Advanced Higher Maths
Complex Numbers

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Course content

  • Arithmetic: +, , ×, ÷,  
  • Cubic and quartic equations (real coefficients, one complex root given)
  • Solving equations involving complex numbers
  • Plotting complex numbers in the complex plane (Argand diagram)
  • Modulus |z| and argument arg(z)
  • Converting Cartesianpolar form
  • Applying de Moivre's theorem (with integer and fractional indices) to multiple angle trig formulae or to find the nth roots of a complex number
  • Sketching the locus of points satisfying an equation or inequality.

Textbook page references

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Example 1 (non-calculator)

Given that z=23i, write down the conjugate z¯ and find zz¯.

Example 2 (non-calculator)

Given that z1=3+4i and z2=k12i, kR, find z1z2¯ and the value of k such that z1z2¯R.

Example 3 (non-calculator)

For nR, given that z=3i2+niR, find n and the value of z.

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Example 4 (non-calculator)

Solve the equation x24x+5=0 for xC.

Example 5 (non-calculator)

Solve the equation z+2iz¯=8+7i.

Example 6 (non-calculator)

Find 34i.

Revision guides

How To Pass Advanced Higher Maths 
BrightRED AH Maths Study Guide 

Example 7 (non-calculator)

The complex number z=1+2i is a root of the equation z35z2+11z15=0. Find the remaining roots.

Example 8 (non-calculator)

The complex number z=13i is a root of the polynomial equation z4+3z2+2z+12=0. Find the remaining roots.

Example 9 (non-calculator)

The complex number z has been plotted on an Argand diagram, as shown below.
Express z in:
(a)  Cartesian form
(b)  polar form.

Scientific calculators

Casio FX-85GTCW scientific calculator 
Casio FX-991CW advanced calculator 

Example 10 (non-calculator)

Two complex numbers are defined as:
z=2(cosπ4+isinπ4)
w=3(cos5π6+isin5π6)
Express in polar form: (a) zw  (b) zw.

Example 11 (non-calculator)

Given z=1i, write z10 in polar form.

Example 12 (non-calculator)

Express each of the fourth roots of 1+i in polar form.

Stationery supplies

Pukka Pad: A4 squared notepads 
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Example 13 (non-calculator)

SQA Advanced Higher Maths 2022 Paper 1 Q3

Given that z1=5+3i and z2=6+2i, express z1z2¯ in the form a+bi where a and b are real numbers.

Example 14 (non-calculator)

SQA Advanced Higher Maths 2023 Paper 1 Q6

(a)  Express z=1+3i in polar form.
(b)  Hence, or otherwise, show that z3 is real.

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Past paper questions

Basic operations:
2016 Exemplar Paper Q5
2018 Paper Q4 (solution)
Solving cubic or quartic equations:
2017 Paper Q17 (solution)
2019 Specimen Paper 1 Q5
Argand diagram:
2019 Paper Q18 (solution)
2019 Specimen Paper 2 Q7
Locus in the complex plane:
2018 Paper Q10 (solution)
de Moivre's theorem:
2016 Specimen Paper Q17
2019 Paper Q18 (solution)
2019 Specimen Paper 2 Q7
2023 Paper 1 Q6

Other great resources

Notes - Auchmuty High School
Notes - St Columba's High School
Notes - St Machar Academy
Notes and exercises
- St Andrew's Academy
Notes - Hyndland Secondary School
Lesson notes - Maths 777
1. Complex number arithmetic
2. Complex equations
3. Complex polynomials
Videos - Mr Thomas Maths
Videos - St Andrew's Academy
Notes and examples - Maths Mutt
Worksheet - Armadale Academy
Worksheet - Dunblane High School

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