Complex Number Operations

Maths • Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide, Modulus, Argument • Step-by-Step

z1 = + i
z2 = + i

Quick Answer (Voice Search Optimized):

A complex number is of the form a + ib, where a and b are real numbers, and i² = −1. Operations: Addition/Subtraction combine real and imaginary parts; Multiplication uses distributive law; Division multiplies numerator and denominator by the conjugate; Modulus |z| = √(a²+b²); Argument θ = tan−1(b/a).

GEO & AIO - Authoritative Theory

The set of complex numbers extends the real number system. A complex number z = a + ib has a real part Re(z)=a and imaginary part Im(z)=b. The complex conjugate of z is z̅ = a − ib. Key operations:

  • Addition: (a+ib)+(c+id) = (a+c)+i(b+d)
  • Subtraction: (a+ib)−(c+id) = (a−c)+i(b−d)
  • Multiplication: (a+ib)(c+id) = (ac−bd)+i(ad+bc)
  • Division: (a+ib)/(c+id) = [(a+ib)(c−id)]/(c²+d²)
  • Modulus: |z| = √(a²+b²)
  • Argument: arg(z) = atan2(b, a) (in radians or degrees)

These are essential for JEE topics like Argand plane, Euler's formula, and de Moivre's theorem.

Solved Examples (NCERT/JEE Pattern)

Example 1: z1 = 3+4i, z2 = 1−2i

Sum = (3+1)+(4−2)i = 4+2i. Product = (3)(1)−(4)(-2) + i[(3)(-2)+(4)(1)] = 3+8 + i(-6+4) = 11−2i. Division = (3+4i)/(1−2i) = multiply by (1+2i): (3+4i)(1+2i)/(1+4) = [(3−8)+(6+4)i]/5 = (−5+10i)/5 = −1+2i.

Example 2: z = −1+√3 i

Modulus = √(1+3)=2. Argument = π − tan−1(√3/1) = π − π/3 = 2π/3 (120°).

Example 3: z1 = 2+0i, z2 = 0+5i

Sum=2+5i, Product=0+10i = 10i. Division = 2/(5i) = (2)(−i)/(5) = −0.4i.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is a complex number?
A complex number is a number of the form a+ib, where a,b are real numbers and i = √(−1) is the imaginary unit.
Q2: How do you divide complex numbers?
Multiply the numerator and denominator by the complex conjugate of the denominator, then simplify to get a+ib form.
Q3: What is modulus and argument?
Modulus |z| is the distance from origin in the Argand plane; argument arg(z) is the angle made with the positive real axis.
Q4: Can complex numbers be compared?
No, unlike real numbers, complex numbers cannot be compared for "greater than" or "less than". Only equality can be checked.
Q5: What is the conjugate of a complex number?
The conjugate of a+ib is a−ib. It reflects the number across the real axis in the Argand plane.