Back to homeMathematics · Algebra 2 · Change subject
Start for free
Algebra 2 · Mathematics
Complex Numbers · Complex Numbers

Operations with Complex Numbers in Cartesian Form

Before you start, make sure you know: Operations with polynomials (Algebra 1)
Before you start, make sure you know: Quadratic equations (Algebra 1)

In a 2D video game, a character stands at the point $3 + i$ on the complex plane. The game engine multiplies that number by $i$. Where does the character land? You already know what a complex number $a + bi$ is. Now it's time to compute with them. The good news: there are almost no new rules. Treat $a + bi$ like a binomial from Algebra 1 and remember one extra fact, $i^2 = -1$.

Adding and subtracting: real with real, imaginary with imaginary

Adding complex numbers is just combining like terms. The real parts are like terms, and the $i$-terms are like terms.

Step-by-step computation of a combined addition and subtraction of complex numbers by grouping real and imaginary parts. (3−4i) − (−1+2i) + 5i = (3+1+0) + (−4−2+5)i = 4 − i

Drag the point to see its real part (horizontal) and imaginary part (vertical). Adding complex numbers adds the horizontal and vertical moves separately.

Practice★☆☆Not started
Perform the following addition and subtraction operations with complex numbers: given $z_1 = 3 - 4i$, $z_2 = -1 + 2i$ and $z_3 = 5i$, calculate in Cartesian form the…

Perform the following addition and subtraction operations with complex numbers: given $z_1 = 3 - 4i$, $z_2 = -1 + 2i$ and $z_3 = 5i$, calculate in Cartesian form the result of the expression $z_1 - z_2 + z_3$.

Solve

Multiplying: like binomials, then $i^2 = -1$

Multiply two complex numbers with FOIL (or the distributive property), exactly as you multiplied binomials in Algebra 1. The only extra step is replacing $i^2$ with $-1$ at the end.

Area diagram splitting the product (a+bi)(c+di) into four pieces, showing that bdi² becomes the real number −bd. ac adi bci bdi² = −bd Four products; i · i turns into the real number −1

If a power such as $(1 - i)^4$ shows up, square twice: find $(1 - i)^2$ first, then square that result.

Practice★☆☆Not started
Multiply the following complex numbers expressed in Cartesian form and simplify the result by grouping the real part and the imaginary part: $(2 + 5i)(-3 + i)$.

Multiply the following complex numbers expressed in Cartesian form and simplify the result by grouping the real part and the imaginary part: $(2 + 5i)(-3 + i)$.

Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
Expand and simplify the expression $(1 - i)^4$ operating exclusively in Cartesian form. You can use the binomial expansion or apply properties of powers $( (1-i)^2 )^2$.

Expand and simplify the expression $(1 - i)^4$ operating exclusively in Cartesian form. You can use the binomial expansion or apply properties of powers $( (1-i)^2 )^2$.

Solve

Powers of $i$: a cycle of four

Compute the first few powers of $i$: $i^1 = i$, $i^2 = -1$, $i^3 = i^2 \cdot i = -i$, $i^4 = i^2 \cdot i^2 = 1$. Then $i^5 = i^4 \cdot i = i$, and the pattern starts over. Each multiplication by $i$ turns a point a quarter turn ($90^\circ$) counterclockwise around the origin, so four of them make a full circle.

The powers of i cycle through 1, i, −1, −i on the complex plane, one quarter turn at a time. 1 (i⁰, i⁴) i (i¹) −1 (i²) −i (i³) Each ×i is a quarter turn
Practice★☆☆Not started
Simplify the following powers of the imaginary unit $i$ by applying the periodicity of its values: $i^{45}$ $i^{102}$ $i^{2024}$ $i^{-13}$

Simplify the following powers of the imaginary unit $i$ by applying the periodicity of its values:

  • $i^{45}$

  • $i^{102}$

  • $i^{2024}$

  • $i^{-13}$

Solve

Conjugates and the modulus

Before dividing, you need the conjugate. The conjugate of $z = a + bi$ is $\bar{z} = a - bi$: same real part, opposite imaginary part. Don't confuse it with the opposite $-z = -a - bi$, which changes both signs.

The complex number 3+2i, its conjugate 3−2i (a reflection across the real axis), and its opposite −3−2i (a reflection through the origin). Re Im z = 3+2i z̄ = 3−2i −z = −3−2i

The conjugate is the mirror image of $z$ across the real axis. Multiplying a complex number by its conjugate gives something special:

Conjugates also play nicely with the operations: $\overline{z + w} = \bar{z} + \bar{w}$ and $\overline{z \cdot w} = \bar{z} \cdot \bar{w}$. To prove an identity like this, write $z = a + bi$ and $w = c + di$, then compute each side and compare.

Practice★☆☆Not started
Given the complex number $z = -7 + 8i$, determine its conjugate $\bar{z}$ and its opposite $-z$. Then, perform the operation $z + \bar{z}$ and check algebraically that…

Given the complex number $z = -7 + 8i$, determine its conjugate $\bar{z}$ and its opposite $-z$. Then, perform the operation $z + \bar{z}$ and check algebraically that the result is a real number.

Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
In a simplified mathematical model of quantum mechanics, the state of a particle is described by the probability amplitude…

In a simplified mathematical model of quantum mechanics, the state of a particle is described by the probability amplitude $\psi = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}i$. Check if this state satisfies the normalization condition, which requires that the product of the complex number and its conjugate is exactly unity ($\psi \cdot \bar{\psi} = 1$).

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Prove algebraically, defining the complex numbers in Cartesian form as $z = a + bi$ and $w = c + di$, that the conjugate of the product of two complex numbers is…

Prove algebraically, defining the complex numbers in Cartesian form as $z = a + bi$ and $w = c + di$, that the conjugate of the product of two complex numbers is identical to the product of their respective conjugates. That is, prove step by step that $\overline{z \cdot w} = \overline{z} \cdot \overline{w}$.

Solve

Dividing: multiply by the conjugate of the denominator

How do you divide by $2 - i$? You can't "simplify" an $i$ sitting in the denominator. You already solved this kind of problem when you rationalized a denominator with a radical: multiply the top and bottom by the conjugate so the denominator becomes a plain real number.

Dividing complex numbers by multiplying numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator, so the denominator becomes real. 5+i 2−i · 2+i 2+i = 9+7i 5 (2−i)(2+i) = 2² − i² = 4 + 1 = 5 (always real)

For combined operations, follow the order of operations. Take $\dfrac{(2 + i)(3 - i)}{1 + i} - (2 - i)$. First, $(2 + i)(3 - i) = 6 - 2i + 3i - i^2 = 7 + i$. Then $\dfrac{7 + i}{1 + i} = \dfrac{(7 + i)(1 - i)}{2} = \dfrac{8 - 6i}{2} = 4 - 3i$. Finally, $(4 - 3i) - (2 - i) = 2 - 2i$.

Practice★☆☆Not started
Perform the following division of complex numbers by multiplying the numerator and the denominator by the conjugate of the denominator. Express the final result in the…

Perform the following division of complex numbers by multiplying the numerator and the denominator by the conjugate of the denominator. Express the final result in the form $a + bi$:

$\frac{4 - 3i}{1 + 2i}$

Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
Perform the combined operations indicated below, respecting the order of operations, and express the final result in Cartesian form:…

Perform the combined operations indicated below, respecting the order of operations, and express the final result in Cartesian form:

$\frac{(3 - i)(1 + 2i)}{2 + i} - (1 - 3i)$

Solve

Quadratic equations and polynomials with complex numbers

In Algebra 1 you said "no real solution" when the discriminant $b^2 - 4ac$ was negative. With complex numbers, every quadratic has solutions. For a negative number $n$, $\sqrt{-n} = i\sqrt{n}$.

A parabola that never touches the x-axis, next to its two complex conjugate solutions plotted on the complex plane. no x-intercepts: no real solutions Re Im 2+3i 2−3i

For an equation with no middle term, such as $x^2 + 9 = 0$, isolate $x^2$: $x^2 = -9$, so $x = \pm\sqrt{-9} = \pm 3i$.

To evaluate a polynomial at a complex number, substitute and simplify with the rules above. For $P(z) = z^2 + 2z + 3$ at $z = -1 + i$: $(-1 + i)^2 = -2i$, then $2(-1 + i) = -2 + 2i$, so $P = -2i - 2 + 2i + 3 = 1$. If the value had been $0$, then $-1 + i$ would be a root.

Control engineers use this idea: a system is stable when all the roots of its characteristic polynomial have negative real parts. Some exercises on this page ask for that conclusion once you've found the roots.

Practice★☆☆Not started
Solve the following quadratic equation in the set of complex numbers $\mathbb{C}$ and express its two solutions: $x^2 + 25 = 0$

Solve the following quadratic equation in the set of complex numbers $\mathbb{C}$ and express its two solutions:

$x^2 + 25 = 0$

Solve
Practice★☆☆Not started
Calculate the numerical value of the polynomial $P(z) = z^2 - 4z + 5$ when it is evaluated at the complex number $z = 2 + i$.

Calculate the numerical value of the polynomial $P(z) = z^2 - 4z + 5$ when it is evaluated at the complex number $z = 2 + i$.

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
In dynamic systems control theory, a system is considered stable if all the roots of its characteristic polynomial have a negative real part. Given the characteristic…

In dynamic systems control theory, a system is considered stable if all the roots of its characteristic polynomial have a negative real part. Given the characteristic equation $z^3 - 4z^2 + 6z - 4 = 0$:

  1. Check by substituting algebraically if $z_1 = 1 + i$ is a solution to the equation.

  2. Knowing that polynomials with real coefficients have complex conjugate roots, find the other two solutions to the equation.

  3. Conclude whether the described system is stable or unstable.

Solve

Equal complex numbers and unknown parameters

A complex number has only one real part and one imaginary part. So two complex numbers are equal only if both parts match.

This turns one equation with complex numbers into two equations with real numbers. That's the key to every "find $x$ so that…" problem.

Practice★☆☆Not started
Determine the values of the real numbers $x$ and $y$ so that the following equality between complex numbers is satisfied: $(x + 2) + (y - 3)i = 5 + 4i$

Determine the values of the real numbers $x$ and $y$ so that the following equality between complex numbers is satisfied:

$(x + 2) + (y - 3)i = 5 + 4i$

Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
Determine the value of the real parameter $k$ so that the result of the following quotient is a purely real number (that is, its imaginary part is zero):…

Determine the value of the real parameter $k$ so that the result of the following quotient is a purely real number (that is, its imaginary part is zero):

$\frac{k + 2i}{3 - 4i}$

Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
Find the value of the real number $x$ so that the product of the complex numbers $(x - 3i)$ and $(2 + 5i)$ results in a purely imaginary number (that is, with a real…

Find the value of the real number $x$ so that the product of the complex numbers $(x - 3i)$ and $(2 + 5i)$ results in a purely imaginary number (that is, with a real part equal to zero).

Solve

Applications: circuits, games, and fluids

Complex numbers are not just a puzzle. Electrical engineers describe a circuit component by its impedance $Z = R + Xi$ (in ohms, $\Omega$), where $R$ is the resistance and $X$ is the reactance. Two components in parallel combine as $Z_{eq} = \dfrac{Z_1 Z_2}{Z_1 + Z_2}$. Computer graphics treats the screen as the complex plane: multiplying by $i$ rotates a point $90^\circ$ counterclockwise about the origin, and adding a number slides it.

Practice★★☆Not started
In an alternating current electrical circuit, two components are connected in parallel. Their complex impedances are given by $Z_1 = 4 + 3i \ \Omega$ and…

In an alternating current electrical circuit, two components are connected in parallel. Their complex impedances are given by $Z_1 = 4 + 3i \ \Omega$ and $Z_2 = 2 - i \ \Omega$. Calculate the equivalent impedance of the circuit, expressed in Cartesian form, using the physical formula:

$Z_{eq} = \frac{Z_1 \cdot Z_2}{Z_1 + Z_2}$

Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
In the development of a 2D video game, the position of a character on the plane is represented by the complex number $z = 5 + 2i$. To apply a counterclockwise rotation…

In the development of a 2D video game, the position of a character on the plane is represented by the complex number $z = 5 + 2i$. To apply a counterclockwise rotation of $90^\circ$ with respect to the origin and, subsequently, a translation defined by the vector $(-1, 3)$, the graphics engine performs the operation $z' = z \cdot i + (-1 + 3i)$. Calculate the new position $z'$ of the character.

Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
In the study of the flow of ideal fluids around a cylindrical obstacle, the complex potential function is given by the expression $W(z) = V \cdot z + \frac{m}{z}$.…

In the study of the flow of ideal fluids around a cylindrical obstacle, the complex potential function is given by the expression $W(z) = V \cdot z + \frac{m}{z}$. Knowing that the fluid velocity is $V = 2$ and the parameter $m = 8$, evaluate the potential at the point $z = 2 + 2i$. Express the final result $W(2+2i)$ in the form $a + bi$.

Solve

Conditions on $z$ and loci

Sometimes the unknown is the number $z$ itself. Write $z = x + yi$ with $x$ and $y$ real, simplify, and turn the condition into an equation in $x$ and $y$. The set of all points $(x, y)$ that satisfy the condition is called a locus.

The unit circle x² + y² = 1 in the complex plane, with the points 1 and −1 drawn as open circles because they are excluded. 0 x² + y² = 1 open circles: 1 and −1 are excluded
Practice★★★Not started
Determine the equation of the locus of the points corresponding to the complex numbers $z = x + yi$ that satisfy the condition that the expression $\frac{z - 2}{z + i}$…

Determine the equation of the locus of the points corresponding to the complex numbers $z = x + yi$ that satisfy the condition that the expression $\frac{z - 2}{z + i}$ is a purely imaginary number.

Re(z) Im(z) C(1, −1/2) -i excluded 0
Solve

Solving equations for $z$

Equations in complex unknowns split into two real equations: the real parts must match and the imaginary parts must match. Linear systems can also be solved directly with elimination or substitution, treating complex numbers as coefficients.

Practice★★★Not started
Solve the following system of linear equations where the unknowns $z$ and $w$ are complex numbers. Express both solutions in Cartesian form:…

Solve the following system of linear equations where the unknowns $z$ and $w$ are complex numbers. Express both solutions in Cartesian form:

$\begin{cases} (1+i)z - w = 2 + i \\ 2z + (1-i)w = 3 - i \end{cases}$

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Find the complex numbers $z = x + yi$ that are square roots of the complex number $-5 + 12i$. To do this, set up the equation $(x + yi)^2 = -5 + 12i$, equate the real…

Find the complex numbers $z = x + yi$ that are square roots of the complex number $-5 + 12i$. To do this, set up the equation $(x + yi)^2 = -5 + 12i$, equate the real parts and the imaginary parts to form a non-linear system of equations, and solve it in $\mathbb{R}$.

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Find all complex numbers $z$ that satisfy the non-linear equation $z^2 + 3\bar{z} = 0$. Consider $z = x + yi$ and solve the resulting system by analysing the different…

Find all complex numbers $z$ that satisfy the non-linear equation $z^2 + 3\bar{z} = 0$. Consider $z = x + yi$ and solve the resulting system by analysing the different possible cases for $x$ and $y$.

Solve

Sums of powers and iteration

Complex arithmetic powers fractal algorithms. Two tools appear. First, the geometric series formula still works with a complex ratio $r \neq 1$: $\sum_{k=0}^{n-1} r^k = \dfrac{r^n - 1}{r - 1}$. Second, an iteration repeats a rule such as $z_{n+1} = z_n^2 + c$ from $z_0 = 0$ and watches the modulus $|z_n| = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2}$.

Practice★★★Not started
In a fractal generation algorithm, the position of each new node on the complex plane is calculated from the sum of consecutive powers. Calculate the position of the…

In a fractal generation algorithm, the position of each new node on the complex plane is calculated from the sum of consecutive powers. Calculate the position of the node given by the sum of the first 10 terms of the geometric progression:

$S = \sum_{k=0}^{9} (1+i)^k$

Apply the formula for the sum of the terms of a geometric progression and express the final result in Cartesian form.

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
In the study of fractals and the Mandelbrot set, the behavior of the iterative sequence defined by $z_{n+1} = z_n^2 + c$ is analysed, starting from the initial condition…

In the study of fractals and the Mandelbrot set, the behavior of the iterative sequence defined by $z_{n+1} = z_n^2 + c$ is analysed, starting from the initial condition $z_0 = 0$. For the complex constant $c = -1 + i$:

  1. Calculate the terms $z_1$, $z_2$ and $z_3$ operating in Cartesian form.

  2. Determine the modulus $|z_3|$ and check if it exceeds the escape threshold value (that is, if $|z_3| > 2$).

Solve

Summary

Back to the start: the character at $3 + i$ multiplied by $i$ lands at $3i + i^2 = -1 + 3i$, a quarter turn counterclockwise around the origin. Four such turns bring it back to where it began, because $i^4 = 1$.

See all the exercises in this section