COMPLEX NUMBER

SYLLABUS
Algebra of complex numbers, addition, multiplication,
conjugation, polar representation, properties of
modulus and principal argument, triangle inequality,
cube roots of unity, geometric interpretations.

BASIC CONCEPTS

A number in the form of x + iy, where x, y are real

numbers and i = − 1 is called a complex number.
(i)
Clearly

, i = −i for an integer n.
i4n +1 = i,i4n + 2 = −1 4n + 3

(ii) If z = x + iy, then the real part of z is denoted

by Re (z) and the imaginary part by Im(z).

(iii) A complex number is said to be purely real if

Im(z) = 0, and is said to be purely imaginary if
Re (z) = 0. The complex number 0 = 0 + i0 is both
purely real and purely imaginary.

(iv) Two complex numbers are said to be equal if

and only if their real parts and imaginary parts are
separately equal i.e. a + ib = c + id implies a = c and
b = d. However, there is no order relation between
complex numbers and the expressions of the type a
+ ib < ( or > ) c + id are meaningless.
1
 (v) Since a real number a can be written as a +
i.0, therefore every real number can be
considered as a complex number whose imaginary
part is zero. Thus the set R of real numbers is a
proper subset of the complex numbers C.

Remark:

 Clearly

i4n +1 = i,i4n + 2 = −1 , i4n + 3 = −i for an integer n.

REPRESENTATION OF COMPLEX NUMBERS IN

ARGAND PLANE
Y
A complex number z = x + iy written P(x,y)
as ordered pair (x, y) can be y
represented by a point P whose O
θ
x M X
Cartesian coordinates are (x, y) Fig. 1

referred to axes OX and OY, usually

called the real and the imaginary
axes. The plane of OX and OY is
called the Argand diagram or the
complex plane.

MODULUS OF A COMPLEX NUMBER

Let z = x + iy be a complex number then its magnitude
is defined by the real number and is denoted
by |z|.
2
ARGUMENT OF A COMPLEX NUMBER
If z = x + iy then angle θ given by tan is said to be
the argument or amplitude of the complex number z
and is denoted by arg (z) or amp (z). In case of x = 0
(where y ≠ 0), arg (z) = + π/2 or –π/2 depending upon
y > 0 or y < 0 and the complex number is called
purely imaginary. If y = 0 (where x≠0), then arg (z) = 0
or π depending upon x > 0 or x < 0 and the complex
number is called purely real. The argument of the
complex number 0 is not defined.
We can define the argument of a complex number also
as any value of the θ which satisfies the system of
equations cosθ = .

PRINCIPAL ARGUMENT OF A COMPLEX NUMBER

The value of θ satisfying the inequality – π < θ ≤ π is
called the principal value of the argument.

Method of finding the principle argument of a complex

number z = x + iy
Stet 1: Find tanθ = and this
gives the value of θ in the
Y
first quadrant.
π-θ θ
Step 2: Find the quadrant in X
X′
which z lies, with the help θ-π
O
-θ

of sign of x and y co–

Y′
ordinates.
Step 3: Then argument of z will
be θ, π – θ, θ – π, and –θ
3
 according as z lies in the
first second, third or fourth
quadrant

Example -1: For z = √3 – i, find the principal

value of arg(z).

Solution: Here x = √3, y = -1 ⇒ tanθ = −

1
3
⇒θ= π
6

⇒ Principal value of arg z = - 6π . (Since z lies

in the fourth quadrant)
POLAR FORM OF A COMPLEX NUMBER

Let OP = r, then x = r cos θ , and y = r sin θ ⇒ z = x +

iy = r cos θ + ir sin θ = r ( cos θ + i sin θ ). This is
known as Polar form(Trigonometric form) of a Complex
Number. Here we should take the principal value of θ.
For general values of the argument
z = r [ cos ( 2nπ + θ) + i sin ( 2nπ + θ)] (where n is
an integer)
Note: sometimes cos θ + i sin θ is, in short, written as
cis(θ).
Euler's formula: cos θ + i sin θ = ei θ.
Note:
When complex numbers are multiplied their
arguments get added i..e
(cos θ1 + i sin θ1) (cos θ2 + i sin θ2) = cos (θ1 + θ2) + i
sin (θ1 + θ2)
generalizing,

4
 (cos θ1+ i sin θ1)(cos θ2+ i sin θ2)…(cos θn + i sin θn)
= cos(θ1+ θ2+ …+θn) + i sin(θ1+ θ2+…+θn)
when complex numbers are divided, their arguments
get subtracted
= cos (θ1 – θ2) + i sin (θ1 – θ2)
Illustration 1: Find the modulus and the principal
argument of the numbers:
(i)6(cos 310° – i sin 310°) (ii)

Solution: (i)6(cos 310° – i sin 310°) = 6[cos(360° –

50°) – i sin(360° – 50°)]
= 6(cos 50° + i sin
50°)
=
∴ modulus = 6 and principal value of the
argument =

(ii) =–i=

1
∴ Modulus = 1 and the principal value of
the argument = –

Illustration 4: If z = (i)i, where , then find the

value of .

5
Solution: z = i i =

Unimodular Complex Number:

A complex number z such

z
that |z| = 1 is said to be 1
θ
unimodular complex -θ

number. Since |z| = 1, z lies 1/z= z

on a circle of radius 1 unit

and centre (0, 0).
If |z| = 1 ⇒ z = cos θ + i sin
θ,
⇒ 1/z = (cos θ + i sinθ)-1 =
cos θ - i sinθ

Illustration 9: If z1 and z2 are two

nonzero complex numbers and is a
uni–modular then show that is purely real.
Solution: ⇒

6
 ⇒ lies on the right bisector of line
joining A (i) and B(– i ) that mean lies
on real axis. Hence is purely real

Algebraic Operations with Complex Numbers:

• 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 : ac ++ ibid ( when at least one of c and d is
non-zero)
=

Square root of a Complex Number:

Let z1 = x1 + iy1 be the given complex number and we

have to obtain its square root.
Let x + iy = (x1 + iy1)½
⇒ x2 − y2 + 2ixy = x1 + iy1 ⇒ x1 = x2 − y2 and y1 = 2xy
⇒ x2 −

⇒ x2 = ,

If y1 > 0 ⇒ x =

⇒ =±
7
If y1 < 0 ⇒ x =

⇒ =±

Example -2: Find the square root of 8 - 15i.

Solution: Here y = -15 < 0

⇒ =± =±
(5 - 3i).

CONJUGATE OF A COMPLEX NUMBER

Imaginary axis
The conjugate of the complex A (z)
number z = a + ib is defined to be a O θ Real axis
– ib and is denoted by . In other -θ

words is the mirror image of z in

B (z)
the real axis.
If z = a + ib, z + = 2 a ( real),
z – = 2 ib ( imaginary )
and z = ( a+ib)(a–ib) = a2 + b2 (real
) = |z|2 = .
Also Re (z) =

Properties of Conjugate:

8
 •
• |z| = | |
• z + z =2Re(z). z – z = 2i Im(z).
• If z is purely real z = . whenever we have to show
a complex number purely real we use this
property.
• If z is purely imaginary z+ =0, whenever we have
to show that a complex number is purely imaginary
we use this property.
• =
• = 1+ 2
In general, z + z + .... + z = z + z + ... + z
1 2 n 1 2 n

• =
• z z = z .z
1 2 1 2

In general
• z = (z )
n n

•  zz  =  zz 

1 1

 2   2 

Properties of Modulus:

• |z| = 0 ⇒ z = 0 + i0
• |z1 – z2 | denotes the distance between z1 and z2 .
• –|z| ≤ Re(z) ≤ |z| ; equality holds on right or on left
side depending upon z being positive real or
negative real.
• –|z| ≤ Im z ≤ |z| ; equality holds on right side or on
left side depending upon z being purely imaginary
and above the real axes or below the real axes.
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 • |z| ≤ |Re(z)| + |Im(z)| ≤ |z| ; equality holds on
left side when z is purely imaginary or purely
real and equality holds on right side when
|Re(z)| = |Im(z)|.
• |z|2 = z
• |z1z2| = |z1| |z2|
In general |z1 z2 . . . . .zn| = |z1| |z2| . . . . . |zn|
• |zn| = |z|n , n ∈ I
•
• |z1+z2| ≤ |z1| + |z2| ⇒ |z1+z2+ ... +zn| ≤ |z1| + |z2| +
... + |zn|; equality holds if origin, z1, z2, z3 …, zn
are collinear and z1 , z2, z3, …,zn are on the
same side of the origin.
• |z1 – z2| ≥ ||z1| – |z2|| ; equality holds when
arg(z1/z2) = π i.e. origin, z1, z2 are collinear and
z1 and z2 are on the opposite side of the origin.
• |z1 + z2|2 = (z1 + z2) ( z 1 + z 2) = |z1|2 + |z2|2 + z1 z 2 +
z2 z 1 = |z1|2 + |z2|2 + 2Re(z1 z 2)
• |z1 – z2|2 = (z1 – z2) ( z 1 – z 2) = |z1|2 + |z2|2 – z1 z 2 –
z2 z 1 = |z1|2 + |z2|2 – 2Re(z1 z 2)

Properties of Argument:
• arg(z1z2) = θ1 + θ2 = arg(z1) + arg(z2)
• arg (z1/z2) = θ1 – θ2 = arg(z1) – arg(z2)
• arg (zn) = n arg(z), n ∈I

Note:

10
 • In the above result θ1 + θ2 or θ1 – θ2 are not
necessarily the principle values of the argument of
corresponding complex numbers. E.g arg(zn) = n
arg(z) only shows that one of the argument of zn is
equal to n arg(z) (if we consider arg(z) in the
principle range)
• arg(z) = 0, π ⇒ z is a purely real number ⇒ z = z .
• arg(z) = π/2, –π/2 ⇒ z is a purely imaginary
number ⇒ z = – z .
Note that the property of argument is the same as
the property of logarithm.

Example -3: Consider two pairs of non-zero conjugate

complex numbers ( z1, z2) and (z3 , z4). Find
the value of arg +arg .
Solution: arg +arg = arg = arg
(as z2 = )
= 0 (as argument of a positive real number
is zero).

Example -4: If |z1| = |z2| = |z3| = 1, prove that

.

Solution: We know that |z| = ⇒ |z1 + z2 + z3| =

= =
= ( |z1|2 = |z2|2 = |z3|2 = 1)
11
Example -5: Prove that |z1| + |z2| =
.

Solution: RHS =
= =
2 Using parallelogram law.
= |z1| + |z2| = LHS.
DE MOIVRE’S THEOREM
If n is any integer, then (cos θ + i sin θ)n = cos nθ + i
sin nθ. This is known as De Movre’s Theorem.

Remarks:
• Writing the binomial expansion of (cos θ + i sin θ)n and
equating the real part to cos nθ and the imaginary part
to sin nθ, we get
? cos nθ = cosn θ – nc2 cosn–2θ sin2θ + nc4 cosn–4θ
sin4θ + ………
? sin nθ = nc1 cosn–1θ sinθ – nc3 cosn–3θ sin3θ + nc5
cosn–5θ sin5θ + ………
? ⇒ tan nθ =

• If n is rational number, then one of the values of (cos θ

+ i sin θ)n is cos nθ + i sin nθ. Let n = p/q, where p and
q are integers (q > 0) and p, q have no common factor.

12
 Then (cos θ + i sin θ)n has q distinct values, one of
which is cos nθ + i sin nθ.
• If z = r (cos θ + i sin θ), and n is a positive integer, then
? z1/n = r1/n , k = 0, 1, 2,
……, n –1.
? Here if can be noted that any ‘n’ consecutive values
of k will serve the purpose.
?
2.1 APPLICATIONS OF DE MOIVER’S THEOREM
This is a fundamental theorem and has various
applications. Here we will discuss few of these which
are important from the examination point of view.

nth Roots of Unity

One very important application of De–Moivre’s
Theorem is in solving equation of nth powers in
complex number. Let x be the nth root of unity. Then
xn = 1 = cos 2kπ + i sin 2kπ (where k is an integer)
⇒ x = cos + i sin k = 0, 1, 2, ……, n – 1
Let α = cos + i sin .
When k = 2

= [By De–Moivre’s
Theorem]
= α2
when k = 3
13
 = α3
Similarly, when k = t
Then, = αt
∴ The roots are 1, α, α2, ……, αn –1

Sum of the Roots

1 + α + α2 + .... + αn – 1 = =0 ( αn = 1)
and
Thus the sum of the roots of unity is zero.

Product of the Roots

1.α.α2. .......... αn – 1 = = =
cos{π(n – 1)} + i sin{π(n – 1)}
If n is even =–1
If n is odd =1
A2(α2) A2(α)

Note : 2π/n
2π/n

• The points represented by n nth

A1(1)
O 2π/n

roots of unity are located at the An(αn-1)

vertices of a regular polygon of n
sides inscribed in a unit circle
having centre at the origin, one
vertex being on the positive real
axis. Geometrically represented
as follows.

14
2.2 CUBE ROOTS OF UNITY
Y
For n = 3, we get the cube roots of ω

unity and they are 1, cos + i sin X′ X

O 1

and cos + i sin i.e. 1, and ω

2

Y′

. They are generally denoted by

1, ω and ω2 and geometrically
represented by the vertices of an
equilateral triangle whose
circumcentre is origin and
circumradius is unity.
Note:
• ω3 = 1 and 1 + ω + ω2 = 0
• It can be easily proved that
1 + ωn + ω2n = 3 (n is a multiple of 3)
1 + ωn +ω2n = 0 (n is an integer, not a multiple of
3)
Illustration 14: Given z1 + z2 + z3 = A ,
z1 + z2w + z3w2 = B
z1 + z2w2 + z3w = C
where w is cube root of unity.
Express z1, z2, z3 in term of A, B , C.
Solution: Adding given three condition
z1 =
Multiplying z1 + z2 + z3 = A, z1 + z2w + z3w2 =
B, z1 + z2w2 + z2w = C by
1 , w2 ,w and adding we get

15
 also z3 =
Exercise 7. If ω is a cube root of unity then find the
value of

Solution Ex. 7:
=

CONCEPT OF ROTATION
If z and z′ are two complex y
z
numbers then argument of α z′
θ
θ′
is the angle through which O x
Oz′ must be turned in order
that it may lie along Oz.
=
Y C(z3)
In general, let z1, z2, z3 , be
the three vertices of a Q(z3-z1) B(z2)
α
triangle ABC described in P(z2-z1)
A(z1)
the counter-clock wise α
2π-α

sense. Draw OP and OQ O X

parallel and equal to AB 2π-α

and AC respectively. Then

16
the point P is z2 – z1 and Q
is z3 – z1 and

Note that arg. (z3-z1)–arg(z2-z1) = α is the angle

through which OP must be rotated in the anti-
clockwise direction so that it becomes parallel to OQ.
Here we can write also. In this
case we are rotating OP in clockwise direction by an
angle (2π - α). Since the rotation is in clockwise
direction, we are taking negative sign with angle (2π -
α)

Example -10: Consider a square ABCD such that z1,

z2, z3 and z4 represent its vertices A, B, C and
D respectively. Express ‘z3’ and ‘z4’ in terms
of z1 and z2 .

Solution: Consider the rotation of AB about A

through an angle π/4, we get
A(z1) D(z4)

π/4

B(z2) C(z3)

⇒ z3 = z1 +( z2 – z1)( 1+i)
Similarly ,

17
 ⇒ z4 = z1 +i( z2 – z1)
Illustration 17: If |z – 3| = 3 then show that i tan
(Argz)
Solution: By figure | z – 3 | = 3 is a P
0
(z)
90
circle with centre (3, 0) by O
θ
3, 0
A
6, 0
rotation
eiπ / 2
= i tan θ
= i tan (arg z)
GEOMETRICAL APPLICATIONS

4.1 SECTION FORMULA

Let z1 and z2 be any two A(z1)

complex numbers representing

the points A and B respectively C
in the argand plane. Let C be B(z2)

the point dividing the line

segment AB internally in the
ratio m : n i.e , and let
the complex number
associated with point C be z.
Let us rotate the line BC
about the point C so that it
becomes parallel to CA . The
corresponding equation of
rotation will be ,
=
⇒ nz1 – nz = –m z2 +mz ⇒ z = .
18
Similarly if C(z) divides the segment AB externally
in the ratio of m : n, then z = .
In the specific case, if C(z) is the mid point of AB
then .

Example -12: If z1, z2 and z3 ( in anticlockwise

sense) represents the vertices of a triangle,
find the centroid, incentre, circumcentre and
the orthocentre of the triangle.

Solution: Let G be the centriod and let the line

joining A and G meets the line BC at the point
D. We have,
A(z )
BD = DC 1

D ≡ z +2 z
2 3

2
G
G divides AD internally in 1
D
ratio 2 : 1 B(z ) z +z  C(z ) 3
 
2 2 3

 2 
⇒G≡ ≡ z1 + z 2 + z 3
3
Let I be the incentre and let the line connecting
A and I meet the line BC at D1. We have
A(z1)

and = I

B(z2) D1 C(z3)

⇒
=
19
 Let ‘O’ be the circum-centre and let the line
connecting A and O meet the
line BC at D2.
A(z )
We have 1

and B(z ) D
O
2 2
C(z3)

⇒ D2 =
and
O =

=
Let ‘P’ be the orthocentre and let the line
connecting the points A and P meet the line
BC and D3.
We have,
A(z1)
and
⇒ D3 =
P
and P =
B(z2) D3 C(z3)

Condition for Collinearity:

20
If there are three real numbers (other than 0) l, m and
n such that
lz1 + mz2 + nz3 = 0 and l + m + n = 0
then complex numbers z1, z2 and z3 will be collinear.

Equation of a Straight Line:

Equation of Straight Line Joining the Points z1 and z2:

z+z z−z y − y1 x − x1
Writing x=
2
,y =
2i
etc.in =
y 2 − y1 x 2 − x1
and re-arranging terms,
we find that the equation of the line through z1 and z2
z z 1
is given by zz −−zz = zz −−zz or z
1 1
z 1 = 0.
1 1
2 1 2 1
z2 z2 1

General equation of a straight line is ,

where a is a complex number and b is a real
number.
The length of the perpendicular from a point z1 to the
line is given by .

Example -13: Let α and β be two fixed non-zero

complex numbers and z a variable complex
number. If the two straight lines
and are
mutually perpendicular, then prove that
=0

Solution: Slope of the first line = –

Slope of the second line = –

21
 Lines will be perpendicular if – + =0⇒
= 0.
Equation of a Circle:

Consider a fixed complex number z0 and let z be

any complex number which moves in such a way
that it’s distance from z0 is always equals to ‘r’. This
implies z would lie on a circle whose centre is z0
and radius r. And it’s equation would be |z –z0| = r .
⇒ |z –z0|2 = r2 ⇒ ( z – z0)
⇒ .
Let - a = z0 and =b
⇒ , where centre = –a and radius
=

Example -15: Find the centre and radius of the circle

.

Solution: Given equation can be rewritten as

So, it represents a circle with centre at –1 –i

and
radius = .

Example -16: If z1, z2, z3 are complex numbers such

that , show that the points
represented by z1, z2, z3 lie on a circle passing
through the origin.
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Solution: Since P(z1), Q(z2), R(z3) and S(z4) are
concyclic points,
∠PSQ = ∠PRQ
⇒ arg. = arg S(z )
R(z )
4
3

θ θ
⇒ arg =
0 P(z1)
Q(z2)

⇒ = real
If z4 = 0 + i0, then = real
…(1)
We have from which z3 =
…(2)
z1z 2
z1 −
From (1) and (2), z2
×
2z 2 − z1
z1 z − z1z 2
= real ⇒ z 2 − z1
2(z 2 − z 1 )
=
2z 2 − z1
2

real
⇒ = real, which is true.
Therefore z1, z2, z3 and the origin are
concyclic.
Alternative Solution:
D(z )
⇒
2

A(z1) α β C(o)
−
B(z3)
⇒ ⇒

⇒
23
 =π+
arg
⇒α=π−β⇒α+β=π
⇒ points A, B, C, D are concyclic.

24
OBJECTIVES

1. If ‘z’ be any complex number such that

, then locus of ‘z’ is
(A) A circle (B) An ellipse
(C) A line segment (D) None of these
Sol: (C)
⇒
Let P(z), A = ,B= then (i) represents
PA + PB = 4/3.
Clearly AB = 4/3 PA + PB = AB
Thus P is any point on the line segment AB.
Hence (C) is the correct answer.

2. The value of the expression 2 +3

+4 + . . . + (n +
1) , where ω is an imaginary cube
root of unity, is
(A) (B)
(C) (D) none of these
Sol: (C)
tn = (n+1) = n3 + n2

= n3 + n2(ω + ω2 + 1)+ n(ω + ω2 +1) +1 = n3 +1

∴ Sn = .
25
 Hence (C) is the correct answer.

3 If ω is an imaginary cube root of unity, then (1 + ω

– ω2)7 equals
(A) 128 ω (B) – 128 ω (C) 128 ω2 (D) – 128 ω2
Sol: (D)
We have (1 + ω + ω2)7 = –(ω2 – ω2)7
= (–2)7 (ω2)7 = 128 ω14 = –128 ω2
Hence (D) is the correct answer.

4. Let ‘z’ be a complex number and ‘a’ be a real

parameter such that
z2 + az + a2 = 0, then locus of z is
(A) a pair of straight lines (B) a circle
(C) an ellipse (D) none of these
Sol: (A)
z2 + az + a2 = 0
⇒ z = aω, aω2 ( where ‘ω’ is non real root
of unity )
⇒ locus of z is a pair of straight lines
Hence (A) is the correct answer.

5. The equation | z + i | – | z – i | = k represents a

hyperbola if
(A) –2 < k < 2 (B) k > 2
(C) 0 < k < 2 (D) none of these
Sol: (A)
|z + i| –|z –i| = k represents a hyperbola if 4 – < 0
i.e. k2 < 4.
Hence (A) is the correct answer.
26
6. The complex number z = 1 + i is rotated through
an angle in anticlockwise direction about the
origin and stretched by additional units, Then
the new complex number is
(A) – – i (B) –
(C) 2 – i (D) 2 – 2i

Sol: If z1 be the new complex number then |z1| = |z|

+ =2
Also ⇒ z1 = z. 2
= 2( 1+i) ( 0 – i) = – 2i +2 = 2( 1– i)
Hence (D) is the correct answer.

7. Let ∆ = , where i =

, then ∆ is
(A) purely +ve real number
(B) purely imaginary
(C) of the form a + ib with a, b both non–zero real
numbers.
(D) purely negative real number
Sol:

27
 =–∆
⇒ ∆ is purely imaginary.
Hence (B) is the correct answer.

8. If is
real, where n1, n2 are positive integers then
(A) n1 = n2 (B) n1 = n2 + 1
(C) n2 = n1 + 1 (D) n1n2 ∈ N

Sol:
=
=
2

= Real number. Thus n1, n2 ∈ N

Hence (D) is the correct answer.

9. If (ω ≠ 1) be a cube root of unity and (1 + ω)7 =

l + mω, then
(A) l = 0, m = 1 (B) l = 1, m = 1
(C) l = 1, m = 0 (D) l = –1, m = 1

28
Sol: We have (1 + ω)7 = l + mω ⇒ (–ω2)7 = l + mω
⇒ –ω14 = l + mω ⇒ –ω2 = l + mω
⇒ 1 + ω = l + mω ⇒ l = m = 1
Hence (B) is the correct answer.

10. If =1 and arg (z1 z2) = 0, then

(A) z1 = z2 (B) |z2|2 = z1z2
(C) z1z2 = 1 (D) none of these.
Sol: Let z1 = r1( cosθ1 + i sinθ1) then zz = 1
1

⇒ |z1| = |z2| ⇒|z1| = |z2| = r1 .

Now arg (z1 z2) = 0 ⇒ arg( z1) + arg(z2) = 0
⇒ arg(z2) = – θ1
Therefore, z2 = r1 ( cos(–θ1) + i sin(–θ1)) = r1(
cosθ1 – i sinθ1) =
⇒ = = z1 ⇒|z2|2 = z1 z2 .
Hence (B) is the correct answer.

11. If |z| < 4, then | iz +3 – 4i| is less than

(A) 4 (B) 5
(C) 6 (D) 9

Sol: | iz + ( 3 – 4i)| ≤ | iz| + |3 – 4i| = |z| +5 < 4 + 5 =

9.
Hence (D) is the correct answer.

12. If z is a complex number, then z2 + =2

represents
(A) a circle (B) a straight line
(C) a hyperbola (D) an ellipse
29
Sol: Let z = x + iy, then z2 + = 2 ⇒ x2 – y2 =1,
which represents a hyperbola.
Hence (C) is the correct answer.

13. If = A + iB, then A2 +B2 equals to

(A) 1 (B) α2
(B) –1 (D) – α2

Sol: A +iB = ⇒ A – iB = ⇒ ( A+ iB) ( A –

iB) = =1
⇒ A2 + B2 = 1.
Hence (A) is the correct answer.

14. If |z1| = |z2| and arg(z1) +arg(z2) = π/2 , then

(A) z1z2 is purely real (B) z1z2 is
purely imaginary
(C) (z1+z2) is purely imaginary (D) none of
these

Sol: Let |z1| = |z2| = r ⇒ z1 = r ( cosθ + isinθ)

and z2 = r  cos  π2 − θ  + i sin π2 − θ  
    

⇒ z1z2 = r2 i, which is purely imaginary

Hence (B) is the correct answer.
15. If z1 and z2 are two complex numbers
satisfying the equation , then is a
(A) purely real (B) of unit
modulus
30
 (C) purely imaginary (D) none of
these

Sol: (z1 + iz2) = (z1 – iz2)

⇒ ⇒
⇒ is purely real.
Hence (A) is the correct Alternatives.

16. If z = –2 + , then z2n + 22n zn + 24n, n is a

multiple of 3, is equal to
(A) 22n (B) 0
(C) 3. 24n (D) none of these

Sol: z = –2 + 2√3i = 4w
z2n + 22n zn + 24n = 42n w2n + 22n ⋅ 4n ⋅ wn + 24n
= 42n [w2n + wn + 1]
= 0, if n is not a multiple of 3
= 3.42n, if n is a multiple of 3.
Hence (C) is the correct answer.

17. The complex numbers z = x + iy which satisfy

the equation lie on
(A) x–axis (B) the straight line
y=5
(C) a circle passing through the origin (D)
None of these.
z − 5i
Sol: z + 5i
=1

31
 ⇒ z would lie on the right bisector of the
line segment connecting the points 5i and –
5i .
Thus z would lie on the x–axis.
Hence (A) is the correct answer.

18. The points z1, z2, z3, z4 in the complex plane

are the vertices of a parallelogram taken in
order if and only if
(A) z1+z4=z2+z3 (B) z1+z3=z2+z4
(C) z1+z2=z3+z4 (D) None of these.

Sol: In parallelogram, diagonals bisects each

other, thus mid–point of AC and BD should
be same .
⇒ ⇒ z1+ z3 = z2 +z4
Hence (B) is the correct answer.

19. If z = x + iy, and then w = 1 implies

that in the complex plane
(A) z lies on the imaginary axis (B) z lies on
the real axis
(C) z lies on the unit circle (D) None of
these.
1 − iz
Sol: w=
z−i
,

As |w| = 1 ⇒ | z – i| = |1 – iz| = |z + i| ( as
1/i = –i)

32
 ⇒ z lies on the right bisector of the line
segment connecting the points i and –i.
Thus ‘z’ lies on the real axis.
Hence (B) is correct answer.

20. The complex number z =1+i is rotated through

an angle 3π/2 in anticlockwise direction about
the origin and stretched by additional unit,
then the new complex number is
(A) – – i (B) – i
(C) 2– i (D) none of these

Sol: If z1 be the new complex number then |z1| = |z|

+ =2
Also ⇒ z1 = z. 2
= 2( 1+i) ( 0 – i) = – 2i +2 = 2( 1– i)
Hence (D) is the correct answer.

21. The value of , where i =

equals
(A) i (B) i –1
(C) –i (D) none of these

Sol: Given summation =

=i =
Hence (B) is correct answer.

33
22. If i = , then 4 +
5 equals
(A) 1 –i (B) –1 + i
(C) i (D) –i

Sol: We have 4 + 5
= 4 + 5ω334 + 3ω365
= 4 + 5ω + 3ω2 = 4 +
5
Hence (C) is correct answer.

23. If n1 , n2 are positive integers then

is a
real number if and only if
(A) n1 = n2 + 1 (B) n1 + 1 = n2
(C) n1 = n2 (D) none of these

Sol: Given expression =

= = real
Hence (C) is the correct answer.

24. The smallest positive integral value of n for which

is purely imaginary with positive part, is
(A) 1 (B) 3
(C) 5 (D) none of these

34
Sol: = –i
∴ (–i)n = imaginary ⇒ n = 1, 3, 5, ……
Hence (A) is the correct answer.

25. If (a + ib)5 = α + iβ then (b + ia)5 is equal to

(A) β + iα (B) α – iβ
(C) β – iα (D) – α – iβ
Sol: (b + ia)5 = i5(a –ib)5 = i(α –iβ)
Hence (C) is the correct answer.

26. If the area of the triangle on the complex plane

formed by the points z, iz and z + iz is 50 square
units, then |z| is
(A) 5 (B) 10
(C) 15 (D) none of these
Sol: |z|2 = 50 ⇒ |z|2 = 100 ⇒ |z| = 10
Hence (B) is the correct answer.

27. If z is a complex number satisfying the relation |z +

1| = z + 2(1 + I) then z is
(A) 1/2 (1 + 4i) (B) 1/2 (3 + 4i)
(C) 1/2 (1 – 4i) (D) 1/2 (3 – 4i)
Sol: Given that |z + 1| = z + 2(1 + i)
Let z = x + iy
∴ = x + 2 and 0 = y + 2
Hence (C) is the correct answer.

35
28. If z = x + iy such that |z + 1| = |z –1| and
amp then
(A) x = + 1, y = 0 (B) x = 0, y = +
1
(C) x = 0, y = 1 (D) none of these

Sol: =1⇒ =1
∴z=
Hence (D) is the correct answer.

29. Let z = . Then arg z is

(A) 2θ (B) 2θ –π
(C) π + 2θ (D) none of these

Sol: z = (cos θ + i sin θ)2 = cos 2θ + i sin 2θ, < 2θ < π

⇒ z is a complex number in the second quadrant.

⇒ < arg (z) < π ⇒ arg (z) = tan–1 (tan 2θ) = 2θ
Hence (A) is the correct answer.

30. If the cube root of unity are 1, ω, ω2, then the roots
of the equation (x – 1)3 + 8 = 0 are
(A) –1, 1 + 2ω, 1 + 2ω2 (B) –1, 1 – 2ω, 1
– 2ω2
(C) –1, – 1, –1 (D) none of these
36
Sol: (x – 1)3 + 8 = 0 ⇒ (x – 1)3 = – 8

.
Hence (B) is the correct answer.

31. If eiθ = cos θ + i sin θ then for the ∆ ABC, eiA . eiB .
eiC is
(A) –i (B) 1
(C) –1 (D) none of these

Sol: eiA.eiB.eiC = ei(A + B + C) = cos (A + B + C) + i sin (A +

B + C) = –1
Hence (C) is the correct answer.

32. If z = reiθ, then eiz is equal to

(A) e–rcosθ (B) e–rsinθ

(C) ersinθ (D) none of these

Sol: |eiz| = |ei(rcos θ + ri sin θ)| = |e(–rsin θ + ri sin θ)| = |e–r sin θ||eir
cos θ
| = e–r sin θ
Hence (B) is the correct answer.

33. If z lies on the circle z=1, then lies on

(A) circle (B) straight line
(C) parabola (D) none of these

37
Sol: ⇒ straight line
Hence (B) is the correct answer.

34. If |z – i| < 1, then the value of |z + 12 – 6i| is less

than
(A) 14 (B) 2
(C) 28 (D) none of these
Sol: |z + 12 –6i| = |(z –i) + (12 –5i)| ≤ |z –i| + |12 –5i| < 1
+ 13 = 14
Hence (A) is the correct answer.

35. The value of amp (iω) – amp (iω2), where i =

and ω = = non–real, is
(A) 0 (B)
(C) π (D) none of these
Sol: amp (iω) + amp (iω2) = amp (i2ω3) = amp (–1) = π
Hence (C) is the correct answer.

36. For a complex number z, the minimum value of | z

| + | z –2 | is
(A) 1 (B) 2
(C) 3 (D) none of these
z
Sol: From the triangle |z| +
|z –2| ≥ 2. |z| |z –2|

O 2

38
 Hence (B) is the
correct answer.

37. If | z | = 1 then is equal to

(A) z (B)
(C) z + (D) none of these
Sol:
Hence (A) is the correct answer.

38. If | z1 –1 | < 1, | z2 –2 | < 2, | z3 –3 | < 3 then | z1 +

z2 + z3 | is
(A) less than 6 (B) more than 3
(C) less than 12 (D) lies between 6
and 12
Sol: |z1 + z2 + z3| = |(z1 –1) +(z2 –2) + (z3 –3) + 6| < |z1
–1| + |z2 –2| + |z3 –3| + 6 < 12.
Hence (C) is the correct answer.

39. The roots of the equation 1 + z + z3 + z4 = 0 are

represented by the vertices of
(A) a square (B) an equilateral
triangle
(C) a rhombus (D) none of these
Sol: z4 + z3 + z + 1 = 0 ⇒ z3(z + 1) + 1(z + 1) = 0 ⇒ (z
+ 1)(z3 + 1) = 0 ⇒ z = –1, –ω, –ω2
Clearly it represents vertices of an equilateral
triangle.
Hence (B) is the correct answer.

39
40. The equation | z + i | – | z – i | = k represents a
hyperbola if
(A) –2 < k < 2 (B) k > 2
(C) 0 < k < 2 (D) none of these
Sol: |z + i| –|z –i| = k represents a hyperbola if 4 – < 0
i.e. k2 < 4.
Hence (A) is the correct answer.

41. If amp (z1z2) = 0 and | z1 | = | z2| = 1 then

(A) z1 + z2 = 0 (B) z1z2 = 1
(C) z1 –z2 = 0 (D) none of these
Sol: amp(z1z2) = 0 ⇒ amp (z1) = amp
|z1| = |z2| ⇒ |z1| = | |, so z1 =
also z1z2 = z2 = |z2|2 = 1 (since |z2| = 1).
Hence (B) is the correct answer.

42. If i = and n is a positive integer, then in + in + 1

+ in + 2 + in + 3 =
(A) 1 (B) i
(C) in (D) 0
Sol: in + in + 1 + in + 2 + in + 3 = in(i + i + i2 + i3) = 0
Hence (A) is the correct answer.

43. (sin θ + i cos θ)4 equals

(A) sin 4θ + cos 4θ (B) sin 4θ –i cos 4θ
(C) sin 4θ + i sin 4θ (D) cos 4θ –i sin 4θ
Sol: (sin θ – i cos θ)4 = i4(cos θ – i sin θ)4 = cos 4θ – i
sin 4θ.
Hence (D) is the correct answer.

40
44. The complex number lies in
(A) Ist quadrant (B) IInd quadrant
(C) IIIrd quadrant (D) IVth quadrant
Sol: ⇒ Given complex number lies in the
IInd quadrant.
Hence (B) is the correct answer.

45. The origin and the roots of the equation z2 + pz +

q=0 form an equilateral triangle, if
(A) p2 = q (B) p2 = 3q
(C) q2 = 2p (D) q2 = p
Sol: z1 + z2 = –p, z1z2 = q, also z3 = 0 + 0i
For equilateral triangle
= z1z2 + z1z3 + z2z3
⇒ (z1 + z2 + z3)2 –2(z1z2 + z1z3 + z2z3) = z1z2 + z1z3
+ z2z3 ⇒ p2 = 3q.
Hence (B) is the correct answer.

46. If z = (λ+3) + i , then locus of z is

(A) circle (B) parabola
(C) line (D) none of these
Sol: Let z = x + iy
x + iy = (λ 3) + i ⇒ λ + 3 = x and y =

λ = x –3
∴y= ⇒ x2 + y2 –6x + 6 = 0, which
is a circle.
Hence (A) is the correct answer.

41
47. is equal to
(A) i (B) 2i
(C) 1 – i (D) 1 – 2i.
Sol:
Hence (B) is the correct answer.

48. If α is a complex number such that ,

then is equal to
(A) α (B) α2
(C) 0 (D) 1
Sol:

.
Hence (A) is the correct answer.

49. If ω is a complex cube root of unity, then the value

of
is
(A) 1 (B) 0
(C) 2 (D) – 1
Sol:

42
.
Hence (D) is the correct answer.

50. is equal to
(A) 1 (B) – 1/2
(C) (D) – 1
Sol:

.
Hence (A) is the correct answer.

51. is equal to
(A) 32 (B) 64
(C) – 64 (D) None of these.
Sol:

Similarly,

∴ Required sum = – 32 + (– 32) = – 64.

Hence (C) is the correct answer.

43
52. If ω is an imaginary cube root of unity, then the
value of is
(A) – 2 (B) – 1
(C) 1 (D) 0
Sol:

}
Hence (D) is the correct answer.

53. is equal to
(A) 1 + i (B) 1 – i
(C) 1 (D) – 1
Sol: Given exp.
π π π  π π  8π 8π
8 8
 
2cos2 + 2isin cos cos + isin cos + isin
 16 = 16 16   16 16  16 16
 2 π π π  = π π  8π 8π
 2cos − 2isin cos   cos − isin  cos − isin
16 16 16  16 16 16 16

.
Hence (D) is the correct answer.

44
54. If z is any complex number such that ,
then the value of is
(A) 1 (B) – 1
(C) 2 (D) – 2
Sol:
.
Case I. z = – ω

.
Case II z = – ω2

Hence (D) is the correct answer.

55. The value of is

(A) 262 (B) 264
(C) – 262 (D) 0
Sol:

.
Hence (C) is the correct answer.

56. If , then b is equal to

(A) (B)
(C) 1 (D) None of these
45
Sol:

.
Hence (A) is the correct answer.

57. The value of is equal to

(A) 0 (B) 2 ω
(C) 2 ω2 (D) – 3 ω2

Sol:

(Operating C1 → C1 + C2)

.
46
 Hence (D) is the correct answer.

58. If ω is a complex cube root of unity, then the value

of is

(A) x3 (B) 2x3

(C) 3x3 (D) None of these
Sol:

(Operating C1 → C1 + C2 + C3)

.
Hence (A) is the correct answer.

59. If then is equal to

47
 (A) z (B) z2
(C) z3 (D) None of these
Sol:

Also

.
Hence (C) is the correct answer.

60. The value of

..... 2n
factors is equal to
(A) 23n (B) 22n
(C) 2n (D) None of these.
Sol: First factor = – ω – ω = – 2 ω
Second factor
3rd factor, 5th factor, ....... are equal to the first
factor, which is – 2ω.
4th factor, 6th factor, ....... are equal to the second
factor, which is – 2ω2.
∴ Required product
factors
factors
= 4.4 ...... n factors = 4n = (22)n = 22n.
48
Hence (B) is the correct answer.

49