2.

5 Operations With Complex

Numbers in Rectangular Form
The computer-generated image shown is called a
fractal. Fractals are used in many ways, such as
making realistic computer images for movies and
squeezing high definition television (HDTV)
signals into existing broadcast channels.
Meteorologists use fractals to study cloud shapes,
and seismologists use fractals to study earthquakes.
To understand how fractals are generated, we need
to extend our understanding of complex numbers.

I NVESTIGATE & I NQUIRE

1. Describe each step in the following addition.

(2 + 5x) + (4 − 3x) = 2 + 5x + 4 − 3x
= 2 + 4 + 5x − 3x
= 6 + 2x
2. a) Use the steps from question 1 to simplify (4 + 3i) + (7 − 2i).
b) Explain why the resulting complex number cannot be simplified further.
3. Describe each step in the following subtraction.
(5 − 2x) − (3 − 7x) = 5 − 2x − 3 + 7x
= 5 − 3 − 2x + 7x
= 2 + 5x
4. Use the steps from question 3 to simplify (3 − 6i) − (7 − 8i).
5. What are the results when the following operations are performed on the
complex numbers a + bi and c + di?
a) (a + bi) + (c + di) b) (a + bi) − (c + di)

6. Write a rule for adding or subtracting complex numbers.

7. Simplify.
a) (2 − 5i) + (5 − 4i) b) (3 + 2i) − (7 − i)
8. Describe each step in the following multiplication.
(2 + 3x)(1 − 4x) = 2 − 8x + 3x − 12x2
= 2 − 5x − 12x2
144 MHR • Chapter 2
 9. a) Use the steps from question 8 to simplify (3 + 4i)(2 − 5i).
b) Explain how you can simplify the final term in the resulting expression.
c) Write the expression in simplest form.
d) Write a rule for multiplying complex numbers.

10. Simplify.
a) (3 + i)(2 + 3i) b) (1 − 2i)(5 − 2i)

Recall that a complex number is a number in the form Imaginary

a + bi, where a is the real part and bi is the imaginary y
part. Because there are two parts, any complex number
a + bi
can be represented as an ordered pair (a, b). The ordered
pair can be graphed using rectangular axes on a plane b
called the complex plane. In the complex plane, the x-axis a
Real
is referred to as the real axis, and the y-axis is referred to x
as the imaginary axis.
A complex number in the form a + bi is said to be in rectangular form,
because the ordered pair (a, b) includes the rectangular coordinates of the
point a + bi in the complex plane.
To add or subtract complex numbers in rectangular form, combine like
terms, that is, combine the real parts and combine the imaginary parts.

EXAMPLE 1 Adding and Subtracting Complex Numbers

Simplify.
a) (6 − 3i) + (5 + i)
b) (2 − 3i) − (4 − 5i)

SOLUTION
a) (6 − 3i) + (5 + i) = 6 − 3i + 5 + i To perform the operations on a graphing calculator, change
the mode settings to the a + bi (rectangular) mode.
= 6 + 5 − 3i + i
= 11 − 2i
b) (2 − 3i) − (4 − 5i) = 2 − 3i − 4 + 5i
= 2 − 4 − 3i + 5i
= −2 + 2i

2.5 Operations With Complex Numbers in Rectangular Form • MHR 145

Complex numbers in rectangular form can be multiplied using the
distributive property.

EXAMPLE 2 Multiplying Complex Numbers

Simplify.
a) 2i(3 + 4i) b) (1 − 2i)(4 + 3i) c) (1 − 4i)2

SOLUTION
Use the distributive property.

a) 2i(3 + 4i) = 2i(3 + 4i) Remember to change the mode settings to the a + bi
= 6i + 8i2 (rectangular) mode.
= 6i + 8(−1)
= −8 + 6i

b) (1 − 2i)(4 + 3i) = (1 − 2i)(4 + 3i)

= 4 + 3i − 8i − 6i2
= 4 − 5i − 6i2
= 4 − 5i − 6(−1)
= 4 − 5i + 6
= 10 − 5i

c) (1 − 4i)2 = (1 − 4i)(1 − 4i)

= 1 − 4i − 4i + 16i2
= 1 − 8i + 16(−1)
= 1 − 8i − 16
= −15 − 8i

Since i is a radical, −1

, any fraction with i in the denominator is not in
simplest form. To simplify, rationalize the denominator.

EXAMPLE 3 Rationalizing the Denominator

5
Simplify .
2i

146 MHR • Chapter 2

SOLUTION
Multiply the numerator and the denominator by i.
This is the same as multiplying the fraction by 1.
5
5 5 i Note the use of brackets, because 5/2i means –i on the
 =  ×  calculator.
2
2i 2i i
5i
= 2
2i
5i
= 
2(−1)
5i
= 
−2
5i
= − 
2

Recall that binomials of the form ab + cd and ab − cd are known as
, complex numbers of the form a + bi
conjugates. Since i represents the radical −1
and a − bi are examples of conjugates and are known as complex conjugates.
To simplify a fraction with a binomial complex number in the denominator,
multiply the numerator and the denominator by the conjugate of the denominator.

EXAMPLE 4 Rationalizing Binomial Denominators

2 + 3i .
Simplify 
1 − 2i
SOLUTION
Multiply the numerator and the denominator by the conjugate of 1 − 2i,
which is 1 + 2i.
2 + 3i 2 + 3i 1 + 2i Use the Frac function to display the decimals as fractions.
 =  × 
1 − 2i 1 − 2i 1 + 2i 7
Note that 7/5i means – i on the calculator.
5
(2 + 3i)(1 + 2i)
= 
(1 − 2i)(1 + 2i)
2 + 4i + 3i + 6i2
= 2
1 + 2i − 2i − 4i
2 + 7i + 6(−1)
= 
1 − 4(−1)
2 + 7i − 6
= 
1+4
−4 + 7i
= 
5
2.5 Operations With Complex Numbers in Rectangular Form • MHR 147
EXAMPLE 5 Checking Imaginary Roots
Solve and check x2 − 4x + 6 = 0.

SOLUTION
Use the quadratic formula.
For x2 − 4x + 6 = 0, a = 1, b = −4, and c = 6.
−b ± bc − 4a
2
x = 
2a
−(−4) ± (−4)
 −)
4(1)(6
2
= 
2
4 ± 16
4 − 2
= 
2
4 ± −8

=
2
4 ± 2i2
=
2
= 2 ± i2
x = 2 + i2 or x = 2 − i2

Check.
For x = 2 + i2,
L.S. = x2 − 4x + 6 R.S. = 0
= (2 + i2 ) − 4(2 + i2 ) + 6
2

= (2 + i2 )(2 + i2 ) − 4(2 + i2 ) + 6

= 4 + 4i2 − 2 − 8 − 4i2 + 6
=0
L.S. = R.S.
For x = 2 − i2,
L.S. = x2 − 4x + 6 R.S. = 0
= (2 − i2 ) − 4(2 − i2 ) + 6
2

= (2 − i2 )(2 − i2 ) − 4(2 − i2 ) + 6

= 4 − 4i2 − 2 − 8 + 4i2 + 6
=0
L.S. = R.S.
The roots are 2 + i2 and 2 − i2.

148 MHR • Chapter 2

Functions that generate some fractals are in the form F = z2 + c, where c is
a complex number. Fractals are created by iteration, which means that the
function F is evaluated for some input value of z, and then the result is used
as the next input value, and so on.

We b C o n n e c t i o n
EXAMPLE 6 Fractals www.school.mcgrawhill.ca/resources/
Find the first three output values for F = z2 + 2i. To learn more about fractals, visit the above
web site. Go to Math Resources, then to
SOLUTION MATHEMATICS 11, to find out where to go
next. Summarize the various types of fractals.
F = z2 + 2i Then, make your own fractal and write
Use z = 0 as the first input value: F = 02 + 2i the rule that generates it.
= 2i
Use z = 2i as the second input value: F = (2i)2 + 2i
= 4i2 + 2i
= −4 + 2i
Use z = −4 + 2i as the third input value: F = (−4 + 2i)2 + 2i
= 16 − 16i + 4i2 + 2i
= 16 − 16i − 4 + 2i
= 12 − 14i
The first three output values are 2i, −4 + 2i, and 12 − 14i.

Key Concepts
• To add or subtract complex numbers, combine like terms.
• To multiply complex numbers, use the distributive property.
• To simplify a fraction with a pure imaginary number in the denominator,
multiply the numerator and the denominator by i.
• To simplify a fraction with a binomial complex number in the denominator,
multiply the numerator and the denominator by the conjugate of the
denominator.

Communicate Yo u r Understanding
1. Explain why the complex number 5 − 3i cannot be simplified.
2. Describe how you would simplify each of the following.
a) (3 − 2i) − (4 − 7i) b) (5 + 3i)(1 − 4i)
3 4
c)  d) 
4i 2 + 3i

2.5 Operations With Complex Numbers in Rectangular Form • MHR 149

Practise
A
1. Simplify. 4. Simplify.
a) (4 + 2i) + (3 − 4i) 3+i 2 − 2i 5 + 2i
a)  b)  c) 
b) (2 − 5i) + (1 − 6i) i i 2i
c) (3 − 2i) − (1 + 3i) 3 − 4i 4 + 3i
d)  e) − 
d) (6 − i) − (5 − 7i) –3i 2i
e) (4 + 6i) + (7i − 6)
5. Write the conjugate of each complex
f) (i − 8) + (4i − 3)
number.
g) (9i − 6) − (10i − 3)
a) 3 + 2i b) 7 − 3i
h) (3i + 11) − (6i − 13)
c) 5 − 4i d) 6 + 7i
i) 2(1 − 7i) + 3(4 − i)
j) −3(2i − 4) − (5 + 6i) 6. Simplify.
3 5 2i
2. Simplify. a)  b)  c) 
a) 2(4 − 3i) b) 3i(1 + 2i)
2−i 1 + 2i 3 − 2i
c) −4i(3 − 5i) d) 2i(3i − 4i + 2)
2 i 4+i 2 − 2i
d)  e)  f) 
e) (2 − 4i)(1 + 3i) f) (3 + 4i)(3 − 5i) 4 + 3i 3−i 3+i
g) (3i − 1)(4i − 5) h) (1 − 5i)(1 + 5i) 2 + 3i –4 − 3i
g)  h) 
i) (1 + 2i)
2
j) (4i − 3)
2 2 − 3i –2 + 2i
k) (i − 1) l) (i − 1)
2 2 2
7. Solve and check.
a) x + 2x + 2 = 0 b) y − 4y + 8 = 0
2 2
3. Simplify.
c) x − 6x + 10 = 0 d) n + 4n + 6 = 0
2 2
2 4 7
a)  b)  c) 
e) z − 2z = −6 f) x = 8x − 19
2 2
i 3i 4i
–6 5 3
d)  e)  f) − 
5i –2i 7i

Apply, Solve, Communicate

8. Fractals Find the first four output values of F = z2 if the first input value
is (1 − i).
B
9. Application Imaginary numbers are used in electricity. Three of the basic
quantities that can be measured or calculated for an electrical circuit are as follows.
• the electric current, I, measured in amperes (symbol A)
• the resistance or impedance, Z, measured in ohms (symbol Ω)

150 MHR • Chapter 2

• the electromotive force, E, sometimes called the voltage and measured in
volts (symbol V)
These quantities are related by the formula E = IZ. To avoid confusion with
the symbol for electric current, I, engineers use j instead of i to represent
the imaginary unit.
a) In a circuit, the electric current is (8 + 3j) A and the impedance is (4 − j) Ω.
What is the voltage?
b) In a 110-V circuit, the electric current is (5 + 3j) A. What is the impedance?
c) In a 110-V circuit, the impedance is (6 − 2j) Ω. What is the electric current?

10. Communication a) Find the first four output values of F = iz if the first
input value is (1 + i).
b) Predict the next four output values of F = iz. Explain your reasoning.

11. If y = x2 + 4x + 5, determine the value of y for each of the following values

of x.
a) 1 + i b) −2 + i c) 1−i
12. Simplify.
a) (4 + i) + (1 − 3i) b) (3 − 2i) − (4 + 3i)
2 2 2 2

c) 2i(6 + 3i) − i(3 − 2i) d) 3i(−2 + 3i) + 4i(−3 + 2i)

e) (3 + i)(2 + i)(1 − i) f) (4 − 2i)(−1 + 3i)(3 − i)

13. Factoring The binomial a2 + b2 cannot be factored over the real numbers.
It can be factored over the complex numbers. Factor a2 + b2.
14. Reciprocal Write the reciprocal of a + bi in simplest form.
15. Quadratic equations Write a quadratic equation that has each pair
of roots.
3 + 2i 3 − 2i
a) 1 + i and 1 − i b)  and 
2 2

16. Communication Suppose that the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 has

real coefficients and complex roots. Explain why the roots must be complex
conjugates of each other.
C
17. Determine the values of x and y for which each equation is true.
a) 3x + 4yi = 15 − 16i b) 2x − 5yi = 6(1 + 5i)
c) (x + y) + (x − y)i = 10 + 3i d) (x − 2y) − (3x + 4y)i = 4 − 2i

2.5 Operations With Complex Numbers in Rectangular Form • MHR 151

18. Complex plane If the graph of a complex number a + bi is a point on the
imaginary axis in the complex plane, what can you conclude about each of the
following? Explain.
a) the value of a b) the value of b

19. Transformation Name the transformation that maps the graph of a

complex number onto the graph of its conjugate in the complex plane.
20. Quartic equations A quartic equation is a fourth-degree polynomial
equation. Quartic equations in the form ax4 + bx2 + c = 0 can be solved using
the same techniques used to solve quadratic equations. To solve x4 − x2 − 12 = 0,
first factor the left side. Then, equate each factor to 0 and solve for x.
x4 − x2 − 12 = 0
(x2 − 4)(x2 + 3) = 0
x2 − 4 = 0 or x2 + 3 = 0
x2 = 4 x2 = −3
x = ±2 x = ±−3

x = ±i3
The solutions are 2, −2, i3, and −i3 .
Solve the following quartic equations.
a) x − 8x + 16 = 0 b) x + 2x + 1 = 0 c) x + 3x − 4 = 0
4 2 4 2 4 2

d) x − 5x + 6 = 0 e) y − y − 6 = 0 f) 3r − 5r + 2 = 0
4 2 4 2 4 2

g) 2x + 5x + 3 = 0 h) 2x + x = 6 i) 4a − 1 = 0
4 2 4 2 4

j) 9x − 4x = 0
4 2

21. Quartic equations Is it possible for a quartic equation to have three real
roots and one imaginary root? Explain.
22. Fourth roots a) What are the two square roots of 1 and the two square
roots of −1 in the complex number system?
b) What are the fourth roots of 1 in the complex number system?
c) What are the fourth roots of −1 in the complex number system?

A C H I E V E M E N T Check Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry/Problem Solving Communication Application

a) Express the number 25 as a product of two complex conjugates, a + bi and a – bi, in

two different ways, with a and b both natural numbers.
b) Find another perfect square that can be expressed as a product of two complex
conjugates, a + bi and a – bi, in two different ways, with a and b both natural numbers.
c) Describe the most efficient method for finding numbers that satisfy the above relationship.

152 MHR • Chapter 2