
Advanced Higher Maths
Complex Numbers
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
and argument - Converting Cartesian
polar 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
- Zeta AH Maths Textbook
pp.135-159
- Leckie AH Maths Textbook pp.113-144
- Leckie Practice Book pp.28-36
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Example 1 (non-calculator)
Given that
Example 2 (non-calculator)
Given that
Example 3 (non-calculator)
For
Recommended textbook
Zeta Maths: Advanced Higher Maths

Example 4 (non-calculator)
Solve the equation
Example 5 (non-calculator)
Solve the equation
Example 6 (non-calculator)
Find
Revision guides
How To Pass Advanced Higher Maths
BrightRED AH Maths Study Guide

Example 7 (non-calculator)
The complex number
Example 8 (non-calculator)
The complex number
Example 9 (non-calculator)
The complex number
Express
(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:
Express in polar form: (a)
Example 11 (non-calculator)
Given
Example 12 (non-calculator)
Express each of the fourth roots of
Stationery supplies
Pukka Pad: A4 squared notepads
Uni-ball Eye: fine-tip rollerball pens

Example 13 (non-calculator)
SQA Advanced Higher Maths 2022 Paper 1 Q3
Given that
Example 14 (non-calculator)
SQA Advanced Higher Maths 2023 Paper 1 Q6
(a) Express
(b) Hence, or otherwise, show that
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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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