Chapters

Complex Numbers

Class 11 Maths • Chapter 04 • Comprehensive Interactive Notes

1. The Imaginary Unit 'i'

A complex number is defined as \( z = a + ib \), where \( a, b \in R \). Here, \( a \) is the real part and \( b \) is the imaginary part. The unit \( i \) (iota) is defined as \( \sqrt{-1} \).

Powers of Iota (i)

Calculate \( i^n \) for any integer n.

Enter a power...

Pattern: \( i^1 = i, i^2 = -1, i^3 = -i, i^4 = 1 \)

1.1 Equality of Complex Numbers

Two complex numbers are equal if and only if their real parts and imaginary parts are equal.

If \( a + ib = c + id \)

Then:

  • \( a = c \)
  • \( b = d \)

Exam Tip: Always equate real parts and imaginary parts separately.

2. The Argand Plane

A complex number \( z = x + iy \) corresponds to the point \( P(x, y) \) in the Argand plane.

Argand Visualizer

Enter Real (a) and Imaginary (b) parts.

Plot a number to see details.

2.1 Geometrical Interpretation

Board Insight: These ideas are used in reasoning-type questions.

2.2 Argument of a Complex Number

The argument of \( z = a + ib \) is the angle \( \theta \) made by the line joining origin to point z with the positive real axis.

\( \tan \theta = \frac{b}{a} \)

\( \arg(z) = \theta \)

Principal Argument: Value of argument lying between \( (-\pi, \pi] \).

Note: Full polar form is studied in Class 12.

3. Algebra of Complex Numbers

Operations on complex numbers behave like polynomials with \( i \).

For \( z_1 = a + ib \) and \( z_2 = c + id \):

  • \( z_1 + z_2 = (a+c) + i(b+d) \)
  • \( z_1 - z_2 = (a-c) + i(b-d) \)

\( z_1 z_2 = (ac - bd) + i(ad + bc) \)

Note: \( i^2 = -1 \) is used here.

Modulus: \( |z| = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} \) (Distance from origin)

Conjugate: \( \bar{z} = a - ib \) (Reflection in Real axis)

Property: \( z\bar{z} = |z|^2 \)

4. Quadratic Equations

Solving \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \) when discriminant \( D < 0 \).

The solution is given by: \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{D}}{2a} = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{|D|}i}{2a} \)

4.1 Nature of Roots

Discriminant (D) Nature of Roots
D > 0 Two distinct real roots
D = 0 Equal real roots
D < 0 Complex conjugate roots

Complex Quadratic Solver

Solve \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \)

5. Important Identities

Identity Formula
Modulus Properties \( |z_1 z_2| = |z_1| |z_2| \)
\( |\frac{z_1}{z_2}| = \frac{|z_1|}{|z_2|} \)
Conjugate Properties \( \overline{z_1 \pm z_2} = \bar{z_1} \pm \bar{z_2} \)
\( \overline{z_1 z_2} = \bar{z_1} \bar{z_2} \)
Multiplicative Inverse \( z^{-1} = \frac{\bar{z}}{|z|^2} \)

5.1 Triangle Inequality

For any complex numbers \( z_1, z_2 \):

\( |z_1 + z_2| \le |z_1| + |z_2| \)

\( ||z_1| - |z_2|| \le |z_1 - z_2| \)

Meaning: Distance in complex plane follows triangle rules.

Exam Tip: Often asked as “prove that” or MCQ.

Concept Mastery Quiz

1. The value of \( i^{4k+3} \) is:


2. The conjugate of \( 3 - 4i \) is:


3. If \( z = x + iy \), then \( |z| \) represents:


4. Solution of \( x^2 + 2 = 0 \) is:


5. Multiplicative inverse of \( i \) is: