ − 2𝑖) = 4 ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ⎯⎯ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
⇒ (𝑥 + 1) + 𝑦 = √2 𝑥 + (𝑦 − 1)
⇒ (𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖 + 2𝑖)(𝑥 − 𝑦𝑖 − 2𝑖) = 4
⇒ (𝑥 + 1) + 𝑦 = 2(𝑥 + (𝑦 − 1) )
⇒ (𝑥 + (𝑦 + 2)𝑖)(𝑥 − (𝑦 + 2)𝑖) = 4
⇒ 𝑥 + 2𝑥 + 1 + 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 4𝑦 + 2
⇒ 𝑥 − (𝑦 + 2) 𝑖 = 4
⇒ −1 = 𝑥 − 2𝑥 + 𝑦 − 4𝑦
⇒ 𝑥 + (𝑦 + 2) = 4
⇒ −1 + 1 + 2 = (𝑥 − 1) + (𝑦 − 2)
⇒ (𝑥 − 1) + (𝑦 − 2) = 2

Example VCAA 2016 Sample Exam 2 Question 5 / VCAA 2010 Exam 2 Question 10
On an Argand diagram, a set of points that lies on a circle of radius 2 centred at the origin is

Re(𝑧 ) + Im(𝑧 ) = 4 𝑧𝑧̅ = 2

⇒ Re (𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖) + Im (𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖) = 4 ⇒ (𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖)(𝑥 − 𝑦𝑖) = 2
⇒ Re(𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑦𝑖 + 𝑦𝑖 ) + Im(𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑦𝑖 + 𝑦𝑖 ) = 4 ⇒ 𝑥 −𝑦 𝑖 = 2
⇒ Re(𝑥 − 𝑦 + 2𝑥𝑦𝑖) + Im(𝑥 − 𝑦 + 2𝑥𝑦𝑖) = 4 ⇒ 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 2❌
⇒ 𝑥 − 𝑦 + 2𝑥𝑦 = 4❌
(Re(𝑧)) + (Im(𝑧)) = 16
(𝑧 + 𝑧̅) − (𝑧 − 𝑧̅) = 16 ⇒ 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 16❌
⇒ (𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖) + (𝑥 − 𝑦𝑖) − (𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖) − (𝑥 − 𝑦𝑖) = 16
𝑧 =4
⇒ (2𝑥) − (2𝑦𝑖) = 16
⇒ (𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖) = 4
⇒ 4𝑥 − 4𝑦𝑖 = 16
⇒ 𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑦𝑖 + 𝑦 𝑖 = 4
⇒ 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 4✔
⇒ 𝑥 − 𝑦 + 2𝑥𝑦𝑖 = 4❌

Example Modified VCAA 2005 Exam 1 Question 10

If 𝑧 ∈ 𝐶, show that the following relations represent circles on an Argand diagram.

𝑧𝑧̅ = 4 |𝑧 − 3| = 2
⇒ (𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖)(𝑥 − 𝑦𝑖) = 4 ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
⇒ (𝑥 − 3) + 𝑦 = 2
⇒ 𝑥 −𝑦 𝑖 = 4 ⇒ (𝑥 − 3) + 𝑦 = 4
⇒ 𝑥 +𝑦 = 4
3|𝑧 − 2 + 𝑖| = 7
(𝑧 − 3 + 𝑖)(𝑧̅ − 3 − 𝑖) = 5 7
⇒ (𝑥 + 𝑦𝑖 − 3 + 𝑖)(𝑥 − 𝑦𝑖 − 3 − 𝑖) = 5 ⇒ |𝑧 − 2 + 𝑖| = ⎯⎯
3
⇒ (𝑥 − 3) + (𝑦 + 1)𝑖 (𝑥 − 3) − (𝑦 + 1)𝑖 = 5 ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ 7
⇒ (𝑥 − 2) + (𝑦 + 1) = ⎯⎯
⇒ (𝑥 − 3) − (𝑦 + 1) 𝑖 = 5 3
⇒ (𝑥 − 3) + (𝑦 + 1) = 5 49
⇒ (𝑥 − 2) + (𝑦 + 1) = ⎯⎯⎯
9

Simple Lines and Circles Cartesian Equation Complex Equation

Performing the substitutions 𝑥 = Re(𝑧) and 𝑥=𝑎 Re(𝑧) = 𝑎
𝑦 = Im(𝑧) on familiar equations of lines and circles 𝑦=𝑏 Im(𝑧) = 𝑏
creates complex equations of lines and circles. 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 Im(𝑧) = 𝑚 Re(𝑧) + 𝑏

For translated graphs, the following are helpful: 𝑥 𝑦 Re(𝑧) Im(𝑧)

⎯⎯+ ⎯⎯= 1 ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯+ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ = 1
Re 𝑧 + (𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖) = 𝑥 + 𝑎 𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏
Im 𝑧 + (𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖) = 𝑦 + 𝑏
𝑥 +𝑦 =𝑟 (Re(𝑧)) + (Im(𝑧)) = 𝑟

Points of Intersections of Complex Relations

Points of Intersections of Complex Relations
Points of intersection are still useful to find for relations in the complex plane. Keep in mind that if the
relations are written as sets, then the intersection of the two relations can be written as {𝐴} ∩ {𝐵}.

Intersection points can be found by converting both equations to Cartesian form, then finding the
intersection point algebraically. This is requires converting forms and solving simultaneous equations.

Example VCAA 2008 Exam 2 Question 5c

1
The points of intersection of the curves given by |𝑧 − 𝑖| = 1 and Re(𝑧) = − ⎯⎯⎯Im(𝑧)
⎯⎯ are
√3
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
|𝑧 − 𝑖| = 1 ⇒ 𝑥 + (𝑦 − 1) = 1 ⇒ 𝑥 + (𝑦 − 1) = 1

1 1
Re(𝑧) = − ⎯⎯⎯Im(𝑧)
⎯⎯ ⇒ 𝑥 = − ⎯⎯⎯𝑦
⎯⎯
√3 √3

1
Substitute 𝑥 = − ⎯⎯⎯𝑦
⎯⎯ into 𝑥 + (𝑦 − 1) = 1
√3
1 1
⇒ − ⎯⎯⎯𝑦⎯⎯ + (𝑦 − 1) = 1 ⇒ ⎯⎯𝑦 + 𝑦 − 2𝑦 + 1 = 1
√3 3

4 2 3
⇒ ⎯⎯𝑦 − 2𝑦 = 0 ⇒ 2𝑦 ⎯⎯𝑦 − 1 = 0 ⇒ 𝑦 = 0, 𝑦 = ⎯⎯
3 3 2

⎯⎯
1 3 1 3 3 √3
𝑦 = 0: 𝑥 = − ⎯⎯⎯×
⎯⎯ 0 = 0, 𝑦 = ⎯⎯: 𝑥 = − ⎯⎯⎯×
⎯⎯ ⎯⎯= − ⎯⎯⎯⎯=
⎯⎯ − ⎯⎯⎯
√3 2 √3 2 2√3 2
⎯⎯
√3 3
Points of intersection are 𝑧 = 0, 𝑧 = − ⎯⎯⎯+ ⎯⎯𝑖
2 2

Example VCAA 2009 Exam 2 Question 2d

⎯⎯
1 √3
The point(s) of intersection of − 1| = 𝑧 − ⎯⎯− ⎯⎯⎯𝑖 and the graph of |𝑧| = 2 are:
|𝑧
2 2

⎯⎯ |𝑧| = 2
1 √3
|𝑧 − 1| = 𝑧 − ⎯⎯− ⎯⎯⎯𝑖
2 2 ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
⎯⎯ ⇒ 𝑥 +𝑦 =2
1 √3
⇒ (𝑥 − 1) + 𝑦 = 𝑥 − ⎯⎯ + 𝑦 − ⎯⎯⎯
2 2 ⇒ 𝑥 +𝑦 = 4
⎯⎯
⇒ 𝑥 − 2𝑥 + 𝑦 + 1 = 𝑥 − 𝑥 + 𝑦 − √3𝑦 + 1
⎯⎯
⇒ −2𝑥 + 1 = −𝑥 − √3𝑦 + 1
⎯⎯
⇒ √3𝑦 = 𝑥

⎯⎯
Substitute √3𝑦 = 𝑥 into 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 4

⎯⎯
√3𝑦 + 𝑦 = 2 ⇒ 3𝑦 + 𝑦 = 4 ⇒ 4𝑦 = 4 ⇒ 𝑦 = ±1

⎯⎯ ⎯⎯ ⎯⎯ ⎯⎯
𝑦 = 1: 𝑥 = √3(1) = √3, 𝑦 = −1: 𝑥 = √3(−1) = −√3
⎯⎯ ⎯⎯
Points of intersection are 𝑧 = √3 + 𝑖, 𝑧 = −√3 − 𝑖