COMPLEX NUMBER

1. INTRODUCTION :

Indian mathematician Mahavira (850A.D.) was first to mention in this work 'Ganitasara Sangraha'As in
nature of things a negative (quantity) is not a square (quantity), it has, therefore, no square root'. Hence
there is no real number x which satisfies the polynomial equation x2 + 1 = 0.

A symbol  1 , denoted by letter i was introduced by Swiss Mathematician, Leonhard Euler

(1707-1783) in 1748 to provide solutions of equation x2 + 1 = 0. i was regarded as a fictitious or
imaginary number which could be manipulated algebrically like an ordinary real number, except that its
square was –1. The letter i was used to denote  1 , possibly because i is the first letter of the Latin
word 'imaginarius'.

To permit solutions of such polynomial equations, the set of complex numbers is introduced. We can
consider a complex number as having the form a + i b where a and b are real number. It is denoted by
z i.e. z = a + i b. 'a' is called as real part of z which is denoted by (Re z) and 'b' is called as imaginary
part of z which is denoted by (Im z).

1.1 Classification of complex number :

In fact every complex can be classified as

Hence, 0 + 0i is both a purely real as well as purely imaginary but not imaginary.

1.2 Geometrical representation of a complex number :

MasterArgand had done a systematic studies on complex numbers and

imaginary axis
represented every complex number as a set of ordered pair (a, b) on a Z = a + i b = (a, b)
plane called complex plane / argand plane. •P
real axis
O
All complex numbers lying on the real axis were called as purely real
and those lying on imaginary axis as purely imaginary.

1.3 Integral Powers of i :

We have i =  1 so i2 = – 1, i3 = –i, i4 = 1
or i4n + 1 = i , i4n+2 = – 1 for any n  I,
i4n + 3 = –i, i4n = 1
Thus any integral power of i can be expressed as ±1 or ± i .

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 Note :
(a) The set R of real number is a proper subset of the Complex Numbers. Hence the complete number
system is N  W  I  Q  R  C.
(b) Zero is purely real as well as purely imaginary but not imaginary.
(c) a b  a b only if atleast one of a or b is non-negative.
(d) z12  z 22  0 
 z1 = 0 = z2 i.e., z1 = 1 + i and z2 = 1 – i

2. ALGEBRA OF COMPLEX NUMBER :

2.1 Equality of complex number :

Let there be two complex numbers z1 = x1 + iy1 and z2 = x2 + iy2.

If z1 = z2 then Re(z1) = Re(z2) and Im(z1) = Im(z2).

i.e., if x1 + iy1 = x2 + iy2
 x1 = x2 and y1 = y2 simultaneously.

Note : Inequality in complex numbers are never talked. If x1 + iy1 > x2 + iy2 has to be meaningful  y1= y2=0.
Equalities however in complex numbers are meaningful. Two complex numbers z1 and z2 are said to be
equal if
Re z1 = Re z2 and Im (z1) = Im (z2) (i.e. they occupy the same position on complex plane)

2.2 Addition :
z1 + z2 = (x1 + i y1) + (x2 + i y2) = (x1 + x2) + i (y1 + y2)  C.
It is easy to oberve that the sum of two complex numbers is a complex number whose real (imaginary)
part is the sum of the real (imaginary) parts of the given numbers :
Re(z1 + z2) = Re(z1) + Re(z2);
Im(z1 + z2) = Im(z1) + Im(z2)
2.3 Subtraction :
z1 – z2 = (x1 + i y1) – (x2 + i y2) = (x1 – x2) + i (y1 – y2)  C.
That is
Re(z1 – z2) = Re(z1) – Re(z2) ;
Im(z1 – z2) = Im(z1) – Im(z2) .
2.4 Multiplication :
z1 · z2 = (x1 + i y1) (x2 + i y2) = (x1x2 – y1y2) + i (x1y2 + x2y1)  C.
In other words
Re(z1z2) = Re(z1) · Re(z2) – Im(z1) · Im(z2)
and Im(z1z2) = Im(z1) · Re(z2) + Im(z2) · Re(z1)
For a real number  and a complex number z = x + i y.
 · z =  (x + iy) = x + i y  C
is the product of a real number with a complex number. The following properties are obvious :
(a)  (z1 + z2) = z1 + z2
(b) 1 (2z) = (12)z;
(c) (1 + 2)z = 1z + 2z for all z, z1, z2  C and , 1, 2  R.
Actually, relations (a) and (c) are special cases of the distributive law and relation (b) comes from the
associative law of multiplication for complex numbers.
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 2.5 Division of Complex Number :

Let z1 = x1 + iy1 & z2 = x2 + iy2

z1 x1  iy1 ( x1  iy1 )( x 2  iy 2 )

Then z 2 x 2  iy 2  ( x 2  iy 2 )( x 2  iy 2 )

( x1x 2  y1y 2 )  i ( y1y 2  x1x 2 )  x1x 2  y1y 2   y1x 2  x1y 2 

   2 
i 2 
( x 22  y 22 ) 2
 2
 x 2 y 2   x 2  y2 

z1 z  z 
 R  1   i Im 1 
z2  z2   z2 

2.6 Square Root of Complex Number :

Let z = x + iy be the given complex number and we have to obtain its square root.
Let a + ib = (x + iy)1/2  a2 – b2 + 2iab = x + iy
 x2 = a2 – b2 and y = ab
 x2 = (a2 + b2)2 – 4a2b2  x2 + y2 = (a2 + b2)2
 a2 + b2 = | z | .......(1)  a2 – b2 = x .......(2)
| z | x | z | x | z | x | z | x
 a2 =  a=±  b2 =  b=±
2 2 2 2

 | z |  Re(z) | z |  Re(z) 
 x  iy = a + ib = ±  i 

 2 2 
Replacing i by – i, we get
 | z |  Re( z) | z |  Re( z) 
x  iy = ±  i 

 2 2 

3. THREE IMPORTANT TERMS WITH RESPECT TO COMPLEX

NUMBER :

3.1 Conjugate of Complex Number :

Conjugate of a complex number z = a + i b is denoted and P(z)
defined by z = a – i b.

In a complex number if we replace i by –i , we get conjugate O –
of the complex number. z is the mirror image of z about real
axis onArgand's Plane. Q( z )

Geometrical representation of conjugate of complex number

Note :
(a) z  z = 2Re z
(b) z  z = 2i Im z
(c) z z = a2 + b2, where z = a + i b

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 (d) If z lies in 1st quadrant then z lies in 4th quadrant and – z in the 2nd Quad.
(e) If x + iy = f (a + ib) then x – iy = f (a – ib)
Further , g (x + iy) = f (a + ib)  g(x – iy) = f (a – ib)
e.g. sin ( + i) = x + iy  sin ( – i) = x – iy

3.2 Modulus of Complex Number :

Modulus of complex number is a distance of the point on the argand
plane representing the complex number z from the origin.
If P denotes a complex number z = x + iy
then OP = | z | = x 2  y2

Note :
(i) | z | > 0.

(ii) All complex number having the same modulus lie on a circle with centre as origin and radius r = | z |.

3.3 Argument of Complex Number :

Angle () made by the line segment joining the point on the complex plane
representing the complex number z to the origin from the positive real axis
is called argument of complex number z which is denoted as arg(z) = . 

(i) General Argument :

If OP makes an angle  with real axis then  is called one of the argument of z.
General values of argument of z are given by
2n + , n I . Note that any two argument differ by 2.

e.g. If z = 1 + i then arg(z) =
4
 /4
 General value of argument of z = 2n + , n  I
4

Note that by specifying the modulus and argument, a complex number is completely defined.
However for the complex number 0 + 0 i the argument is not defined and this is the only complex
number which is completely defined bytalking in terms of its modulus.

(ii) Amplitude (Principal value of argument) :

The unique value of  such that –  <  <  is called principal value of argument. Unless otherwise
stated, amp z refers to the principal value of argument.

Working rule for finding principal argument of Complex number Z

Let z = a + ib
| b |
First compute  = tan 1 
|a | (a, b)
Case I: If z lies in I quadrant i.e. a, b > 0
then amp (z) =  = .

O M

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 (a, b)
Case II : If z lies in II quadrant i.e. a < 0, b > 0
then amp(z) =  = ( – )  
M O

M O
Case III: If z lies in III quadrant i.e. a < 0, b < 0 

then amp(z) =  = – ( – )
(a, b)

O 
Case IV: If z lies in IV quadrant i.e a > 0, b < 0
then amp(z) =  = – .

Note :
(i) If z is purely real positive complex number then amp(z) = 0.

(ii) If z is purely imaginary positive complex number then amp(z) = .
2
(iii) If z is purely real negative complex number then amp(z) = .

(iv) If z is purely imaginary neagative complex number then amp(z) = .
2
(iii) Least positive argument :

The value of  such that 0 <  < 2 is called the least positive argument.

4. REPRESENTATION OF A COMPLEX NUMBER IN DIFFERENT

FORMS:

4.1 Cartesian Form / Algebraic Form :

Every complex number expressed in the form of z = x + iy where x, y  R and i =  1 is called
cartesian form or algebraic form of complex number
for z = x + iy, Re (z) = x and Im (z) = y
y
z  x 2  y 2 , z  x  iy , arg (z) = tan–1  x 
 
y
4.2 Trigonometrical Form / Polar Form : P(x, y)
Let the given complex number be z = x + iy |z|
r= y
r and  be the modulus and amp (z) respectively.
 x
From the figure x = r cos , y = r sin  O x
 z = x + iy = r (cos  + i sin ) = r cis 
Hence, z = r (cos  + i sin ) is called polar / triangometrical form of the complex number .

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 4.3 Exponential Form :
z = x + iy = r (cos  + i sin ) = r ei
z = rei  is called exponential form of the complex number.
where r is modulus of z and  is amplitude of z.
Here, cos  + i sin  = ei .........(1)
Replacing i by – i, we get
cos  – i sin  = e– i .......(2)
Adding (1) and (2)
ei  e i
cos  = which is purely real
2
subtracting (2) from (1)
ei  ei
i sin   which is purelyimaginary..
2

4.4 Vectorial Representation of a Complex Number :

Every complex number can be considered as if it is the position vector of that point . If the point P
represents the complex number z then,

OP = z & OP = z

Geometrical meaning of ei

(i) If OP = z = r ei  then OQ = z1 = r ei ( + ) = z . e i .
 
If OP and OQ are of unequal magnitude then OQ  OPei


(ii) If z = OA = 1 + i and   then z1 = OB = i (1 + i) = – 1 + i
2

(iii) Using the vetorial concept and section formula complex numbers corresponding to centroid , incentre ,
orthocentre and circumcentre for a triangle whose vertices are z1 , z2 , z3 can be deduced.

5. PROPERTIES OF CONJUGATE, MODULUS AND ARGUMENT :

5.1 Properties of conjugate of complex Numbers :

(i) (z)=z (ii) | z | = |z | (iii) z + z = 2Re(z)

(iv) z – z = 2i Im(z) (v) If z is purely real z = z (vi) If z is purelyimaginary z = – z

(vii) z z = |z|2 = | z |2
(viii) z1  z 2  z1  z 2 In general, z1  z 2    z n  z1  z 2    z n

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  z1   z1 
(ix) z1  z 2  z1  z 2 (x) z1z 2  z1 · z 2 (xi) n
z (z) n (xii)     
 z2   z2 
(xiii) If  = f(z), then   f ( z )  f ( z ) where  = f(z) is a function in complex variable with real coefficients.
In other words if f(x + iy) = a + ib then f(x – iy) = a – ib.

Explanation :
Let f(z) = a0 + a1z + a2z2 + a3z2 + …… + anz , where a0, a1, a2, ……, an are real numbers and z is a
complex number. Then

f ( z ) = a0 + a1 z + a2( z )2 + a3( z )3 + …… + an( z )n = a 0  a1z  a 2z 2  a 3z3    a n z n .

5.2 Properties of modulus of complex numbers :

(i) | z | = 0  z = 0 + i0
(ii) |z|=|–z|= z =|iz|
(iii) – | z |  Re (z)  | z | and – | z |  Im (z)  | z |
1
(iv) zz = | z |2 If z is unimodular i.e. | z | = 1, then z 
z
(v) | z1 z2 | = | z1 | | z2 | In general |z1 · z2 · z3 ....... zn | = |z1| | z2| | z3| ..... | zn |
(vi) | zn | = | z |n
z1 z
(vii)  1 (z2  0)
z2 z2
(viii) |z1 + z2|2 + |z1 – z2|2 = 2( | z1 |2 + | z2|2 )

Proof :
|z1 + z2|2    
(z1 + z2) z1  z 2 + (z1 – z2) z1  z 2  Y P(z1 + z2)
|z1|
 (z1 + z2) ( z1  z2 ) + (z1 – z2) ( z1  z2 ) B(z2)
 z1 z1 + z1 z2 + z2 z1 + z2 z2 + z1 z1 – z1 z2 – z2 z1 + z2 z2 |z2| |z2|
 2(|z1|2 + |z2|2)
OAPB is a parallelogram. A(z1)
By the vector law of addition |z1|
O X

OP = z1 + z2  OP = |z1 + z2|

BA = z1 – z2  BA = |z1 – z2|
 OP2 + BA2 = OA2 + AP2 + PB2 + OB2
|z1 + z2|2 + |z1 – z2|2 = 2(|z1|2 + |z2|2)
The above identity indicates the sum of squars of diagonals of a parallelogram is equal to sum of square
of its all four sides.

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 (ix) Let z1 = x1 + iy1 and z2 = x2 + iy2
| z1 – z2| denotes the distance between two points on the complex plane representing z1 and z2.
AB = | z1 – z2 |
A
= x1  iy1  x 2  iy 2 

= x1  x 2  i y1  y 2  = x1  x 2 2  y1  y 2 2 B

.

P(z)
(x) | z | = a, a  R+  locus of z represents a circle whose a
centre is origin and radius is 'a'. O

P(z)
(xi) | z – z0 | = a where z0 is a fixed complex number and a
C
a  R+  locus of z represents a circle whose centre is (z0)
z0 and radius is a.
O

z  z1 P(z)
(xii) If z  z = 1 where z1 and z2 are two fixed complex
2

numbers then locus of z is the perpendicular bisector of

joining the points representing z1 and z2. A(z1) A(z2)

(xiii) Triangle inequalities | z1 |  | z 2 |  z1  z 2  z1  z 2

Proof :

Method-I Algebraic Method :

Let z1 = r1 (cos 1 + i sin 1) and z2 = r2 (cos 2 + i sin 2)

z1 + z2 = r1 cos 1 + r2 cos 2 + i (r1 sin 1 + r2 sin 2)
z1 + z2 = r1 cos 1  r2 cos 2  r1 sin 1  r2 sin 2 2 = r12  r22  2r1r2 cos1  2  .
| z1 + z2 | will be maximum when cos (1 – 2) = 1
 1 – 2 = 2n
 1 = 2 + 2n, n  I z1
z2
Hence, for the maximum value of | z1 + z2| points representing 2
complex numbers z1, z2 and the origin are collinear and z1, z2
must lie on the same side of the origin.

| z1 + z2| will be minimum when cos (1 – 2) = – 1

 1 – 2 = 2n + , n  I

 1 = 2 + 2n + , n  I
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 Hence, for the minimum value of |z1 + z2|
points representing the complex number z1, z2 z2
and the origin are collinear and z1, z2 must lie on the 1
2
opposite side of the origin.
z1
In the similar manner minimum and maximum values of | z1 – z2| can also be determined.

Method-II Geometrical Method :

Let Aand B represent complex numbers z1 and z2 respectively.

P(z1+z2)
B(z2)
A parallelogram OAPB is completed OP  z1  z 2 |
+z |z2|
2
|z2| |z 1
 OP  z1  z 2 A(z1)
|z1|
In the OAP, from the fact O

(i) Sum of two sides is always greater than third side.

(ii) Absolute value of the difference of two sides is always less than third side.
 | z1 |  | z 2 |  z1  z 2  z1  z 2

Note : Sign of equality holds when z1, z2 and the origin are collinear.

5.3 Properties of Argument of complex number :

(i) amp (z1 z2) = amp (z1) + amp (z2) + 2k, k  I

In general amp (z1 · z2 ..... zn) = amp (z1) + amp (z2) + ..... amp (zn) + 2k, k  I
 z1 
(ii) amp  z  = amp (z1) – amp (z2) + 2k, k  I
 2
(iii) amp (zn) = n amp (z) + 2k, k  I

Note :
In the above properties 2k, k  I is added in RHS and k is choosen in such a way so that value of the
expresion in RHS belongs to (– , ]

(iv) If amp (z – z0) =  where z0 is a fixed complex number then locus of z denotes a ray emanating from
z0 (z0 is not included) and making an angle  from positive real axis.

z

z0

Note : For any complex number of z

amp (z) + amp ( z ) =  or amp(z) + amp(–1) + amp ( z ) = 

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 6. CONCEPT OF ROTATION :
z
If z and z' are two complex numbers then argument of is the angle y
z'
through which Oz' must be turned in order that it may lie along Oz. z

z | z | ei | z | i (') | z | i z'

  e  e 
z ' | z ' | e i ' | z ' | | z '|  '
x
In general, let z1, z2, z3 be the three vertices of a triangleABC described O
in the counter-clock wise sense. Draw OP and OQ parallel and equal
to AB and AC respectively. Then the point P is z2 – z1 and Q is
z3 – z1 and
Y C(z3)
z3  z1 OQ

z 2  z1 OP (cos  + i sin ) B(z2)

CA i | z3  z1 | i Q(z3–z1)
 ·e  ·e 2 – 
BA | z 2  z1 |
P(z2–z1)
Note that arg. (z3 – z1) –arg(z2 – z1) =  is the angle 
through which OP must be rotated in the anti-clockwise
X
direction so that it becomes parallel to OQ.
2 – 
z z |z z |
Here we can write 3 1  3 1 · e–i(2–) also. In case we are rotating OP in clockwise direction
z 2  z1 | z 2  z1 |
by an angle (2 – ). Since the rotation is in clockwise direction, we are taking negative sign with angle
(2 – ).

Note :
If a complex number (z) is mutliplied by i, it means z has been z'(–1,1) z(1,1)
 /2
rotated through an angle in anticlockwise sense.
2
e.g z=1+i
z ' = (1 + i) ei/2 = (1 + i) i = – 1 + i.

7. DEMOIVRE'S THEOREM (DMT) :

Case-I :
Statement :
If n is any integer then
(i) (cos  + i sin )n = cos n + i sin n
(ii) (cos 1 + i sin 1)(cos 2 + i sin 2)(cos 3 + i sin 2)(cos 3 + i sin 3)……(cos n + i sin n)
= cos (1 + 2 + 3 + …… n) + i sin (1 + 2 + 3 + …… n)
Case-II :
Statement : If p, q  Z and q  0 then
 2k  p   2k  p 
(cos + i sin )p/q = cos   + i sin  
 q   q 
where k = 0, 1, 2, 3, ……, q – 1
Note : When index 'n' is integer then (cos  + i sin )n has exactly one value which is cos n + i sin n but
when n is rational number (say p/q, q  0) other than integer then (cos  + i sin )p/q has exactly q
different values.
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 Application of Demoivre's Theorem :
To find roots of a complex quantity is the main application of DMT.

Working rule for finding roots of a complex quantity :

7.1 Cube Roots of unity :

z3 – 1 = 0  z = (1)1/3 = (cos 0 + i sin 0)1/3 = (cos 2m + i sin 2m)1/3

2m 2m
= cos  i sin , m = 0, 1, 2
3 3
m = 0, z1 = cos 0 + i sin 0 = 1
2 2  1 3
m = 1, z2 = cos + i sin = i 
3 3 2 2
4 4  1 3
m = 2, z3 = cos , + i sin = i = 2
3 3 2 2
Note :
(i) 3 = 1

(ii) 3n = 1, n  I

(iii) 1 +  + 2 = 0
O if r is not a multiple of 3.
(iv) 1 + r + 2r =  1 3 
 , 
 2 2 
3 if r is a multiple of 3.  
2 /3
(v) Representation of cube roots of unity 2 /3 (1,0)
2 /3
on argand plane. Cube roots of unity form
an equilateral  whose side is 3 units.
 1 3
 , 
 2 2 
(vi) Some important factos 
• a3 + b3 = (a + b) (a2 – ab + b2) = (a + b) (a2 + ( + 2) ab) + b2)
= (a + b) [a2 + ab + ab2 + b23] = (a + b) [a(a + b) + bw2 (a + b)]
 (a + b) (a + b2) (a + b)
• a3 – b3 = (a – b) (a – b2) (a – b)
• a3 + b3 + c3 – 3abc = (a + b + c) (a + b + c2) (a + b2 + c)

7.2 n, nth root of unity :

zn – 1 = 0  z = (1)/n = (cos 0 + i sin 0)1/n = (cos 2m + i sin 2m)1/n

 2m   2m 
 cos   i sin   , m = 0, 1, 2, 3, ......, (n – 1)
 n   n 

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 m = 0, z1 = 1
2
 2   2  i
m = 1, z2 = cos   i sin   e n   (Let)
 n   n 
4
 4   4  i
m = 2, z3 = cos   i sin   e n  2
 n   n 


i 2( n 1) 
 2(n  1)    2(n  1) 
m = n – 1, zn = cos cos  + i sin   =e n  n  1 .
 n   n 

(1) 1, , 2, 3 + ......, n – 1 are n, nth roots of unity which are in G.P. with common ratio 
i 2
where  = en .

(2) Sum of n, nth roots of unity is awlays zero

1 +  + 2 + 3 + ...... n – 1 = 0
1  n
Proof : S =
1 
n
i2  i2 
   e n  = ei 2 = 1
n
 en
 
 
1 1
S= =0
1 

 n, if P is an integral multiple of n
(3) Sum of pth powers of n, nth roots of unity = 
 0, if P is not an integral multiple of n

Proof : 1p + ()p + (2)p + (3)p + ....... + (n – 1)p

Case-I: When 'p' is an integral multiple of n, p = n,  I

p
 i2 
 n  i2
 =  e  = e n p = e i2  1
p
 
2p = 1, 3p = 1, ………, (n – 1)p = 1
 1 + p + 2p + 3p + ....... + (n – 1)p
 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + ...... + 1 = n

Case-2 : When p is not an integral multiple of n :

 1 + p + 2p + 3p + ......... + (n – 1)p

=
1  p  n

11
=0 {np = 1}
1  p 1  p

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 Representation of all the roots of the equation on argand plane :

z2 z1

/3
z3 (1,0)
/3
z4 z5

7.3 Centroid, Incentre, Orthocentre & Circumcentre of a triangle on a

complex plane :

z1  z 2  z 3
(i) Centroid ' G ' =
3
a z1  b z 2  c z 3
(ii) Incentre ' I ' =
abc
(iii) Orthocentre :
b cos C z 2  c cos B z 3
ZD =
a
Now AE = c cos A ;
l = AE cosec C = c cos A cosec C
 c 
l = 2 R cos A   2 R
 sin C 
and m = c cos B cot C or m = 2 R cos B cos C
m z1   Z D
Hence ZH =
m

bcosCz 2  ccosBz1 
2 R cosBcosCz1  2 R cosA a 
 
=
2R (cosAcosBcosC)

a cos B cos C z1  b cos A cos C z 2  c cos A cos B z 3

=
a   cos (B  C)  cos B cos C

z1 (sin A cos B cos C)  (sin B cos C cos A) z2  (sin C cos A cos B) z3

=
sin A (sin B sin C)

z1 tan A  z 2 tan B  z 3 tan C z1 tan A  z 2 tan B  z 3 tan C

ZH = or
 tan A  tan A

(iv). Circumcentre :
We have z0 being equidistant from
the vertices gives,
z1  z 0 = z2  z0 = z3  z0
2 2
Consider , z1  z 0 = z2  z0
(z1  z0)  z1  z0  = (z2  z0)  z2  z 0 

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 z1  z1  z 0   z2  z 2  z 0  = z0 z
1 
 z 0    z2  z 0 

z1  z1  z 0   z2  z 2  z 0  = z0  z1  z 2  ....(1)
Similarly 1st & 3rd gives
z1  z1  z 0   z3  z 3  z 0  = z0  z1  z 3  ....(2)
dividing (1) by (2) eliminate z0 and get z0.

7.4 Different forms of equation of a straight line :

(i) Equation of straight line with line the help of coordinate geometry :
zz zz y  y1 x  x1
Writing x = ,y= etc. in = and re-arranging terms, we find that the
2 2i y 2  y1 x 2  x1
equation of the line through z1 and z2 is given by.

z  z1 z  z1 z z 1
 or z1 z1 1 = 0
z 2  z1 z 2  z1
z2 z2 1
Conditon for which two lines which are parallel or perpendicular :

(a) For parallel :

A(z1) B(z2)

C(z3) D(z4)
SinceAB and CD lines are parallel

 z z  z1  z 2 z1  z 2 z1  z2
 arg  1 2  = 0 or   z  z is purely real  
z 3  z 4 z3  z 4
 z3  z 4  3 4

(b) For perpendicular :

Since lines AB and CD are perpendicular
C(z3)
 z z  
arg  1 2  = ±
z z  2
 3 4
z1  z 2 A(z1) B(z2)
 z  z is purely imaginary
3 4

z1  z 2  z1  z2  D(z4)
  
 z z z z 
3 4  3 4
(c) General equation of the line :
From equation (i) we get, z( z 2 – z1) – z1 z 2 + z1 z1 = z(z2 – z1) – z1z2 + z1 z1
 z ( z 2– z1) + z( z1 – z 2) + z1z2 – z1 z 2 = 0
Here z1z2 – z1 z 2 is a purely imaginary number as z1z2 – z1 z 2 = 2i lm ( z1z2).
Let z1z2 – z1 z 2 = ib, b  R
 z ( z 2 – z1) + z( z1 – z 2) + ib = 0  z i ( z1 – z 2) + z i (z2 – z1) + b = 0
Let a = i(z2 – z1)  a = i( z1 – z 2)
 az + az + b = 0
This is the general equation of a line in the complex plane.
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 7.5 Different forms of equation of a circle :
(i) |z| = r, r  R+ then locus of z represent a circle whose centre is the origin and radius is equal to r.

P(z)
r
O

(ii) |z – z0| = r, r  R+ then locus of z represents a circle whose centre is z0 and radius is equal to r.

P(z)
r
c(z0)

(iii) Equation z z + a z + a z + b = 0 represnt a circle whose centre is –a and radius is equal | a |2 b .

Equation of the circle with centre z0 and radius 'r'.
|z – z0| = r  |z – z0|2 = r2  (z – z0) ( z  z 0 ) = r2 z z – z z0 – z z0 + |z0|2 – r2 = 0
Putting –z0 = a and |z0|2 – r2 = b equation becomes
zz + a z + az + b = 0
 Centre z0 = –a and radius r = | z 0 |2  b = | a |2  b

(iv) Diametric form of equation of circle :

Let A(z1) and B(z2) are the extremities of diameter of a circle and P(z) be a variable point then
(a) CP = r (r = radius of the circle)
z1  z 2 z z
z  1 2
2 2 P(z)

(b) AP & BP are perpendicular r

z  z1 z  z 2 A(z1) B(z2)
 1 + 2 = 0   =0 C z1 + z2
z  z1 z  z2 2
(c) AP2 + BP2 = AB2
|z – z1|2 + |z – z2|2 = |z1 – z2|2
(v) Equation of circle passing through three non-collinear points :
Let A(z1), B(z2) and C(z3) be three given non-collinear points and P(z) be a variable point.
Angle substended by the arc AP at B and C are equal (say '')
Using rotation theorem :
C(z3) B(z2 )
z  z2
=  1ei …(i)  
z1  z 2
z  z3
= ei …(ii)
z1  z3 2 A(z1) P(z)
(i) ÷ (ii)
z  z 2 z1  z3 1
·
z1  z 2 z  z3 =  2 = Purely real
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  z  z 2  z1  z3   z  z 2  z1  z3 
  z  z  z  z  =  z  z  z  z 
 3  1 2  3  1 2

The above equaiton represents a circle passing through A(z1), B(z2) and C(z3).

Imp. Note :
P(z)
Let z1 and z2 be two given complex numbers and z be any complex number

 z  z1 
such that, arg   = , where  (0, )
 z  z2 
A(z2) B(z1)
Then 'z' would be lie on an arc of segment of a circle on
Figure-I
 
z1z2, containing angle . Clearlyif   0,  , z would
 2
lie on the major arc (excluding the points z1 and z2) and
 
if   ,   . 'z' would lie on the minor arc A(z2) B(z1)
2  
(excluding the points z1 and z2).
P(z)

7.6 Condition of concyclic of four points :

Four points A(z1), B(z2), C(z3) and D(z4) taken in order are cycyclic then
z1  z 2 C(z3)
= 1 ei …(i)
z4  z2  B(z2)
z1  z3 

z 4  z 3 = 2 e
i …(ii)

From (i) & (ii) D(z4) A(z1)

z1  z 2 z 4  z3
· = Purely real (Which is the required conditon)
z 4  z 2 z1  z3
7.7 General locii on complex plane :
 z  z  b
(a) (i) If |z – z0 | = then locus of z is a
2|| M P(z)
parabola whose focus is z0 and directrix is the line
S(z0)
z  z  b  0 provided  z 0   z 0  b  0 focus

z +  z + b = 0 (Directrix)

(ii) If (z  z ) 2  8a (z  z )  0 then locus of z

represents a parabola whose focus is (a, 0), vertex is
(0, 0) and real axis is the axis of parabola.
(0, 0) S(a, 0) axis
Put z = x + iy
 (i 2y)2 + 8a.2x = 0
 – 4y2 + 16ax = 0
 y2 = 4ax

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 (b) | z – z1 | + | z – z2 | = k P(z)

(i) k > | z1 – z2 | then locus of z represents an ellipse

whose foci are z1 and z2. S2(z2) S1(z1)
axis

P(z)
(ii) k = | z1 – z2 | then locus of z is line segment joining S1(z1) S2(z2)
z1 and z2.
PS1 + PS2 = S1S2 = | z1 – z2 |  P lies on the line segement joining S1(z1) and S2(z2).

P(z)
(c) | | z – z1 | – | z – z2 || = k

(i) k < | z1 – z2 | then locus of z represents a hyperbola

whose foci are z1 and z2. S2(z2) S1(z1) axis

| PS1 – PS2 | < S1S2

| | z – z1 | – | z – z2 | < | z1 – z2 |

(ii) k = | z1 – z2 | then locus of z is union of two rays

emanting from z1 and z2. P(z) P(z)
| PS1 – PS2 | = S1S2 S2(z2) S1(z1)
| | z – z1 | – | z – z2 | = | z1 – z2 |
 P(z) lies on the rays emanting either z1 or z2.

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