Complex Numbers and their Properties

Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 1

Lesson: Complex Numbers and their Properties
Lesson Developer: Vinay Kumar
College: Zakir Husain Delhi College , University of Delhi




Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 2




Table of Contents
Chapter : Complex Numbers and their Properties
- 1. Learning Outcomes
- 2. Introduction
- 3. Complex Numbers
o 3.1. Graphical representation
o 3.2. Polar form of a complex number
o 3.3. nth roots of unity
o 3.4. Some Geometric Properties of Complex Numbers
3.4.1. Distance between two points
3.4.2. Dividing a line segment into a given ratio
3.4.3. Measure of an angle
o 3.5. Collinearity, Orthogonality and Concyclicity of
Complex numbers
o 3.6. Similar triangles
3.6.1. Condition for Similarity
3.6.2. Equilateral triangles
o 3.7. Some analytical geometry in complex plane
3.7.1. Equation of a line:
3.7.2. Equation of a line determined by a point and a
direction
3.7.3. The foot of a perpendicular from a point to a
line
3.7.4. Distance from a point to a line
3.7.5. Equation of a circle

Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 3

- Exercises
- References



1. Learning Outcomes:
After reading this chapter, you will be able to understand
What is complex number?
How can it be graphically represented?
What is the polar form of complex number?
What are the nth roots of a complex number and unity?
How to solve the equations involving complex numbers?
How can we measure the angle between two complex numbers?
What is collinearity , orthogonality and concyclicity of complex
numbers?
How to define similar triangles and equilateral triangles in complex
plane?
How to write equation of a line in complex plane ?
When two lines in complex plane are perpendicular, parallel and
orthogonal?
How to write the equation of circle in complex plane?
2. Introduction:
This unit is according to the syllabus of undergraduate students . As it is
obvious from the name of this chapter that it contains the complex numbers
and some aspects of geometry of complex numbers in complex plane . In
this unit, starting from basic concepts of complex numbers in detail,
important propositions about geometry of complex numbers have also
been discussed.
3. Complex Numbers:

Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 4

So far we find the solutions of all algebraic equations in real numbers . But
there are some equations whose solution does not lie in the set of real
numbers . As for example if we take the equation
2
1 0 x + =
,
then it's
solution does not lie in (the set of real number).
Therefore ,to overcome these types of situations, the concept of complex
numbers was introduced.
Definition : A number whose square is -1, is called an imaginary number or
a complex quantity and is denoted by i (pronounced as iota). We have

2
1 1 i or i = =
A complex number is written as z x iy = + , where xand y are real numbers and
called the real part and imaginary part of the complex number z
respectively. We write
Re( ) Im( ) z x and z y = =
3.1. Graphical representation:
A complex number z has a simple geometric representation. Consider a
rectangular coordinate system. Then every complex number z = x + iy can
be associated with some point P(x,y) in the x-y plane. This plane is called
the z-plane or the complex plane or the Argand diagram. All real numbers (y
= 0) lie on the x-axis or the real axis and all purely imaginary numbers (x =
0) lie on the y-axis or the imaginary axis.




O
Y
O

x
P(z)=(x,y)
y
X

Complex Numbers and their Properties
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Fig 1: Graphical representation of a complex number.

3.1.1. Modulus of a complex number:
Let z x iy = + be a complex number. The real positive number
2 2
z x iy x y = + = + is called the modulus or the absolute value or the
magnitude of a complex number z.
3.1.2. Properties of modulus of complex numbers
Let
1
z and
2
z be two complex numbers then
(1)
2 1 2 1
z z z z = ,
(2)
2
1
2
1
z
z
z
z
= .
3.1.3. Equal complex numbers:
Two complex numbers
1
z and
2
z are equal i.e
1 2
z z = ,if and only if
1 2
x x =

and
1 2
y y = , we also have 0 0 z z = = .
3.1.4. Negative of a complex number:
The complex number z x iy - = - - is called the negative of the complex
number z and |-z|=|z|.
3.1.5. Complex conjugate number:
The complex number ( , ) z x iy x y = = is called the complex conjugate or just
the conjugate of a complex number z x iy = + . Thus is the reflection of z or
the real axis. We also have

Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 6

(i) ( ) z z = (ii)
1 2 1 2
z z z z = =

(iii) z z z = is a purely imaginary number
(iv) z z = (v)
1 2 1 2
z z z z + = + (
1
z and
2
z be any two complex numbers)

3.2. Polar form of a complex number:
Let z x iy = + be any complex number represented by the point ( , ) p x y in the
complex plane. Let be the angle XOP Z measured in the counter clockwise
direction(positive direction) and op r = .
From OMP, we get

cos sin x r and y r u u = =
Thus, the complex number z = x +iy can be written as

(cos sin ) ( , ) 0 z x iy r i r r u u u = + = + = > (A)





Fig.2(Polar form of a complex number)
which is known as polar form of complex number.
2 2
r x y z = + = , and u =
1
tan ( / ) y x

where u is called argument of z and is expressed as arg(z).

O M
y

r


x

Complex Numbers and their Properties
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The value of u which satisfies t u t s s is called the principal value of u or
the principal argument of z.
Arg( ) 2 , 0, 1, 2, . . . Z k k u t = + =
Arg(z) is called extended argument of the complex number z.
3.2.1. Method to write a complex number in polar form:
Let z x iy = +

1. At first we find
2 2
r z x y = = + and
1
tan
y
x
u

= .
2. According to the quadrant in which the given complex number lies, we
find principal value of u
or argument of ' ' z ,which is as follows
Let arg t z =
In first quadrant take t u = ,In 2
nd
quadrant taket t u =
In 3rd quadrant take t u t = + ,In 4
th
quadrant take 2 t t u = .
3. Polar form of (cos sin ) z r t i t = +
Extended argument of z i.e 2 Argz t kt = + where 0, 1, 2,..... k =
.

Example 1: Find the polar form of the complex numbers.
(a) 2 2 3 z i = + ,(1
st
quadrant)
(b) 3 z i = (3rd quadrant)
Solutions:
(a) Given, 2 2 3 z i = +
,
2 2 2 2
2 (2 3) 4 r z x y = = + = + =

1
2 3
tan
2 3
y
x
t
u

= = =

z lies in the first quadrant, arg
3
z
t
u = =

Complex Numbers and their Properties
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Polar form of ' ' z
is
4(cos sin )
3 3
i
t t
+

Extended argument of
' ' z
i.e.,

rg 2 , 0, 1, 2....
3
A z k k
t
t = + =

(b) Given 3 z i = (3
rd
quadrant)
We have r = 3 1 + = 2.
t =
1
tan | / | y x

=
1
tan | 1/ 3 |
6
t

=
z lies in the 3
rd
quadrant, so
7
arg
6 6
z
t t
t = + =
Polar form of z =
7 7
2(cos sin )
6 6
i
t t
+
Extended argument of complex number z =
7
2 , 0, 1, 2....
6
k k
t
t + =
Value Additions: Note
Two complex numbers
1
z ,
2
z 0 represented as
1
z =
1
r (cos
1
t + isin
1
t ) and

2
z =
2
r (cos
2
t + isin
2
t ) are equal iff

1 2
r r = and
1
t -
2
t = 2k for an integer k.

Example 2: Find the polar representation of the complex number
1 cos sin , (0, 2 ) z a i a a t = + + e
Solution: r = |z| =
2 2
(1 cos ) sin a a + + =
2 2
1 cos 2cos sin a a a + + + =
2(1 cos ) a + =
2
2.2cos ( / 2) a = 2cos( / 2) a

Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 9


1 1 1
2
2sin cos
sin
2 2
tan ( ) tan ( ) tan (tan )
1 cos 2 2
2cos
2
a a
a a a
a
a
u

= = = =
+
.


Cases:
If ae(0,) (0, )
2 2
a t
e

also z lies in first quadrant. So,
t =
2
a
2cos (cos sin )
2 2 2
a a a
z i = +
If a e( , 2 t t ) ( , )
2 2
a t
t e and z lies in 4
th
quadrant. since

( , )
2 2
a t
t e =>
2
a
u t = .

2 2 ( )
2 2
2cos (cos( ) sin( ))
2 2 2
a a
a a a
z i
t u t t t
t t
= = +
= + + +

If a t =

then 0 z = .

3.2.2. Power of a complex number: De Moivres theorem:
For (cos sin ) z r i u u = +

and n N e .
We have ,

(cos sin )
n n
z r n i n u u = + (it can easily be proved by induction method).
Value Addition:

Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 10


Abraham de
Moivre, a French
mathematician
Abraham de Moivre was born 26 May 1667 in Champagne, France. He was a
famous French mathematician best known for Moivres formula, which you may be
familiar with if youve taken the right college classes. During the later years of his
life, he studied further into probability and mathematics. He later wrote a book on
the latter called The Doctrine of Chances. His work was so extensive that several
papers were published posthumously. As he aged, he became more and more
lethargic, and started sleeping longer hours. He noted that he was sleeping 15
minutes extra every night, and calculated that he would die on the day that the
extra 15 minutes a night accumulated to 24 hours. That day was November 27,
1754, the actual day of his death. He died in London and was buried at St. Martin-
in-the-Fields.
Remarks:
(i)
n n
n n n n
z r and z r z r z z = = = = .
(ii) 2 { arg 2 ; }
n
Arg z n k n z k k Z u t t = + = + e .
(iii It is also true for negative integers.

Example 3:- Evaluate
1000
(1 ) i + .
Solution: Polar form of 1 i + = 2(cos sin )
4 4
i
t t
+ .
Using De-Moivre's theorem,we have

1000
1000 1000 500 500 500
(1 ) 2 (cos sin ) 2 (cos 250 sin 250 ) 2 (1 0) 2 .
4 4
i i i i
t t
t t + = + = + = + =

3.3. nth roots of unity:
First we shall find the nth roots of a complex number. Let
0
(cos sin ) z r i u u = +
be a complex number with | ) 0, 0, 2 r u t > e .The number
0
z has n distinct nth
roots given by

k
2 2
z (cos sin ),
n
k k
r i
n n
u t u t + +
= + 0,1, 2,... 1 k n =

Complex Numbers and their Properties
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Geometric images of nth roots of a complex number
0
z = 0 are the vertices
of a regular n-gon inscribed in a circle with center at origin and radius
n
r
Example: Find the third roots of the number 1 z i = + and represent them in
the complex plane.
The polar representation of 1 z i = + is 2 z = (cos sin )
4 4
i
t t
+ .
The cube roots of z are

6
6
2 2
4 4
2(cos( ) sin( ))
3 3
2 2
2(cos( ) sin( )), 0,1, 2
12 3 12 3
k
k k
z i
k i k k
t t
t t
t t t t
+ +
= +
= + + + =

Or in explicit form

6
0
6
1
6
2
2(cos sin )
12 12
3 3
2(cos sin )
4 4
17 17
2(cos sin )
12 12
z i
z i
z i
t t
t t
t t
= +
= +
= +

Geometrical images of
0 1 2
, , z z z are the vertices of equilateral triangle.









Fig 3: Geometrical image of the cube roots of (1+i)
Now , we will find nth roots of unity
The roots of equation 1 0
n
z = are called the
th
n roots of unity.
0
M
( )
0
z
( )
0
z )
( )
1 1
M z

2 2
( ) M z

y
x

Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 12

Now

2 2
1 cos0 sin0 cos sin , 0,1, 2.... 1.
n n
k
k k
z z i z i k n
n n
t t
= = + = + =

Explicitly, we have

2
0 1 2
2 2 4 4
cos0 sin0 1, cos sin , cos sin z i z i z i
n n n n
t t t t
= + = = + =e = + =e
Continuing in the same manner

1
1
2( 1) 2( 1)
cos sin .
n
n
n n
z i
n n
t t

= + =e

The set of nth roots of unity is
2 3 1
{1, , , ,........ }
n
ee e e

denoted as
n
U .
The geometric images of nth roots of unity are the vertices of a regular n-
gon inscribed in a unit circle with one of the vertices at 1.
Note: (i) The cube roots of unity form an equilateral triangle inscribed in the
circle (0,1) C .

2
3
{1, , } U = ee





Fig 4: Geometrical image of the cube roots of unity

(ii)The forth roots of unity form a square inscribed in a circle (0,1) C .

4
{1, 1, , } U i i =




Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 13





Fig 5: Geometrical image of the forth roots of unity

Value Addition: Remark
1. If n divides q, then any root of
1 0
n
z =
is a root of
1 0
q
z =
.
in other words,
n q
U U _ if q is the multiple of n
2. The common roots of
1 0
m
z =
and
1 0
n
z =
are the roots of
1 0
d
z =
,
where d = gcd(m,n). In other words
m n d
U U U =

Example 4: Two regular polygons are inscribed in the same circle. The first
polygon has 1982 sides and the second has 2973 sides. If the polygons have
any common vertices, how many such vertices there will be?
Solution:- The number of common vertices is given by the number of
common roots of
1982
1 0 z = and
2973
1 0 z =

i.e
1982 2973 d
U U U = where d =
gcd(2973,1982) = 991
Example 5: Find the number of ordered pairs (a,b) of real numbers such
that
2002
( ) a bi a bi + = .
Solution: Let , , z a bi z a bi = + = and |z| =
2 2
a b +

2002 2001
2002 2002 2002
( ) ( 1) 0 a bi a bi z z z z z z z z + = = = = = =
0 z = or
2001
( 1) 0 z = 0 z = or
2001
1 z = 0, 1 z z = =
Now, 0 z = => (a,b) = (0,0).

Complex Numbers and their Properties
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When 1 z = , we have

2
2002 2003
. 1 z z z z z z = = = =
Thus,
2003
U have 2003 distinct solutions. Total number of ordered pair = 2003
+ 1 = 2004.
Example 6:- Solve the equation
7 4 3
2 2 0 z iz iz = .
Solution:- Given equation is

7 4 3
2 2 0 z iz iz =

4 3 3
4 3
4 3
( 2 ) ( 2 ) 0
( )( 2 ) 0
, 2
z z i i z i
z i z i
z i z i
=
=
= =

Now, we can easily find out the roots of these equations.
Example 7: Solve
4 2
5( 1)( 1) z z z z = + .
Solutions: Given equation is

4 2
5( 1)( 1) z z z z = +

4 3 2
5 4 3 2
5 4 3 2
5
5
1
5
5 10 10 5 0
5 10 10 5 0
5 10 10 5 1 1 0
( 1) 1 0
( 1) 1
1 ( 1)
z z z z
z z z z z
z z z z z
z
z
z
+ + =
+ + =
+ + + =
+ =
=
=

3.4. Some Geometric Properties of Complex Numbers:
3.4.1. Distance between two points:
Suppose that the complex numbers
1
z and
2
z have the geometric images
1
M
and
2
M . Then the distance between the points
1
M and
2
M is given by

1
M
2
M =
1 2
z z

Complex Numbers and their Properties
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Let M be the geometric image of complex number z. Then M is between
1
M
and
2
M if
1
M M ,
2
M M , the following relation holds

1 2 1 2
. M M M M M M + =


The set ( )
1 2 1 2
{ : } M M M M M M = is called Open Segment determined by
points
1
M and
2
M .
The set
1 2 1 2 1 2
[ ] ( ) { , } M M M M M M = represent the Closed Segment.
3.4.2. Dividing a line segment into a given ratio:
Let
1
M (
1
z ) and
2
M (
2
z ) be two distinct points. A point ( ) M z on the line
1
M
2
M
divides the segment
1
M
2
M into ratio k e9 \ {1}. if

1 2
1 2
1 2
( )
1
MM kMM
z z k z z
z kz
z
k
=
=

Note: for k = -1, z =
1 2
2
z z +
[Midpoint]

3.4.3. Measure of an angle:
A triangle is oriented if an ordering of its vertices is specified. It is positively
oriented if the vertices are oriented counterclockwise otherwise negatively
oriented.
Value Addition: Note
The measure of directly oriented angle
1 2
M OM Z equals
1
2
arg
z
z
.


Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 16

M1(1+i) M2(-1+i)
Example 8: (a) Find the
1 2
M OM Z and
2 1
M OM Z where
1
M &
2
M are the
geometric images of
1
z and
2
z where
1 2
1 , 1 z i z i = + = +
Solution:
1 2
1 , 1 z i z i = + = +


2
1
1 ( 1 )(1 )
1 2
z i i i
i
z i
+ +
= = =
+


1 2
M OM Z arg
2
i
t
= = ,
2 1
M OM Z arg( ) 2 3 / 2
2
i
t
t t = = = .




Fig: 6
(b)
2
1 2
1
1
, 1
z
z i z i
z i
= = = =

1 2 2 1
3
arg( ) arg
2 2
M OM i and M OM i
t t
Z = = Z = =
Value Addition: Note:
Let us consider three district points
1
M (
1
z ),
2
M (
2
z ),
3
M (
3
z ). The measure of
oriented angle
2 1 3
M M M Z is
3 1
2 1
arg( )
z z
z z

.

Example 9: Suppose that
1 2 3
4 3 , 4 7 , 8 7 z i z i z i = + = + = + . Find
3 1 2
M M M Z and
2 1 3
M M M Z

Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 17

Solution:

2 1
3 1
3 1 2
2 1 3
4 (1 ) 1
4 4 2 2
1
arg
2 4
2 7
arg arg(1 )
1 4
z z i i i i
z z i
i
M M M
M M M i
i
t
t
+
= = =
+
+
Z = =
Z = = =
+

Value Addition: Note:
Angle between two lines: Let us consider four distinct points
i
M (
i
z )
1, 2, 3, 4 i = . Angles between two lines
1 3
M M and
2 4
M M equals
3 1
4 1
arg( )
z z
z z

or
4 2
3 1
arg( )
z z
z z

.

3.4.4. Rotation of a Point:
Let us consider an angle and a complex number cos sin i o o e= +
Let (cos sin ) z r t i t = + be complex number and M be its geometric image.

. (cos( ) sin( )) z r t i t o o e = + + +
Also, . r z = e and arg( . ) arg z t z o o e = + = +
It means that the geometric image M ( .z e ) is the rotation of M with respect
to the origin by the angle o .





M(z)
0
M(z)

Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 18

3.5. Collinearity, Orthogonality and Concyclicity of Complex
numbers:
Consider ( )
i i
M z i=1,2,3,4
3.5.1. Collinear:
Points
1 2 3
, , M M M are collinear iff
* 3 1
2 1
z z
z z

e9

where,
*
9 - the set of non-zero
real numbers.

3.5.2. Orthogonal:
Lines
1 2
M M and
3 4
M M are orthogonal iff
* 1 2
3 4
z z
i
z z

e 9

.
Value Addition: Remark
If
2 4
M M = then
1 2
M M
3 2
M M

iff
* 1 2
3 2
z z
i
z z

e 9

.

3.5.3. Concyclic:
The distinct points
1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4
( ), ( ), ( ), ( ) M z M z M z M z are concyclic (or collinear) iff

* 3 2 3 4
1 2 1 4
:
z z z z
k
z z z z

= e9


Value Addition: Remark
1) The points
1 2 3 4
, , , M M M M are collinear iff

Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 19


* * 3 2 3 4
1 2 1 4
z z z z
and
z z z z

e9 e9


2) The points
1 2 3 4
, , , M M M M are concyclic iff

* 3 2 3 4
1 2 1 4
:
z z z z
k
z z z z

= e9


But
3 2 3 4
1 2 1 4
,
z z z z
z z z z

e9 e9



Example10: If
1 2 3 4
( ), ( 1 2 ), ( 2 ) (1 2 ) M z i M i M i andM i + +

be geometric images
Check whether
1 2
M M
3 4
M M or not?
Solution:
1 2
3 4
,
z z
i hence
z z

1 2
M M
3 4
M M .
Example11: Let
1 2 3
, , z z z be the co-ordinates of vertices of A,B,C of a
triangle. If
1 1 2
w z z =

and
2 3 1
w z z = . Prove that 90 A Z =

iff Re(
1 2
w w ) = 0.
Solution: 90 A Z = => BA CA

2 1 1 1 1 2
1 2 2
3 1 2 2
2
( ) 0 ( ) 0 ( ) 0
z z w w w w
i i e e e w w
z z w w
w

e 9 e 99 = 9 = 9 =

Example12:
1 2 3 4
(1), ( ), ( 1) ( ) M M i M and M i are concyclic
as
*
1 1
: 1 ,
1 1
i i
k
i i
+
= = e9
+

Also
1 1
1 1
i i
and
i i
+
e9 e9
+


Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 20

Example 13:
1 2 3 4
(2 ), (3 2 ), ( 1 2 ) ( 2 3 ) M i M i M i and M i + + are collinear
as
*
4 4 1
: 1
1 4 4
i i
k
i i
+
= = e9
+

3.6. Similar triangles:
Let
1 1 2 2 3 3 1 1 2 2 3 3
( ), ( ), ( ), ( ), ( ) ( ) A a A a A a B b B b and B b be six points in the complex plane.
Triangle
1 2 3
A A A and
1 2 3
B B B are similar if the angle at
k
A is equal to the angle
at
k
B , {1, 2,3} k e .
3.6.1. Condition for Similarity:
1. The triangle
1 2 3
A A A and
1 2 3
B B B are similar, having the same
orientation iff
2 1 2 1
3 1 3 1
a a b b
a a b b

=


2. Condition (1) is equivalent to
1 2 3
1 2 3
1 1 1
0 a a a
b b b
| |
|
=
|
|
\ .
.
3. The triangle
1 2 3
A A A and
1 2 3
B B B are similar, having the opposite
orientation iff
2 1 2 1
3 1 3 1
a a b b
a a b b

=

.
3.6.2 Equilateral triangles:
Proposition (I): Suppose
1 2 3
, z z and z are coordinates of the vertices of the
triangle
1 2 3
A A A .Then following statements are equivalent,
(a)
1 2 3
A A A is an equilateral triangle
(b)
2 2 2
1 2 3 1 2 2 3 3 1
. z z z z z z z z z + + = + +
(c)
3 2 2 1
3 1 1 2
.
z z z z
z z z z

=


(d)
1 2 3
1 2 3
1 1 1
0. ( ).
3
z z z
where z
z z z z z z
+ +
+ + = =



Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 21

(e)
2 2
1 2 3 1 2 3
2 2
( )( ) 0, ( cos sin ).
3 3
z z z z z z where i
t t
c c c c c + + + + = = +

(f)
1 2 3
2 3 1
1 1 1
0. z z z
z z z
| |
|
=
|
|
\ .

Proof : (a)Let
1 2 3
A A A is an equilateral triangle

3
2 1 3 2
3
3 1 1 2
( ) ....( )
( ) ....( )
i
i
z z e z z i
z z e z z ii
t
t
=
=

(since
2 1
z z and
3 1
z z can be obtained from
3 2
z z and
1 2
z z by rotation of
an angle
3
t
respectively)
Dividing (i) by (ii) we have

3 2 2 1
3 1 1 2
.
z z z z
z z z z

=


(c) Proved.
(f)
1 2 3
2 3 1
1 1 1
z z z
z z z
| |
|
|
|
\ .
=
1 2 1 3 1
2 3 2 1 2
1 0 0
z z z z z
z z z z z
| |
|

|
|

\ .

After solving this determinant we get

3 2 2 1
3 1 1 2
.
z z z z
z z z z

=


(c)Proved.

2 2 2
2 1 2 1 1 2 3 3 2 1 3 1 2
, z z z z z z z z z z z z z + = +

2 2 2
1 2 3 2 1 3 2 1 3
. z z z z z z z z z + + = + +

(b) Proved.

Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 22

(e)L.H.S =
2 2
1 2 3 1 2 3
( )( ) z z z z z z c c c c + + + + =
2 2 2 2 2 2
1 2 3 2 1 3 2 1 3
( ) ( ) ( ), z z z z z z z z z c c c c c c + + + + + + + +
=
2 2 2
1 2 3 2 1 3 2 1 3
( 1) ( 1) ( 1), z z z z z z z z z + + + + +
=
2 2 2
1 2 3 2 1 3 2 1 3
, z z z z z z z z z + +
L.H.S = 0
2 2 2
1 2 3 2 1 3 2 1 3
. z z z z z z z z z + + = + +
(b) (converse is also true) Proved.
At last we shall prove (d) (b)

1 2 3
2 3 1 3 1 2
1 2 3
2
1 2 3 1 2 2 3 3 1
1 1 1
0,
( )( ) ( )( ) ( )( )
0,
( )( )( )
3 (2 2 2 ) 0,
z z z z z z
z z z z z z z z z z z z
z z z z z z
z z z z z z z z z z z
+ + =

+ +
=

+ + + + + =


2
1 2 2 3 3 1 1 2 3
3 .2.3 0( 3 ), z z z z z z z z z z z z z + + + = = + +

2
1 2 2 3 3 1
3 0, z z z z z z z + + + =

2
1 2 2 3 3 1
2
1 2 3
1 2 2 3 3 1
2 2 2
1 2 3 1 2 2 3 3 1 1 2 2 3 3 1
2 2 2
1 2 3 1 2 2 3 3 1
3 ,
( )
3 ,
9
2( ) 3 3 3 ,
.
z z z z z z z
z z z
z z z z z z
z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z
z z z z z z z z z
= + +
+ +
= + +
+ + + + + = + +
+ + = + +


Proposition 2: Suppose
1, 2, 3,
z z z are co-ordinates of the vertices of the
positively oriented triangle
1 2 3
A A A .Then following statements are equivalent,
(a)
1 2 3
A A A is an equilateral triangle,
(b)
3 1 2 1
( ) z z z z c = where cos sin
3 3
i
t t
c = + ,
(c)
2 1 3 1
( ) z z z z c = where
5 5
cos sin
3 3
i
t t
c = + ,

Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 23

(d)
2
1 2 3
0 z z z c c + + = where
2 2
cos sin
3 3
i
t t
c = + ,
Proof : (a) (b)

1 2 3
A A A is an equilateral triangle and positively oriented iff
3
A is
obtained from
2
A by rotating about
1
A through an angle of
3
t
.

3 1 2 1
( ) z z z z c = .where cos sin
3 3
i
t t
c = + .
(a)(c)

1 2 3
A A A is an equilateral triangle and positively oriented
iff
3
A is obtained from
2
A by rotating about
1
A through an angle of
5
3
t
.

3 1 2 1
( ) z z z z c = .where
5 5
cos sin
3 3
i
t t
c = + .
(a) (d)

1 2 3
A A A is an equilateral triangle.

3 2 2 1
3 2 2 1
3 2 1
2
3 2 1
2
3 2 1
( )
0
(1 ) 0
( ) 0
0.
z z z z
z z z z
z z z
z z z
z z z
c
c c
c c
c c
c c
=
+ =
+ + =
+ =
+ + =
where
2 2
cos sin
3 3
i
t t
c = +
Proposition 3: Suppose
1, 2, 3,
z z z are co-ordinates of the vertices of the
negatively oriented triangle
1 2 3
A A A .Then following statements are equivalent,
(a)
1 2 3
A A A is an equilateral triangle,
(b)
3 1 2 1
( ) z z z z c = where cos sin
3 3
i
t t
c = + ,
(c)
2 1 3 1
( ) z z z z c = where
5 5
cos sin
3 3
i
t t
c = + ,
(d)
2
1 2 3
0 z z z c c + + = where
2 2
cos sin
3 3
i
t t
c = + ,

Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 24

Proof:
1 2 3
A A A is an equilateral triangle and negatively oriented iff
1 3 2
A A A is
an equilateral triangle andpositively oriented. By using the proposition 2 we
can prove it.
Proposition 4: Suppose
1, 2, 3,
z z z are co-ordinates of the vertices of the
equilateral triangle
1 2 3
A A A .Consider the statements :
(1)
1 2 3
A A A is an equilateral triangle,
(2)
1 2 2 3 3 1
, z z z z z z = =
(3)
2 2
1 2 3 2 1 3
, . z z z and z z z = =
Then (2)(1),(3)(1) and (2) (3).
Proof: (2)(1) Taking the modulus of the terms in the given relation

1 2 2 3 3 1
1 2 2 3 3 1
,
,
z z z z z z
z z z z z z
= =
= =


1 2 3
2
2
1
2
1 1
2 2 2
1 2 3
1 2 3
, ( )
,
,
, , ,
z z z r say
z r
z z r
r r r
z similarly z z
z z z
= = =
=
=
= = =

Substituting in the given relation (2) we have,

1 2 2 3 2 3 3 1
2 2 2 2
1 2 2 3
2 3 3 1
3 1 2 2
2 3 3 1
3 1 2
2 3 1
,
, ,
, ,
,
z z z z z z z z
r r r r
z z z z
z z z z
z z z z
z z z z
z z z
z z z
= =
= =
= =
= =


2 2 2
1 2 3 2 1 3 3 1 2
2 2 2
1 2 3 2 3 1 3 1 2
, ,
,
z z z z z z and z z z
z z z z z z z z z
= = =
+ + = + +


Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 25

By proposition 1 we can say that
1 2 3
A A A is an equilateral triangle. Thus we
have shown that (2) (3) ,(2) (1).Also the argument for (2) (3) are
reversible. So (2) (3) .Proved.
Example14: Suppose
1, 2, 3,
z z z are co-ordinates of the vertices of the triangle
1 2 3
A A A .If
1 2 3
z z z = =

and
1 2 3
0 z z z + + = .Prove that triangle
1 2 3
A A A is an
equilateral.
Solution: Given

+ + =
+ + =
+ + =
2 3
1 2 3
1 2 3
1
z z z 0
z z z 0
z z z 0 .....(*)

Also let
1 2 3
z z z r = = = (say)

= = =
= = =
2 2 2
2 2 2
1 2 3
2 2 2
1 1 2 2 3 3
z r z r z r ,
z z r z z r z z r ,

= = =
2 2 2
1 2 3
1 2 3
r r r
z z z
z z z

Substituting in (*) we have

2 2 2
1 2 3
1 2 3
2 3 1 3 1 2
1 2 3
2 3 1 3 1 2
0,
1 1 1
0,
0
0
r r r
z z z
z z z
z z z z z z
z z z
z z z z z z
+ + =
+ + =
+ +
=
+ + =


2 2 2 2
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 2 3 3 1
2 2 2
1 2 3
( ) 2( )
0
z z z z z z z z z z z z
z z z
+ + = + + + + +
= + +

Thus
2 2 2
1 2 3 1 2 2 3 3 1
0 z z z z z z z z z + + = + + =
Hence by proposition 1,
1 2 3
A A A is an equilateral triangle.
3.7. Some analytical geometry in complex plane:
3.7.1. Equation of a line:

Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 26

Equation of a line in the complex plane is 0 + + = z z o o | where o is a non-
zero complex number and| .
The equation of line in Cartesian plane 0 Ax By C + + = where A,B,C and

2 2
0 A B + .Set
2 2
z z z z
z x iythen x y
i
+ -
= + = =
Substituting the value of x and y in we have

( ) ( ) 0
2 2
( ) ( ) 0
2 2
z z z z
A B C
i
z z z z
A Bi C
+ -
+ + =
+ -
- + =

( ) ( ) 0
2 2
A Bi A Bi
z z C
+ -
+ + =


,
2
A Bi
let C o |
-
= =
Then 0 + + = z z o o |
Also angular coefficient
+
= =

A
i
B
o o
o o
.
Proposition 5: Let us consider two lines as

1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2
: 0 : 0 d z z and d z z o o | o o | + + = + + =
Then the lines
1 2
d and d are
(a) parallel iff
1 2
1 2
.
o o
o o
=
(b) perpendicular iff
1 2
1 2
0.
o o
o o
+ =
(c) concurrent iff
1 2
1 2
.
o o
o o


Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 27

Solution:(a)
1 2
d and d are parallel if

1 2
1 1 2 2
1 1 2 2
1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
1 2 1 2
1 2
1 2
,
( )( ) ( )( ),
,
2 2 ,
.
m m
i i
o o o o
o o o o
o o o o o o o o
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
o o o o
o o
o o
=
+ +
=
- -
+ - = - +
- + - = + - +
=
=

(b)
1 2
d and d are perpendicular if
1 2
1 mm = -

1 1 2 2
1 1 2 2
1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
( )( ) 1
( )( ) ( )( ),
,
i i
o o o o
o o o o
o o o o o o o o
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
+ +
= -
- -
+ + = - -
+ + + = - - +



1 2 1 2
1 2
1 2
0,
0.
o o o o
o o
o o
+ =
+ =

(c)
1 2
d and d are concurrent iff
1 2
m m and by (a)
1 2
1 2
.
o o
o o
Proved.
Value Addition: Note
(a) Equation of a line determined by two points
1 1 2 2
( ) ( ) P z and P z is
1 1
2 2
3 3
1
1 0.
1
z z
z z
z z





=







Hint: Equation of a line determined by two points
1 1, 1 2 2, 2
( ) ( ) P x y and P x y in

Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 28

Cartesian plane is given as
1 1
2 2
1
1 0.
1
x y
x y
x y




=






take
1 1 1 2 2 2
, . z x iy z x iy and z x iy = + = + = +
(b) The area of triangle
1 2 3
A A A whose vertices have coordinates
1, 2, 3,
z z z is equal
to the absolute value of the number
1 1
2 2
3 3
1
1
4
1
z z
i
z z
z z












Hint: In Cartesian coordinates the area of the triangle with vertices
1, 1 2, 2 2, 2
( ), ( ), ( ) x y x y x y is equal to the absolute value of the determinant
1 1
2 2
1
1
1 .
2
1
x y
x y
x y











3.7.2. Equation of a line determined by a point and a direction:
Proposition 6: Let : 0 + + = d z z o o | be a line and let
0 0
( ) P z be a point. The
equation of a line parallel to the line d and passing through the point
0
P is

0 0
( ). z z z z
o
o
- = - -
Proof: Hint (Equation of line parallel to the line d passing through the point
0 0 0
( , ) P x y is

0 0
( ). y y i x x
o o
o o
+
- = -
-
(Using Cartesian coordinates)

Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 29

Put
0 0 0 0
0 0
, , ,
2 2 2 2
z z z z z z z z
y y x x
i i
- + - +
= = = = and simplify it).
Proposition 7: Let : 0 + + = d z z o o | be a line and let
0 0
( ) P z be a point. The
equation of a line perpendicular to the line d and passing through the point
0
P is

0 0
( ). z z z z
o
o
- = -
Proof: Hint (Equation of line perpendicular to the line d passing through the
point
0 0 0
( , ) P x y is

0 0
1
( ). y y x x
i
o o
o o
-
- = - -
+
(Using Cartesian coordinates)
Put
0 0 0 0
0 0
, , ,
2 2 2 2
z z z z z z z z
y y x x
i i
- + - +
= = = = and simplify it).


3.7.3. The foot of a perpendicular from a point to a line:
Proposition 8: Let : 0 + + = d z z o o | be a line and let
0 0
( ) P z be a point. The
foot of the perpendicular from
0
P to the line d has the coordinate

0 0
.
2

=
z z
z
o o |
o

Proof: Hint: The point z is the solution of the equations

0 0
0
( ) ( )
+ + =
=
z z
z z z z
o o |
o
o


Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 30

3.7.4. Distance from a point to a line:
Proposition 9: The distance from a point
0 0
( ) P z to the line
: 0 + + = d z z o o | where o is a complex number, is equal to

0
.
2
z z
D
o o |
oo
+ +
=
Proof:(Hint) By using the previous proposition we have

0 0
0
2
z z
D z
o o |
o
+ +
= -
(It can be simplified to above form easily).
3.7.5. Equation of a circle:
Consider a fixed complex number
0
z and let z be any complex number which
moves in such a way that its distance from
0
z is always equals to ' ' r .Thus
z lies on a circle whose centre is
0
z and radius ' ' r . Its equation is

0
z z r - = .
Squaring both sides we have

2
2
0
2
0 0
2
0 0
2
0 0 0 0
( )( ) 0,
( )( ) 0,
( ) 0,
z z r
z z z z r
z z z z r
zz zz z z z z r
- =
- - - =
- - - =
- - + - =

Taking
2
0 0 0
, z z z r o | = - - = we have

0 zz z z o o | + + + = (Centre is o - and radius is
2
o | - .

Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 31

Example15: Find the centre and radius of the circle (1 ) (1 ) 7 0 zz i z i z + - + + - = .
Solution: Given equation can be rewritten as

(1 ) (1 ) 7 0 zz i z i z + + + + - =
Here 1 , 7 i o | = + = - , so centre is at o -

i.e. 1 i - - and radius is
2
o | -
i.e.,
2
1 7 2 7 3 i + + = + = .
Summary:
In this unit we covered the following points.
1. The complex number z = x +iy can be written as
(cos sin ) ( , ) 0 z x iy r i r r u u u = + = + = > . which is known as polar form of complex
number.
2 2
r x y z = + = , and u =
1
tan ( / ) y x

where u is called argument of z and is expressed as arg(z).
The value of u which satisfies t u t s s is called the principal value of u or
the principal argument of z.
2. For (cos sin ) z r i u u = +

and n N e ,We have

(cos sin )
n n
z r n i n u u = +
3. Geometric images of nth roots of a complex number
0
z = 0 are the
vertices of a regular n-gon inscribed in a circle with center at origin and
radius
n
r
.
The cube roots of unity form an equilateral triangle inscribed in
the circle (0,1) C .

Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 32

4. The points
1 2 3
, , M M M are collinear iff
* 3 1
2 1
z z
z z

e9

where,
*
9 - the set of non-
zero real numbers.
The lines
1 2
M M and
3 4
M M are orthogonal iff
* 1 2
3 4
z z
i
z z

e 9

.
The distinct points
1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4
( ), ( ), ( ), ( ) M z M z M z M z are concyclic (or collinear) iff

* 3 2 3 4
1 2 1 4
:
z z z z
k
z z z z

= e9


5. The triangle
1 2 3
A A A and
1 2 3
B B B are similar, having the same orientation iff
1 2 3
1 2 3
1 1 1
0 a a a
b b b
| |
|
=
|
|
\ .
. The triangle
1 2 3
A A A and
1 2 3
B B B are similar, having the
opposite orientation iff
2 1 2 1
3 1 3 1
a a b b
a a b b

=

.
6. If
1 2 3
A A A is an equilateral triangle

2 2 2
1 2 3 1 2 2 3 3 1
. z z z z z z z z z + + = + +
Or
3 2 2 1
3 1 1 2
.
z z z z
z z z z

=


Or
1 2 3
1 2 3
1 1 1
0. ( ).
3
z z z
where z
z z z z z z
+ +
+ + = =


Or
2 2
1 2 3 1 2 3
2 2
( )( ) 0, ( cos sin ).
3 3
z z z z z z where i
t t
c c c c c + + + + = = +

Or
1 2 3
2 3 1
1 1 1
0. z z z
z z z
| |
|
=
|
|
\ .


Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 33

7. Two lines
1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2
: 0 : 0 d z z and d z z o o | o o | + + = + + = are
Parallel iff
1 2
1 2
o o
o o
=

, perpendicular iff
1 2
1 2
0
o o
o o
+ =

and concurrent iff
1 2
1 2
.
o o
o o

8. Equation of a line determined by two points
1 1 2 2
( ) ( ) P z and P z is

1 1
2 2
3 3
1
1 0.
1
z z
z z
z z





=







9. The area of triangle
1 2 3
A A A whose vertices have coordinates
1, 2, 3,
z z z is equal
to the absolute value of the number

1 1
2 2
3 3
1
1
4
1
z z
i
z z
z z












10. Let : 0 + + = d z z o o | be a line and let
0 0
( ) P z be a point. The equation of a
line parallel to the line d and passing through the point
0
P

is

0 0
( ). z z z z
o
o
- = - -
11. Let : 0 + + = d z z o o | be a line and let
0 0
( ) P z be a point. The foot of the
perpendicular from
0
P to the line d has the coordinate

0 0
.
2

=
z z
z
o o |
o

12. The equation of circle in complex plane 0 zz z z o o | + + + = (Centre is
o - and radius is
2
o | - .
Exercises:

Complex Numbers and their Properties
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 34

(1): Find the cube roots of the complex number 2 2i + .
(2): Find the forth roots of the complex number 3 i + .Also find its fifth,
sixth, seventh roots.
(3): Solve the equations
(a)
3
125 0 z - = (b)
3
64 0 z i + = (c)
6 3
1 0 z iz i + + - =
(4): Find arg z and z

for (1 3) (1 3)
n n
z i i = + + - .
(5): Compute
1 1
, 3
n
n
z if z
z z
+ + = .
References:
1. TituAndreescu and DorinAndrica, Complex Numbers from
A to ..Z,
2. Jain Iyenger Jain : Advanced Engineering Mathematics
3. Murray Spiegal and Seymour Lipschutz ,Schaum's outline
of complex variables
4. Liang-shin hann, Complex numbers and geometry