Complex Operations Comprehensive

Mixed operations, simplification strategies & modulus–argument form
9709 Paper 3 · §3.9 Complex Numbers I · Week 10 Lesson 5
💡 Lead In: Brute Force or Clever Eye?

Quick Recall

Quick check — pick the correct option in each question. These cover the Week 10 toolkit.

Review 1 — To add or subtract two complex numbers in Cartesian form, you:
multiply the real and imaginary parts
combine real parts and imaginary parts separately
divide by the conjugate
swap the real and imaginary parts

For addition/subtraction we handle the two components independently: $(a + b\mathrm{i}) \pm (c + d\mathrm{i}) = (a \pm c) + (b \pm d)\mathrm{i}$.

Review 2 — The product $(a + b\mathrm{i})(c + d\mathrm{i})$ equals:
$(ac + bd) + (ad - bc)\mathrm{i}$
$(ac - bd) + (ad + bc)\mathrm{i}$
$(ac - bd) - (ad + bc)\mathrm{i}$
$ac + bd\mathrm{i}$

Expanding with $\mathrm{i}^2 = -1$: $(a + b\mathrm{i})(c + d\mathrm{i}) = ac + ad\mathrm{i} + bc\mathrm{i} + bd\mathrm{i}^2 = (ac - bd) + (ad + bc)\mathrm{i}$.

Review 3 — To divide $\dfrac{a + b\mathrm{i}}{c + d\mathrm{i}}$, you multiply numerator and denominator by:
$\mathrm{i}$
the numerator itself
the conjugate of the denominator, $c - d\mathrm{i}$
the conjugate of the numerator, $a - b\mathrm{i}$

Multiplying by $\dfrac{c - d\mathrm{i}}{c - d\mathrm{i}}$ makes the denominator a real number $c^2 + d^2$, so the result is again in Cartesian form.

Review 4 — Conjugate root theorem: if $z = a + b\mathrm{i}$ is a root of a real polynomial, then so is:
$-a + b\mathrm{i}$
$-a - b\mathrm{i}$
$z^* = a - b\mathrm{i}$
$\dfrac{1}{a + b\mathrm{i}}$

For a polynomial with real coefficients, non-real roots come in conjugate pairs: if $a + b\mathrm{i}$ is a root, so is $a - b\mathrm{i}$.

The Wall

Simplify the following expression and give your answer in the form $x + \mathrm{i}y$:

$$\dfrac{(1 + \mathrm{i})^4}{(1 - \mathrm{i})^2}$$

Try it by direct expansion first: compute $(1+\mathrm{i})^2 = 2\mathrm{i}$, then $(2\mathrm{i})^2 = -4$, then $(1-\mathrm{i})^2 = -2\mathrm{i}$, then divide. It works, but it is easy to drop a sign. Is there a pattern you can exploit to do it in one line?

The Need

Brute-force expansion works for small problems, but it is slow, error-prone, and hides the geometry. We need three big strategies to bring order to mixed operations:

Strategy 1 — Power patterns: recognise $(a + b\mathrm{i})^2$ and $(a + b\mathrm{i})^3$ so you never expand from scratch twice.

Strategy 2 — Conjugate & modulus: use $z \cdot z^* = |z|^2$ to clear denominators and the modulus–argument form as a uniform simplifier.

Strategy 3 — Equate real and imaginary parts: to solve $z^2 = a + b\mathrm{i}$, write $z = p + q\mathrm{i}$ and match components.

💡 The Bridge (click to reveal)

For The Wall problem: $(1+\mathrm{i})^2 = 1 + 2\mathrm{i} + \mathrm{i}^2 = 2\mathrm{i}$, so $(1+\mathrm{i})^4 = (2\mathrm{i})^2 = -4$. Also $(1-\mathrm{i})^2 = -2\mathrm{i}$. Hence $\dfrac{(1+\mathrm{i})^4}{(1-\mathrm{i})^2} = \dfrac{-4}{-2\mathrm{i}} = \dfrac{2}{\mathrm{i}} = \dfrac{2\mathrm{i}}{\mathrm{i}^2} = -2\mathrm{i}$.

The pattern $z \cdot z^* = |z|^2$ is the master key for division, and writing $z = r(\cos\theta + \mathrm{i}\sin\theta)$ turns multiplication into “scale by $r$, rotate by $\theta$”.

📖 Key Concepts: Mixed Operations & Simplification Strategies

Complex arithmetic gets powerful when you combine operations and look for shortcuts. The three strategies below — power patterns, conjugate/modulus tricks, and equating real/imaginary parts — turn long, error-prone computations into quick, geometrically meaningful steps.

Key relation 1 — Powers of a complex number:

For $z = a + b\mathrm{i}$:

$z^2 = (a^2 - b^2) + 2ab\,\mathrm{i}$

$z^3 = (a^3 - 3ab^2) + (3a^2b - b^3)\,\mathrm{i}$

The real part uses even powers of $\mathrm{i}$ ($\mathrm{i}^2 = -1$); the imaginary part uses odd powers ($\mathrm{i}^3 = -\mathrm{i}$). Memorising these two expansions saves time on every mixed problem.

Key relation 2 — Simplification strategies:

Conjugate trick: $z \cdot z^* = a^2 + b^2 = |z|^2$ (always real and positive). Use this to clear any complex denominator.

Modulus–argument form: write $z = r(\cos\theta + \mathrm{i}\sin\theta)$ where

$r = |z| = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2}$,   $\theta = \arg(z) = \arctan\!\left(\dfrac{b}{a}\right)$ (adjusted for quadrant).

This form makes multiplication a “scale by $r$, rotate by $\theta$” operation and is the bridge to powers in higher lessons.

Key relation 3 — Equations with complex solutions:

To solve $z^2 = w$ where $w = a + b\mathrm{i}$, write $z = p + q\mathrm{i}$ and equate real and imaginary parts:

$z^2 = (p^2 - q^2) + 2pq\,\mathrm{i} = a + b\,\mathrm{i}$

$\Rightarrow p^2 - q^2 = a$,   $2pq = b$.

Combined with $p^2 + q^2 = |w| = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2}$, this gives

$p = \sqrt{\dfrac{|w| + a}{2}}$,   $q = \operatorname{sgn}(b)\sqrt{\dfrac{|w| - a}{2}}$.

The two square roots are $z = \pm(p + q\mathrm{i})$. This is the prototype for solving any polynomial equation with complex coefficients.

Group · Ch23 Activity 1: Whole-Class Interaction — Strategy Share on Mixed Operations

The teacher poses a mixed-operation problem and the class works through it together, surfacing as many different strategies as possible. Students vote on which strategy is “most elegant” for each step.

Think-First (90 seconds of silence): Pose the problem and wait. “Simplify $\dfrac{(2 + \mathrm{i})^3}{2 - \mathrm{i}}$ and give your answer in the form $x + \mathrm{i}y$.” Students attempt it individually first. Collect 2–3 candidate answers on the board before discussing strategies.
Step 1 (Share strategies): Invite students to describe how they attacked it. Typical responses:

Brute force: expand $(2+\mathrm{i})^2 = 3+4\mathrm{i}$, then $(2+\mathrm{i})^3 = (3+4\mathrm{i})(2+\mathrm{i}) = 2+11\mathrm{i}$, then divide by $2-\mathrm{i}$.

Conjugate trick: spot that $\dfrac{1}{2-\mathrm{i}} = \dfrac{2+\mathrm{i}}{5}$, so $\dfrac{(2+\mathrm{i})^3}{2-\mathrm{i}} = \dfrac{(2+\mathrm{i})^4}{5}$ — one fewer division step.

Modulus form: $|2+\mathrm{i}| = \sqrt{5}$, so $|(2+\mathrm{i})^3| = 5\sqrt{5}$ and $|2-\mathrm{i}| = \sqrt{5}$, giving $|$answer$| = 5$.

Step 2 (Class vote on elegance): For each step, ask “which strategy is fastest and least error-prone?” Highlight that the conjugate trick and modulus check catch sign mistakes early. The class agrees on a canonical worked solution: $(2+\mathrm{i})^3 = 2+11\mathrm{i}$, then $(2+11\mathrm{i})(2+\mathrm{i}) = (4-11) + (2+22)\mathrm{i} = -7 + 24\mathrm{i}$, then divide by $5$: $\boxed{-\tfrac{7}{5} + \tfrac{24}{5}\mathrm{i}}$. Check: $|$answer$| = \sqrt{49/25 + 576/25} = \sqrt{625/25} = 5$ ✓.
Step 3 (Generalise): Ask the class: “If you saw $\dfrac{(a + b\mathrm{i})^n}{c + d\mathrm{i}}$, what is your default attack plan?” Co-create a one-line strategy on the board: expand powers → clear denominator with conjugate → check modulus.
Individual · Ch21 Activity 2: Matching Game — Expressions to Their Simplified Forms

Quick-response matching game: match each complex expression (left) to its simplified form (right). Click an expression, then click the matching simplified form. The right column is shuffled each time you load the page.

$(1 + \mathrm{i})^2$
$2\mathrm{i}$
$(1 + \mathrm{i})(1 - \mathrm{i})$
$2$
$\dfrac{1}{1 + \mathrm{i}}$
$\tfrac{1}{2} - \tfrac{1}{2}\mathrm{i}$
$(2 + \mathrm{i})^2$
$3 + 4\mathrm{i}$
Matches made: 0 / 4
👁 Show Answer Key

$(1 + \mathrm{i})^2 = 2\mathrm{i}$: expand $1 + 2\mathrm{i} + \mathrm{i}^2 = 1 + 2\mathrm{i} - 1 = 2\mathrm{i}$.

$(1 + \mathrm{i})(1 - \mathrm{i}) = 2$: the conjugate trick gives $|1+\mathrm{i}|^2 = 1 + 1 = 2$.

$\dfrac{1}{1 + \mathrm{i}} = \tfrac{1}{2} - \tfrac{1}{2}\mathrm{i}$: multiply by $\dfrac{1-\mathrm{i}}{1-\mathrm{i}}$ to get $\dfrac{1-\mathrm{i}}{2}$.

$(2 + \mathrm{i})^2 = 3 + 4\mathrm{i}$: expand $4 + 4\mathrm{i} + \mathrm{i}^2 = 3 + 4\mathrm{i}$.

Group · Guided Worked Example 1: Cartesian to Modulus–Argument Form Exercise 11E Q2

For each complex number, find the modulus and principal argument, and hence write the complex number in polar form.

Give the argument in radians, either as a simple rational multiple of $\pi$ or correct to 3 decimal places.

(i) $1$   (ii) $-2$   (iii) $3\mathrm{i}$   (iv) $-4\mathrm{i}$   (v) $1+\mathrm{i}$   (vi) $-5-5\mathrm{i}$

(vii) $1-\sqrt{3}\mathrm{i}$   (viii) $6\sqrt{3}+6\mathrm{i}$   (ix) $3-4\mathrm{i}$   (x) $-12+5\mathrm{i}$   (xi) $4+7\mathrm{i}$   (xii) $-58-93\mathrm{i}$

👁 Reveal Solution
Step 1: Special cases on the axes

(i) $z = 1$: $r = 1$, $\theta = 0$. Polar form: $\cos 0 + \mathrm{i}\sin 0$.

(ii) $z = -2$: $r = 2$, $\theta = \pi$. Polar form: $2(\cos\pi + \mathrm{i}\sin\pi)$.

(iii) $z = 3\mathrm{i}$: $r = 3$, $\theta = \pi/2$. Polar form: $3(\cos\tfrac{\pi}{2} + \mathrm{i}\sin\tfrac{\pi}{2})$.

(iv) $z = -4\mathrm{i}$: $r = 4$, $\theta = -\pi/2$. Polar form: $4(\cos(-\tfrac{\pi}{2}) + \mathrm{i}\sin(-\tfrac{\pi}{2}))$.

Step 2: First-quadrant points

(v) $z = 1 + \mathrm{i}$: $r = \sqrt{1+1} = \sqrt{2}$, $\theta = \arctan(1) = \pi/4$. Polar form: $\sqrt{2}(\cos\tfrac{\pi}{4} + \mathrm{i}\sin\tfrac{\pi}{4})$.

(viii) $z = 6\sqrt{3} + 6\mathrm{i}$: $r = \sqrt{108 + 36} = \sqrt{144} = 12$, $\theta = \arctan\!\left(\tfrac{6}{6\sqrt{3}}\right) = \arctan\!\left(\tfrac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\right) = \pi/6$. Polar form: $12(\cos\tfrac{\pi}{6} + \mathrm{i}\sin\tfrac{\pi}{6})$.

(xi) $z = 4 + 7\mathrm{i}$: $r = \sqrt{16+49} = \sqrt{65}$, $\theta = \arctan(7/4) \approx 1.052$ rad. Polar form: $\sqrt{65}(\cos 1.052 + \mathrm{i}\sin 1.052)$.

Step 3: Other-quadrant points

(vi) $z = -5 - 5\mathrm{i}$: $r = \sqrt{25+25} = 5\sqrt{2}$, Q3 so $\theta = -\pi + \arctan(1) = -\tfrac{3\pi}{4}$. Polar form: $5\sqrt{2}(\cos(-\tfrac{3\pi}{4}) + \mathrm{i}\sin(-\tfrac{3\pi}{4}))$.

(vii) $z = 1 - \sqrt{3}\mathrm{i}$: $r = \sqrt{1+3} = 2$, Q4 so $\theta = -\arctan(\sqrt{3}) = -\pi/3$. Polar form: $2(\cos(-\tfrac{\pi}{3}) + \mathrm{i}\sin(-\tfrac{\pi}{3}))$.

(ix) $z = 3 - 4\mathrm{i}$: $r = \sqrt{9+16} = 5$, Q4 so $\theta = -\arctan(4/3) \approx -0.927$ rad. Polar form: $5(\cos(-0.927) + \mathrm{i}\sin(-0.927))$.

(x) $z = -12 + 5\mathrm{i}$: $r = \sqrt{144+25} = 13$, Q2 so $\theta = \pi - \arctan(5/12) \approx 2.747$ rad. Polar form: $13(\cos 2.747 + \mathrm{i}\sin 2.747)$.

Step 4: The large-coordinate case

(xii) $z = -58 - 93\mathrm{i}$: $r = \sqrt{58^2 + 93^2} = \sqrt{3364 + 8649} = \sqrt{12013} \approx 109.604$.

Q3 so $\theta = -\pi + \arctan(93/58) \approx -\pi + 1.015 \approx -2.127$ rad.

Polar form: $109.604(\cos(-2.127) + \mathrm{i}\sin(-2.127))$.

Final Answer

$$\text{All 12 parts have been converted to polar form } r(\cos\theta + \mathrm{i}\sin\theta).$$

The pattern: compute $r$ by Pythagoras, compute the reference angle $\arctan(|b/a|)$, then attach the sign of $\theta$ based on the quadrant. Special-axis points ($a = 0$ or $b = 0$) skip the arctan step entirely.

Individual · Guided Worked Example 2: Polar Form to Cartesian Form Exercise 11E Q3

Write each complex number with the given modulus and argument in the form $x + \mathrm{i}y$, giving surds in your answer where appropriate.

(i) $|z|=2, \arg z = \dfrac{\pi}{2}$   (ii) $|z|=3, \arg z = \dfrac{\pi}{3}$   (iii) $|z|=7, \arg z = \dfrac{5\pi}{6}$

(iv) $|z|=1, \arg z = -\dfrac{\pi}{4}$   (v) $|z|=5, \arg z = -\dfrac{2\pi}{3}$   (vi) $|z|=6, \arg z = -2$

👁 Reveal Solution
Step 1: Special angles on the axes

(i) $|z|=2$, $\arg z = \pi/2$: $z = 2(\cos\tfrac{\pi}{2} + \mathrm{i}\sin\tfrac{\pi}{2}) = 2(0 + \mathrm{i}\cdot 1) = \boxed{2\mathrm{i}}$.

Step 2: First-quadrant angles

(ii) $|z|=3$, $\arg z = \pi/3$: $z = 3(\cos\tfrac{\pi}{3} + \mathrm{i}\sin\tfrac{\pi}{3}) = 3\!\left(\tfrac{1}{2} + \mathrm{i}\tfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right) = \boxed{\tfrac{3}{2} + \tfrac{3\sqrt{3}}{2}\mathrm{i}}$.

Step 3: Second-quadrant angle

(iii) $|z|=7$, $\arg z = 5\pi/6$: $z = 7(\cos\tfrac{5\pi}{6} + \mathrm{i}\sin\tfrac{5\pi}{6}) = 7\!\left(-\tfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2} + \mathrm{i}\tfrac{1}{2}\right) = \boxed{-\tfrac{7\sqrt{3}}{2} + \tfrac{7}{2}\mathrm{i}}$.

Step 4: Fourth-quadrant angles

(iv) $|z|=1$, $\arg z = -\pi/4$: $z = \cos(-\tfrac{\pi}{4}) + \mathrm{i}\sin(-\tfrac{\pi}{4}) = \tfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2} - \mathrm{i}\tfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2} = \boxed{\tfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2} - \tfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\mathrm{i}}$.

(v) $|z|=5$, $\arg z = -2\pi/3$: $z = 5(\cos(-\tfrac{2\pi}{3}) + \mathrm{i}\sin(-\tfrac{2\pi}{3})) = 5\!\left(-\tfrac{1}{2} - \mathrm{i}\tfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right) = \boxed{-\tfrac{5}{2} - \tfrac{5\sqrt{3}}{2}\mathrm{i}}$.

Step 5: Non-special angle (give to 3 d.p.)

(vi) $|z|=6$, $\arg z = -2$: $z = 6(\cos(-2) + \mathrm{i}\sin(-2))$.

Using $\cos(-2) \approx -0.4161$ and $\sin(-2) \approx -0.9093$:

$z \approx 6(-0.4161 - 0.9093\mathrm{i}) \approx \boxed{-2.497 - 5.456\mathrm{i}}$ (to 3 d.p.).

Final Answer

$$\text{(i) } 2\mathrm{i} \quad \text{(ii) } \tfrac{3}{2} + \tfrac{3\sqrt{3}}{2}\mathrm{i} \quad \text{(iii) } -\tfrac{7\sqrt{3}}{2} + \tfrac{7}{2}\mathrm{i}$$

$$\text{(iv) } \tfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2} - \tfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\mathrm{i} \quad \text{(v) } -\tfrac{5}{2} - \tfrac{5\sqrt{3}}{2}\mathrm{i} \quad \text{(vi) } -2.497 - 5.456\mathrm{i}$$

The pattern: $x = r\cos\theta$ and $y = r\sin\theta$. For non-special angles, give numerical answers to 3 decimal places.

✏️ Concept Quiz
Score: 0 / 4
1. Expand and simplify $(2 + \mathrm{i})^2$.
$5 + 4\mathrm{i}$
$3 + 4\mathrm{i}$
$3 - 4\mathrm{i}$
$5 - 4\mathrm{i}$
$(2+\mathrm{i})^2 = 4 + 4\mathrm{i} + \mathrm{i}^2 = 4 + 4\mathrm{i} - 1 = 3 + 4\mathrm{i}$. The trap $5+4\mathrm{i}$ forgets that $\mathrm{i}^2 = -1$ (treating it as $+1$). The trap $3-4\mathrm{i}$ flips the sign of the imaginary part. The trap $5-4\mathrm{i}$ combines both errors.
2. What is the modulus of $-5 + 12\mathrm{i}$?
$7$
$17$
$13$
$119$
$|-5+12\mathrm{i}| = \sqrt{(-5)^2 + 12^2} = \sqrt{25 + 144} = \sqrt{169} = 13$. The trap $7$ computes $12 - 5$ (subtracting the components). The trap $17$ computes $12 + 5$. The trap $119$ computes $5 \times 12 - 1$. Modulus always uses $a^2 + b^2$ under the square root, regardless of signs.
3. The two square roots of $-3 - 4\mathrm{i}$ are:
$\pm(1 + 2\mathrm{i})$
$\pm(1 - 2\mathrm{i})$
$\pm(2 - \mathrm{i})$
$\pm(2 + \mathrm{i})$
Let $z = p + q\mathrm{i}$ with $z^2 = -3 - 4\mathrm{i}$. Then $p^2 - q^2 = -3$ and $2pq = -4$. Also $p^2 + q^2 = \sqrt{9+16} = 5$. Adding: $2p^2 = 2 \Rightarrow p = 1$. Subtracting: $2q^2 = 8 \Rightarrow q = \pm 2$. Since $2pq = -4 < 0$, $p$ and $q$ have opposite signs, so $q = -2$. Thus $z = \pm(1 - 2\mathrm{i})$. Check: $(1-2\mathrm{i})^2 = 1 - 4\mathrm{i} + 4\mathrm{i}^2 = 1 - 4\mathrm{i} - 4 = -3 - 4\mathrm{i}$ ✓.
4. Express $\dfrac{3 + 2\mathrm{i}}{1 - \mathrm{i}}$ in the form $x + \mathrm{i}y$.
$\tfrac{1}{2} + \tfrac{5}{2}\mathrm{i}$
$\tfrac{1}{2} - \tfrac{5}{2}\mathrm{i}$
$-\tfrac{1}{2} + \tfrac{5}{2}\mathrm{i}$
$2 + \mathrm{i}$
Multiply by $\dfrac{1+\mathrm{i}}{1+\mathrm{i}}$: $\dfrac{(3+2\mathrm{i})(1+\mathrm{i})}{(1-\mathrm{i})(1+\mathrm{i})} = \dfrac{3 + 3\mathrm{i} + 2\mathrm{i} + 2\mathrm{i}^2}{1 + 1} = \dfrac{3 + 5\mathrm{i} - 2}{2} = \dfrac{1 + 5\mathrm{i}}{2} = \tfrac{1}{2} + \tfrac{5}{2}\mathrm{i}$. The trap with $-\tfrac{5}{2}\mathrm{i}$ forgets the sign flip from $\mathrm{i}^2 = -1$. The trap $2 + \mathrm{i}$ forgets to divide by $|1-\mathrm{i}|^2 = 2$.
🎉
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✏️ More Practice
Exercise 11D Q1 Standard

For each of parts (i) to (viii), draw an Argand diagram showing the set of points $z$ for which the given condition is true.

(i) $|z|=2$   (ii) $|z - 4| \leqslant 3$   (iii) $|z - 5\mathrm{i}| = 6$   (iv) $|z + 3 - 4\mathrm{i}| < 5$

(v) $|6 - \mathrm{i} - z| \geqslant 2$   (vi) $|z + 2 + 4\mathrm{i}| = 0$   (vii) $2 \leqslant |z - 1 + \mathrm{i}| \leqslant 3$   (viii) $\mathrm{Re}(z) = -2$

💡 Hint

Recall: $|z - z_0|$ is the distance from $z$ to $z_0$ on the Argand diagram. So:

$|z - z_0| = r$ → circle of radius $r$ centred at $z_0$.

$|z - z_0| \leqslant r$ → closed disk of radius $r$ centred at $z_0$.

$|z - z_0| < r$ → open disk (boundary not included, use a dashed circle).

$|z - z_0| \geqslant r$ → exterior of the disk (boundary included).

$r_1 \leqslant |z - z_0| \leqslant r_2$ → annulus (ring) between two circles.

Rewrite each condition in the form $|z - z_0| \circ r$ to identify the centre $z_0$ and radius $r$.

👁 Reveal Solution
Step 1: Identify centre and radius for each

(i) $|z| = 2$: centre $0$, radius $2$ → circle.

(ii) $|z - 4| \leqslant 3$: centre $4$, radius $3$ → closed disk (solid boundary).

(iii) $|z - 5\mathrm{i}| = 6$: centre $5\mathrm{i}$, radius $6$ → circle.

(iv) $|z + 3 - 4\mathrm{i}| < 5$: rewrite as $|z - (-3 + 4\mathrm{i})| < 5$ → open disk centre $-3 + 4\mathrm{i}$, radius $5$ (dashed boundary).

(v) $|6 - \mathrm{i} - z| \geqslant 2$: rewrite as $|z - (6 - \mathrm{i})| \geqslant 2$ → exterior of disk centre $6 - \mathrm{i}$, radius $2$ (solid boundary, shaded outside).

(vi) $|z + 2 + 4\mathrm{i}| = 0$: rewrite as $|z - (-2 - 4\mathrm{i})| = 0$ → single point $-2 - 4\mathrm{i}$.

(vii) $2 \leqslant |z - 1 + \mathrm{i}| \leqslant 3$: rewrite as $2 \leqslant |z - (1 - \mathrm{i})| \leqslant 3$ → annulus centre $1 - \mathrm{i}$, inner radius $2$, outer radius $3$.

(viii) $\mathrm{Re}(z) = -2$: vertical line $x = -2$.

Step 2: Sketch on Argand diagrams

Draw a separate Argand diagram for each part. Mark the centre $z_0$ as a dot, draw the circle(s) of the required radius, and shade the region indicated by the inequality. For (viii), draw the vertical line $x = -2$.

Key conventions: solid circle = boundary included ($\leqslant$, $\geqslant$, $=$); dashed circle = boundary excluded ($<$, $>$); single point for $= 0$.

Final Answer

$$\text{Eight Argand diagrams as described above.}$$

Verification: each condition has the form $|z - z_0| \circ r$ (or $\mathrm{Re}(z) = c$), and the geometry follows directly from the definition of modulus as distance.

Exercise 11D Q2 Medium

Draw an Argand diagram showing the set of points $z$ for which $|z - 12 + 5\mathrm{i}| \leqslant 7$. Use the diagram to prove that, for these $z$, $6 \leqslant |z| \leqslant 20$.

💡 Hint

Rewrite the condition as $|z - (12 - 5\mathrm{i})| \leqslant 7$: a closed disk centre $12 - 5\mathrm{i}$, radius $7$.

$|z|$ is the distance from $z$ to the origin. The greatest and least values of $|z|$ on the disk occur on the line through the origin and the centre.

Compute the distance from the origin to the centre: $|12 - 5\mathrm{i}| = \sqrt{144 + 25} = \sqrt{169} = 13$.

The least $|z|$ is $13 - 7$ (centre minus radius); the greatest is $13 + 7$ (centre plus radius).

👁 Reveal Solution
Step 1: Identify the region

Rewrite $|z - 12 + 5\mathrm{i}| \leqslant 7$ as $|z - (12 - 5\mathrm{i})| \leqslant 7$.

This is a closed disk with centre $z_0 = 12 - 5\mathrm{i}$ (the point $(12, -5)$) and radius $7$.

Step 2: Compute the distance from origin to centre

$|z_0| = |12 - 5\mathrm{i}| = \sqrt{12^2 + (-5)^2} = \sqrt{144 + 25} = \sqrt{169} = 13$.

So the centre of the disk is at distance $13$ from the origin.

Step 3: Find the least and greatest values of $|z|$

The least $|z|$ occurs at the point on the disk closest to the origin, which is on the line from the origin through the centre, at distance $|z_0| - 7 = 13 - 7 = 6$.

The greatest $|z|$ occurs at the point on the disk farthest from the origin, at distance $|z_0| + 7 = 13 + 7 = 20$.

Final Answer

$$\boxed{6 \leqslant |z| \leqslant 20}$$

The disk of radius $7$ centred at $12 - 5\mathrm{i}$ lies entirely at distances between $6$ and $20$ from the origin.

Exercise 11D Q3 Medium

(i) On an Argand diagram, show the region R for which $|z - 5 + 4\mathrm{i}| \leqslant 3$.

(ii) Find the greatest and least values of $|z + 3 - 2\mathrm{i}|$ in the region R.

💡 Hint

Part (i): rewrite $|z - 5 + 4\mathrm{i}| \leqslant 3$ as $|z - (5 - 4\mathrm{i})| \leqslant 3$. This is a closed disk centre $5 - 4\mathrm{i}$ (the point $(5, -4)$), radius $3$.

Part (ii): $|z + 3 - 2\mathrm{i}| = |z - (-3 + 2\mathrm{i})|$ is the distance from $z$ to the fixed point $-3 + 2\mathrm{i}$ (the point $(-3, 2)$).

The greatest and least distances from a fixed point to a disk occur on the line through the fixed point and the centre of the disk.

Compute the distance from $(-3, 2)$ to the centre $(5, -4)$ of the disk.

👁 Reveal Solution
Step 1: Identify the region R

Rewrite $|z - 5 + 4\mathrm{i}| \leqslant 3$ as $|z - (5 - 4\mathrm{i})| \leqslant 3$.

Region R is a closed disk with centre $z_0 = 5 - 4\mathrm{i}$ (point $(5, -4)$) and radius $3$.

Step 2: Rewrite the quantity to maximise/minimise

$|z + 3 - 2\mathrm{i}| = |z - (-3 + 2\mathrm{i})|$ is the distance from $z$ to the fixed point $w = -3 + 2\mathrm{i}$ (point $(-3, 2)$).

Step 3: Distance from $w$ to the centre of R

$|w - z_0| = |(-3 + 2\mathrm{i}) - (5 - 4\mathrm{i})| = |-8 + 6\mathrm{i}| = \sqrt{64 + 36} = \sqrt{100} = 10$.

So the fixed point $w$ is at distance $10$ from the centre of the disk R.

Step 4: Greatest and least values

Least value: $|w - z_0| - r = 10 - 3 = 7$ (closest point on the disk).

Greatest value: $|w - z_0| + r = 10 + 3 = 13$ (farthest point on the disk).

Final Answer

$$\boxed{\text{Least value of } |z + 3 - 2\mathrm{i}| = 7, \quad \text{Greatest value} = 13}$$

Verification: $7 + 13 = 20 = 2 \times 10 = 2|w - z_0|$ ✓ and $13 - 7 = 6 = 2 \times 3 = 2r$ ✓.

Exercise 11D Q4 Challenging

By using an Argand diagram see if it is possible to find values of $z$ for which $|z - 2 + \mathrm{i}| \geqslant 10$ and $|z + 4 + 2\mathrm{i}| \leqslant 2$ simultaneously.

💡 Hint 1

Rewrite each condition in the form $|z - z_k| \circ r$:

$|z - 2 + \mathrm{i}| \geqslant 10 \Leftrightarrow |z - (2 - \mathrm{i})| \geqslant 10$: exterior of disk centre $z_1 = 2 - \mathrm{i}$, radius $10$.

$|z + 4 + 2\mathrm{i}| \leqslant 2 \Leftrightarrow |z - (-4 - 2\mathrm{i})| \leqslant 2$: closed disk centre $z_2 = -4 - 2\mathrm{i}$, radius $2$.

Draw both regions on the same Argand diagram and check whether they overlap.

💡 Hint 2

Compute the distance between the two centres:

$|z_1 - z_2| = |(2 - \mathrm{i}) - (-4 - 2\mathrm{i})| = |6 + \mathrm{i}| = \sqrt{36 + 1} = \sqrt{37} \approx 6.08$.

The closest point of the second disk to $z_1$ is at distance $|z_1 - z_2| - r_2 = \sqrt{37} - 2 \approx 4.08$, which is less than $10$.

So the entire second disk lies inside the inner boundary of the first region, meaning the two regions do not overlap.

👁 Reveal Solution
Step 1: Rewrite each condition

$|z - 2 + \mathrm{i}| \geqslant 10 \Leftrightarrow |z - (2 - \mathrm{i})| \geqslant 10$.

This is the exterior (including boundary) of a disk centre $z_1 = 2 - \mathrm{i}$, radius $r_1 = 10$.

$|z + 4 + 2\mathrm{i}| \leqslant 2 \Leftrightarrow |z - (-4 - 2\mathrm{i})| \leqslant 2$.

This is a closed disk centre $z_2 = -4 - 2\mathrm{i}$, radius $r_2 = 2$.

Step 2: Compute the distance between centres

$|z_1 - z_2| = |(2 - \mathrm{i}) - (-4 - 2\mathrm{i})| = |6 + \mathrm{i}| = \sqrt{6^2 + 1^2} = \sqrt{37} \approx 6.08$.

Step 3: Check if the second disk reaches the first region

The greatest distance from $z_1$ to any point of the second disk is $|z_1 - z_2| + r_2 = \sqrt{37} + 2 \approx 8.08$.

Since $8.08 < 10 = r_1$, every point of the second disk is strictly inside the inner boundary of the first region.

Therefore the second disk lies entirely in the region $|z - z_1| < 10$, which is the complement of the first region. The two regions do not overlap.

Final Answer

$$\boxed{\text{There are no values of } z \text{ satisfying both conditions simultaneously.}}$$

The disk $|z + 4 + 2\mathrm{i}| \leqslant 2$ is entirely contained inside the open disk $|z - 2 + \mathrm{i}| < 10$, so no point satisfies $|z - 2 + \mathrm{i}| \geqslant 10$ and $|z + 4 + 2\mathrm{i}| \leqslant 2$ at the same time.

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Exit Ticket

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