Complex numbers 2

344 questions · 28 question types identified

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Integration using De Moivre identities

A question is this type if and only if it asks to evaluate a definite integral of powers of sin θ or cos θ by first expressing them using De Moivre-derived identities.

36 Challenging +1.2
10.5% of questions
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5 Use de Moivre's theorem to express \(\cos ^ { 4 } \theta\) in the form $$a \cos 4 \theta + b \cos 2 \theta + c$$ where \(a , b , c\) are constants to be found. Hence evaluate $$\int _ { 0 } ^ { \frac { 1 } { 4 } \pi } \cos ^ { 4 } \theta d \theta$$ leaving your answer in terms of \(\pi\).
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Easiest question Standard +0.3 »
5 Use de Moivre's theorem to express \(\cos ^ { 4 } \theta\) in the form $$a \cos 4 \theta + b \cos 2 \theta + c$$ where \(a , b , c\) are constants to be found. Hence evaluate $$\int _ { 0 } ^ { \frac { 1 } { 4 } \pi } \cos ^ { 4 } \theta d \theta$$ leaving your answer in terms of \(\pi\).
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Hardest question Hard +2.3 »
8
  1. By considering the binomial expansion of \(\left( z + \frac { 1 } { z } \right) ^ { 7 }\), where \(z = \cos \theta + \mathrm { i } \sin \theta\), use de Moivre's theorem to show that $$\cos ^ { 7 } \theta = a \cos 7 \theta + b \cos 5 \theta + c \cos 3 \theta + d \cos \theta$$ where \(a , b , c\) and \(d\) are constants to be determined.
    Let \(I _ { n } = \int _ { 0 } ^ { \frac { 1 } { 4 } \pi } \cos ^ { n } \theta \mathrm {~d} \theta\).
  2. Show that $$n I _ { n } = 2 ^ { - \frac { 1 } { 2 } n } + ( n - 1 ) I _ { n - 2 }$$ \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{4af32247-c1f9-4c1f-bdf8-bafe17aca1dc-18_2716_40_109_2009}
  3. Using the results given in parts (a) and (b), find the exact value of \(I _ { 9 }\).
    If you use the following page to complete the answer to any question, the question number must be clearly shown.
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Express roots in trigonometric form

A question is this type if and only if it asks to express roots of a polynomial equation in the form cos(kπ), sin(kπ), tan(kπ), cot(kπ), or similar trigonometric expressions.

32 Challenging +1.3
9.3% of questions
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3 Use De Moivre's Theorem to find the smallest positive angle \(\theta\) for which $$( \cos \theta + \mathrm { i } \sin \theta ) ^ { 15 } = - \mathrm { i }$$ (5 marks)
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Easiest question Standard +0.3 »
4 In this question you must show detailed reasoning.
You are given that \(z = \sqrt { 3 } + \mathrm { i }\). \(n\) is the smallest positive whole number such that \(z ^ { n }\) is a positive whole number.
  1. Determine the value of \(n\).
  2. Find the value of \(z ^ { n }\).
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Hardest question Challenging +1.8 »
7
  1. Use de Moivre's theorem to show that $$\operatorname { cosec } 7 \theta = \frac { \operatorname { cosec } ^ { 7 } \theta } { 7 \operatorname { cosec } ^ { 6 } \theta - 56 \operatorname { cosec } ^ { 4 } \theta + 112 \operatorname { cosec } ^ { 2 } \theta - 64 }$$
  2. Hence obtain the roots of the equation $$x ^ { 7 } - 14 x ^ { 6 } + 112 x ^ { 4 } - 224 x ^ { 2 } + 128 = 0$$ in the form \(\operatorname { cosec } q \pi\), where \(q\) is rational.
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De Moivre to derive trigonometric identities

A question is this type if and only if it asks to use De Moivre's theorem to prove an identity expressing cos(nθ) or sin(nθ) as a polynomial in cos θ and/or sin θ.

29 Challenging +1.1
8.4% of questions
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Use de Moivre's theorem to find the constants \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) in the identity \(\sin^3 \theta \equiv A \sin \theta + B \sin 3\theta + C \sin 5\theta\). [4]
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Easiest question Standard +0.3 »
5
  1. Prove by induction that, if \(n\) is a positive integer, $$( \cos \theta + \mathrm { i } \sin \theta ) ^ { n } = \cos n \theta + \mathrm { i } \sin n \theta$$
  2. Hence, given that $$z = \cos \theta + \mathrm { i } \sin \theta$$ show that $$z ^ { n } + \frac { 1 } { z ^ { n } } = 2 \cos n \theta$$
  3. Given further that \(z + \frac { 1 } { z } = \sqrt { 2 }\), find the value of $$z ^ { 10 } + \frac { 1 } { z ^ { 10 } }$$
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Hardest question Challenging +1.8 »
6
  1. Use de Moivre's theorem to show that \(\sin ^ { 4 } \theta = \frac { 1 } { 8 } ( \cos 4 \theta - 4 \cos 2 \theta + 3 )\).
  2. Find the solution of the differential equation $$\frac { \mathrm { d } y } { \mathrm {~d} \theta } + y \cot \theta = \sin ^ { 3 } \theta$$ for which \(y = 0\) when \(\theta = \frac { 1 } { 2 } \pi\).
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Sum geometric series with complex terms

A question is this type if and only if it asks to find the sum of a finite or infinite geometric series involving complex exponentials or trigonometric functions, often separating real and imaginary parts.

28 Challenging +1.4
8.1% of questions
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Let \(C = \sum_{r=0}^{20} \binom{20}{r} \cos r\theta\). Show that \(C = 2^{20} \cos^{20}\left(\frac{1}{2}\theta\right) \cos 10\theta\). [8]
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Easiest question Standard +0.3 »
2
  1. The infinite series \(C\) and \(S\) are defined as follows. $$\begin{aligned} & C = 1 + a \cos \theta + a ^ { 2 } \cos 2 \theta + \ldots \\ & S = a \sin \theta + a ^ { 2 } \sin 2 \theta + a ^ { 3 } \sin 3 \theta + \ldots \end{aligned}$$ where \(a\) is a real number and \(| a | < 1\).
    By considering \(C + \mathrm { j } S\), show that \(C = \frac { 1 - a \cos \theta } { 1 + a ^ { 2 } - 2 a \cos \theta }\) and find a corresponding expression for \(S\).
  2. Express the complex number \(z = - 1 + \mathrm { j } \sqrt { 3 }\) in the form \(r \mathrm { e } ^ { \mathrm { j } \theta }\). Find the 4th roots of \(z\) in the form \(r \mathrm { e } ^ { \mathrm { j } \theta }\).
    Show \(z\) and its 4th roots in an Argand diagram.
    Find the product of the 4th roots and mark this as a point on your Argand diagram.
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Hardest question Hard +2.3 »
Let \(C = \sum_{r=0}^{20} \binom{20}{r} \cos r\theta\). Show that \(C = 2^{20} \cos^{20}\left(\frac{1}{2}\theta\right) \cos 10\theta\). [8]
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Complex number arithmetic and simplification

A question is this type if and only if it asks to perform operations (multiplication, division, powers) on complex numbers and simplify to a specific form, without solving equations.

27 Standard +0.3
7.8% of questions
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The complex number \(z = e^{\frac{i\pi}{3}}\) Which one of the following is a real number? Circle your answer. [1 mark] \(z^4\) \(z^5\) \(z^6\) \(z^7\)
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Easiest question Easy -1.8 »
The complex number \(z = e^{\frac{i\pi}{3}}\) Which one of the following is a real number? Circle your answer. [1 mark] \(z^4\) \(z^5\) \(z^6\) \(z^7\)
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Hardest question Challenging +1.8 »
6 The set \(S\) consists of the following four complex numbers. \(\begin{array} { l l l l } \sqrt { 3 } + \mathrm { i } & - \sqrt { 3 } - \mathrm { i } & 1 - \mathrm { i } \sqrt { 3 } & - 1 + \mathrm { i } \sqrt { 3 } \end{array}\) For \(z _ { 1 } , z _ { 2 } \in S\), the binary operation \(\bigcirc\) is defined by \(z _ { 1 } \bigcirc z _ { 2 } = \frac { 1 } { 4 } ( 1 + i \sqrt { 3 } ) z _ { 1 } z _ { 2 }\).
    1. Complete the Cayley table for \(( S , \bigcirc )\) given in the Printed Answer Booklet.
    2. Verify that ( \(S , \bigcirc\) ) is a group.
    3. State the order of each element of \(( S , \bigcirc )\).
  1. Write down the only proper subgroup of ( \(S , \bigcirc\) ).
    1. Explain why ( \(S , \bigcirc\) ) is a cyclic group.
    2. List all possible generators of \(( S , \bigcirc )\).
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De Moivre to derive tan/cot identities

A question is this type if and only if it asks to use De Moivre's theorem (often via binomial expansion of (z ± 1/z)) to derive identities for tan(nθ) or cot(nθ) in terms of tan θ or cot θ.

21 Challenging +1.3
6.1% of questions
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7
  1. Use de Moivre's theorem to show that \(\tan 4 \theta \equiv \frac { 4 \tan \theta - 4 \tan ^ { 3 } \theta } { 1 - 6 \tan ^ { 2 } \theta + \tan ^ { 4 } \theta }\).
  2. Hence find the exact roots of \(t ^ { 4 } + 4 \sqrt { 3 } t ^ { 3 } - 6 t ^ { 2 } - 4 \sqrt { 3 } t + 1 = 0\).
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Easiest question Standard +0.3 »
  1. Use de Moivre's theorem to show that $$\cos 3\theta = 4\cos^3 \theta - 3\cos \theta$$ [3 marks]
  2. Use de Moivre's theorem to express \(\sin 3\theta\) in terms of \(\sin \theta\) [2 marks]
  3. Hence show that $$\cot 3\theta = \frac{\cot^3 \theta - 3\cot \theta}{3\cot^2 \theta - 1}$$ [4 marks]
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Hardest question Challenging +1.8 »
6 Use de Moivre's theorem to express \(\cot 7 \theta\) in terms of \(\cot \theta\). Use the equation \(\cot 7 \theta = 0\) to show that the roots of the equation $$x ^ { 6 } - 21 x ^ { 4 } + 35 x ^ { 2 } - 7 = 0$$ are \(\cot \left( \frac { 1 } { 14 } k \pi \right)\) for \(k = 1,3,5,9,11,13\), and deduce that $$\cot ^ { 2 } \left( \frac { 1 } { 14 } \pi \right) \cot ^ { 2 } \left( \frac { 3 } { 14 } \pi \right) \cot ^ { 2 } \left( \frac { 5 } { 14 } \pi \right) = 7$$
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Solve equations using trigonometric identities

A question is this type if and only if it asks to solve trigonometric equations by first deriving or using a De Moivre identity to convert to polynomial form.

21 Challenging +1.1
6.1% of questions
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Find the smallest value \(\theta\) of for which \((\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)^5 = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}(1 - i)\) \(\{\theta \in \mathbb{R} : \theta > 0\}\) [4 marks]
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Easiest question Standard +0.3 »
Find the smallest value \(\theta\) of for which \((\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)^5 = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}(1 - i)\) \(\{\theta \in \mathbb{R} : \theta > 0\}\) [4 marks]
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Hardest question Challenging +1.8 »
  1. In this question you must show all stages of your working.
\section*{Solutions relying entirely on calculator technology are not acceptable.}
  1. Use de Moivre's theorem to show that $$\cos 5 x \equiv \cos x \left( a \sin ^ { 4 } x + b \sin ^ { 2 } x + c \right)$$ where \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\) are integers to be determined.
  2. Hence solve, for \(0 < \theta < \frac { \pi } { 2 }\) $$\cos 5 \theta = \sin 2 \theta \sin \theta - \cos \theta$$ giving your answers to 3 decimal places.
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Complex transformations (Möbius)

A question is this type if and only if it asks to find the image of a line or circle under a transformation w = (az + b)/(cz + d), determining whether the image is a line or circle and finding its equation.

18 Challenging +1.2
5.2% of questions
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2. A transformation from the \(z\)-plane to the \(w\)-plane is given by $$w = \frac { 1 - \mathrm { i } z } { z } , \quad z \neq 0$$ The transformation maps points on the real axis in the \(z\)-plane onto the line \(l\) in the \(w\)-plane.
Find an equation of the line \(l\).
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Easiest question Standard +0.8 »
  1. A transformation \(T\) from the \(z\)-plane to the \(w\)-plane is given by
$$w = \frac { z + 2 \mathrm { i } } { \mathrm { i } z } \quad z \neq 0$$ The transformation maps points on the real axis in the \(z\)-plane onto a line in the \(w\)-plane. Find an equation of this line.
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Hardest question Challenging +1.8 »
5. The transformation \(T\) from the \(z\)-plane to the \(w\)-plane is given by $$w = \frac { 2 z - 1 } { z + 3 } , \quad z \neq - 3$$ The circle in the \(z\)-plane with equation \(x ^ { 2 } + y ^ { 2 } = 1\), where \(z = x + \mathrm { i } y\), is mapped by \(T\) onto the circle \(C\) in the \(w\)-plane. Find the centre and the radius of \(C\).
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Direct nth roots: roots with geometric or algebraic follow-up

Questions that ask to solve z^n = w and then require a significant follow-up task such as finding the area of the triangle formed by the roots, computing Cartesian coordinates of vertices, evaluating sums of powers of roots, or finding related complex numbers.

17 Standard +0.7
4.9% of questions
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When plotted on an Argand diagram, the four fourth roots of the complex number \(9 - 3\sqrt{3}i\) lie on a circle. Find the equation of this circle. [4]
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Easiest question Standard +0.3 »
3. (a) By writing \(\frac { \pi } { 12 } = \frac { \pi } { 3 } - \frac { \pi } { 4 }\), show that
  1. \(\sin \left( \frac { \pi } { 12 } \right) = \frac { 1 } { 4 } ( \sqrt { 6 } - \sqrt { 2 } )\)
  2. \(\cos \left( \frac { \pi } { 12 } \right) = \frac { 1 } { 4 } ( \sqrt { 6 } + \sqrt { 2 } )\) (b) Hence find the exact values of \(z\) for which $$z ^ { 4 } = 4 \left( \cos \frac { \pi } { 3 } + i \sin \frac { \pi } { 3 } \right)$$ Give your answers in the form \(z = a + i b\) where \(a , b \in \mathbb { R }\)
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Hardest question Challenging +1.8 »
  1. Solve the equation \(z^3 = \sqrt{2} - \sqrt{6}i\), giving your answers in the form \(re^{i\theta}\) where \(r > 0\) and \(0 \leq \theta < 2\pi\) [5 marks]
  2. The transformation represented by the matrix \(\mathbf{M} = \begin{pmatrix} 5 & 1 \\ 1 & 3 \end{pmatrix}\) acts on the points on an Argand Diagram which represent the roots of the equation in part (a). Find the exact area of the shape formed by joining the transformed points. [4 marks]
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Direct nth roots: general complex RHS

Solve z^n = w where w is a general complex number in Cartesian form (e.g. z^3 = -1-i, z^4 = -2+2√3i), requiring conversion to polar form before applying De Moivre's theorem.

16 Standard +0.4
4.7% of questions
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Find the three cube roots of the complex number \(2 + 3i\), giving your answers in Cartesian form. [9]
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Easiest question Moderate -0.3 »
  1. Express the complex number \(-2 + (2\sqrt{3})i\) in the form \(r(\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)\), \(-\pi < \theta \leq \pi\) [3]
  2. Solve the equation $$z^3 = -2 + (2\sqrt{3})i$$ giving the roots in the form \(r(\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)\), \(-\pi < \theta \leq \pi\). [5]
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Hardest question Challenging +1.2 »
Find the cube roots of the complex number \(z = 11 - 2i\), giving your answers in the form \(x + iy\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real and correct to three decimal places. [7]
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Modulus and argument calculations

A question is this type if and only if it asks to find the modulus and/or argument of a complex expression (quotient, product, power) using properties of modulus and argument.

15 Moderate -0.1
4.4% of questions
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Given that \(z_1 = 4e^{i\frac{\pi}{3}}\) and \(z_2 = 2e^{i\frac{\pi}{4}}\) state the value of \(\arg\left(\frac{z_1}{z_2}\right)\) Circle your answer. [1 mark] \(\frac{\pi}{12}\) \quad \(\frac{4}{3}\) \quad \(\frac{7\pi}{12}\) \quad \(2\)
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Easiest question Easy -1.8 »
Given that \(z_1 = 4e^{i\frac{\pi}{3}}\) and \(z_2 = 2e^{i\frac{\pi}{4}}\) state the value of \(\arg\left(\frac{z_1}{z_2}\right)\) Circle your answer. [1 mark] \(\frac{\pi}{12}\) \quad \(\frac{4}{3}\) \quad \(\frac{7\pi}{12}\) \quad \(2\)
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Hardest question Standard +0.8 »
8 The variable complex number \(z\) is given by $$z = 1 + \cos 2 \theta + i \sin 2 \theta$$ where \(\theta\) takes all values in the interval \(- \frac { 1 } { 2 } \pi < \theta < \frac { 1 } { 2 } \pi\).
  1. Show that the modulus of \(z\) is \(2 \cos \theta\) and the argument of \(z\) is \(\theta\).
  2. Prove that the real part of \(\frac { 1 } { z }\) is constant.
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Roots of unity with derived equations

Questions that use roots of unity to derive or solve related polynomial equations, often involving transformations like (z+1)^n = z^n or finding roots of equations whose solutions are expressed in terms of roots of unity.

11 Challenging +1.0
3.2% of questions
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3 Find all the roots of the equation \(( w + 1 ) ^ { 6 } = 1\), giving your answers in the form \(\mathrm { x } + \mathrm { iy }\) where \(x\) and \(y\) are real and exact.
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Easiest question Standard +0.3 »
3 Find all the roots of the equation \(( w + 1 ) ^ { 6 } = 1\), giving your answers in the form \(\mathrm { x } + \mathrm { iy }\) where \(x\) and \(y\) are real and exact.
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Hardest question Challenging +1.8 »
9 The cube roots of unity are represented on the Argand diagram below by the points \(A , B\) and \(C\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{23e58e5e-bbaa-4932-aad0-89b3de6647b2-8_760_800_303_244} The points \(L , M\) and \(N\) are the midpoints of the line segments \(A B , B C\) and \(C A\) respectively. Determine a degree 6 polynomial equation with integer coefficients whose roots are the complex numbers represented by the points \(A , B , C , L , M\) and \(N\). \section*{END OF QUESTION PAPER}
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Basic roots of unity properties

Questions asking to find nth roots of unity, write them in specified forms, show their sum equals zero, or display them on Argand diagrams.

10 Standard +0.4
2.9% of questions
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3
  1. Write down the fifth roots of unity.
  2. Find all the roots of the equation $$z ^ { 10 } + z ^ { 5 } + 1 = 0$$ giving each root in the form \(\mathrm { e } ^ { \mathrm { i } \theta }\).
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Easiest question Moderate -0.3 »
3
  1. Write down the fifth roots of unity.
  2. Find all the roots of the equation $$z ^ { 10 } + z ^ { 5 } + 1 = 0$$ giving each root in the form \(\mathrm { e } ^ { \mathrm { i } \theta }\).
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Hardest question Challenging +1.2 »
In this question, the argument of a complex number is defined as being in the range \([0, 2\pi)\). You are given that \(\omega_k\), where \(k = 0, 1, 2, ..., n-1\), are the \(n\) \(n\)th roots of unity for some integer \(n\), \(n \geqslant 3\), and that these are given in order of increasing argument (so that \(\omega_0 = 1\)).
  1. With the help of a diagram explain why \(\omega_k = (\omega_1)^k\) for \(k = 2, ..., n-1\). [3]
  2. Using the identity given in part (a), show that \(\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}\omega_k = 0\). [2]
  3. Show that if \(z\) is a complex number then \(z + z^* = 2\text{Re}(z)\). [1]
  4. Using the results from parts (b) and (c) show that \(\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}\text{Re}(\omega_k) = 0\). [1]
  5. With the help of a diagram explain why \(\text{Re}(\omega_k) = \text{Re}(\omega_{n-k})\) for \(k = 1, 2, ..., n-1\). [1]
You should now consider the case when \(n = 5\).
    1. Use parts (d) and (e) to deduce that \(\cos\frac{4\pi}{5} = a + b\cos\frac{2\pi}{5}\), for some rational constants \(a\) and \(b\). [2]
    2. Hence determine the exact value of \(\cos\frac{2\pi}{5}\). [2]
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Roots of unity with trigonometric identities

Questions that use specific roots of unity (like ω = e^(2πi/n)) to prove trigonometric identities or exact values involving sums and products of cosines or sines at rational multiples of π.

9 Challenging +1.1
2.6% of questions
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8
  1. Write down the five roots of the equation \(z ^ { 5 } = 1\), giving your answers in the form \(\mathrm { e } ^ { \mathrm { i } \theta }\), where \(- \pi < \theta \leqslant \pi\).
  2. Hence find the four linear factors of $$z ^ { 4 } + z ^ { 3 } + z ^ { 2 } + z + 1$$
  3. Deduce that $$z ^ { 2 } + z + 1 + z ^ { - 1 } + z ^ { - 2 } = \left( z - 2 \cos \frac { 2 \pi } { 5 } + z ^ { - 1 } \right) \left( z - 2 \cos \frac { 4 \pi } { 5 } + z ^ { - 1 } \right)$$
  4. Use the substitution \(z + z ^ { - 1 } = w\) to show that \(\cos \frac { 2 \pi } { 5 } = \frac { \sqrt { 5 } - 1 } { 4 }\).
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Easiest question Standard +0.8 »
8
    1. Show that \(\omega = \mathrm { e } ^ { \frac { 2 \pi \mathrm { i } } { 7 } }\) is a root of the equation \(z ^ { 7 } = 1\).
    2. Write down the five other non-real roots in terms of \(\omega\).
  1. Show that $$1 + \omega + \omega ^ { 2 } + \omega ^ { 3 } + \omega ^ { 4 } + \omega ^ { 5 } + \omega ^ { 6 } = 0$$
  2. Show that:
    1. \(\quad \omega ^ { 2 } + \omega ^ { 5 } = 2 \cos \frac { 4 \pi } { 7 }\);
    2. \(\cos \frac { 2 \pi } { 7 } + \cos \frac { 4 \pi } { 7 } + \cos \frac { 6 \pi } { 7 } = - \frac { 1 } { 2 }\). There are no questions printed on this page There are no questions printed on this page \section*{There are no questions printed on this page} \end{document}
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Hardest question Challenging +1.8 »
Let \(\omega = \cos \frac { 1 } { 5 } \pi + \mathrm { i } \sin \frac { 1 } { 5 } \pi\). Show that \(\omega ^ { 5 } + 1 = 0\) and deduce that $$\omega ^ { 4 } - \omega ^ { 3 } + \omega ^ { 2 } - \omega = - 1$$ Show further that $$\omega - \omega ^ { 4 } = 2 \cos \frac { 1 } { 5 } \pi \quad \text { and } \quad \omega ^ { 3 } - \omega ^ { 2 } = 2 \cos \frac { 3 } { 5 } \pi$$ Hence find the values of $$\cos \frac { 1 } { 5 } \pi + \cos \frac { 3 } { 5 } \pi \quad \text { and } \quad \cos \frac { 1 } { 5 } \pi \cos \frac { 3 } { 5 } \pi$$ Find a quadratic equation having roots \(\cos \frac { 1 } { 5 } \pi\) and \(\cos \frac { 3 } { 5 } \pi\) and deduce the exact value of \(\cos \frac { 1 } { 5 } \pi\).
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Solve polynomial equations with complex roots

A question is this type if and only if it asks to solve a polynomial equation (typically quadratic or cubic) with complex coefficients or to find complex roots, giving answers in Cartesian form x + iy.

8 Standard +0.5
2.3% of questions
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In this question you must show detailed reasoning. Solve the equation \(4z^2 - 20z + 169 = 0\). Give your answers in modulus-argument form. [5]
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Find conjugate roots from polynomial

A question is this type if and only if it asks to find other roots of a polynomial with real coefficients given one complex root, using the conjugate root theorem.

7 Standard +0.5
2.0% of questions
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$$f(z) = 3z^3 + pz^2 + 57z + q$$ where \(p\) and \(q\) are real constants. Given that \(3 - 2\sqrt{2}i\) is a root of the equation \(f(z) = 0\)
  1. show all the roots of \(f(z) = 0\) on a single Argand diagram, [7]
  2. find the value of \(p\) and the value of \(q\). [3]
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Geometric properties in Argand diagram

A question is this type if and only if it asks to prove geometric properties (e.g., triangle is equilateral, points are collinear) using complex numbers represented in an Argand diagram.

6 Standard +0.6
1.7% of questions
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5
  1. Solve the equation \(z ^ { 2 } - 6 \mathrm { i } z - 12 = 0\), giving the answers in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real and exact.
  2. On a sketch of an Argand diagram with origin \(O\), show points \(A\) and \(B\) representing the roots of the equation in part (a).
  3. Find the exact modulus and argument of each root.
  4. Hence show that the triangle \(O A B\) is equilateral.
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nth roots via factorization

Questions that require factorizing a polynomial equation (often z^n - a)(z^m - b) = 0 or similar forms) before finding roots using De Moivre's theorem, rather than directly solving a single equation z^n = w.

5 Standard +0.9
1.5% of questions
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1
  1. Find \(a\) and \(b\) such that $$z ^ { 8 } - i z ^ { 5 } - z ^ { 3 } + i = \left( z ^ { 5 } - a \right) \left( z ^ { 3 } - b \right) .$$
  2. Hence find the roots of $$z ^ { 8 } - i z ^ { 5 } - z ^ { 3 } + i = 0$$ giving your answers in the form \(r \mathrm { e } ^ { \mathrm { i } \theta }\), where \(r > 0\) and \(0 \leqslant \theta < 2 \pi\).
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Direct nth roots: find and express roots

Questions that ask solely to solve z^n = w and express all n roots in a specified form (exponential, polar, or Cartesian), with no significant follow-up tasks beyond possibly plotting on an Argand diagram.

5 Standard +0.4
1.5% of questions
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Solve the equation \(z^3 = i\), giving your answers in the form \(e^{i\theta}\), where \(-\pi < \theta \leq \pi\) [4 marks]
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Direct nth roots: purely real or imaginary RHS

Solve z^n = w where w is a real number or purely imaginary (e.g. z^5 = 32, z^3 = -64i), requiring straightforward De Moivre application with simple modulus and argument.

5 Moderate -0.2
1.5% of questions
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  1. Solve the equation
$$z ^ { 5 } - 32 i = 0$$ giving each answer in the form \(r \mathrm { e } ^ { \mathrm { i } \theta }\) where \(0 < \theta < 2 \pi\)
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Convert to exponential/polar form

A question is this type if and only if it asks to express a given complex number (in Cartesian form) in the form r·e^(iθ) or r(cos θ + i sin θ), typically requiring calculation of modulus and argument.

4 Moderate -0.5
1.2% of questions
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Express the complex number \(1 - i\sqrt{3}\) in modulus-argument form. Tick \((\checkmark)\) one box. [1 mark] \(2\left(\cos\frac{\pi}{3} + i\sin\frac{\pi}{3}\right)\) \(2\left(\cos\frac{2\pi}{3} + i\sin\frac{2\pi}{3}\right)\) \(2\left(\cos\left(-\frac{\pi}{3}\right) + i\sin\left(-\frac{\pi}{3}\right)\right)\) \(2\left(\cos\left(-\frac{2\pi}{3}\right) + i\sin\left(-\frac{2\pi}{3}\right)\right)\)
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Argand diagram sketching and regions

A question is this type if and only if it asks to sketch or shade regions in the Argand diagram satisfying inequalities involving modulus, argument, or real/imaginary parts.

3 Standard +0.5
0.9% of questions
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  1. The complex number \(z _ { 1 }\) is defined as
$$z _ { 1 } = \frac { \left( \cos \frac { 5 \pi } { 12 } + i \sin \frac { 5 \pi } { 12 } \right) ^ { 4 } } { \left( \cos \frac { \pi } { 3 } - i \sin \frac { \pi } { 3 } \right) ^ { 3 } }$$
  1. Without using your calculator show that $$z _ { 1 } = \cos \frac { 2 \pi } { 3 } + i \sin \frac { 2 \pi } { 3 }$$
  2. Shade, on a single Argand diagram, the region \(R\) defined by $$\left| z - z _ { 1 } \right| \leqslant 1 \quad \text { and } \quad 0 \leqslant \arg \left( z - z _ { 1 } \right) \leqslant \frac { 3 \pi } { 4 }$$ Given that the complex number \(z\) lies in \(R\)
  3. determine the smallest possible positive value of \(\arg z\)
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Loci of complex numbers

A question is this type if and only if it asks to find or describe the locus (typically a circle or line) of points satisfying an equation involving complex numbers, often |z - a| = r.

3 Moderate -0.1
0.9% of questions
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1
  1. By writing \(z\) in the form \(r \mathrm { e } ^ { \mathrm { i } \theta }\), show that \(z z ^ { * } = | z | ^ { 2 }\).
  2. Given that \(z z ^ { * } = 9\), describe the locus of \(z\).
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nth roots with preliminary simplification

Questions where the complex number w must first be obtained through algebraic manipulation (e.g., division, simplification of expressions) before solving z^n = w using De Moivre's theorem.

3 Standard +0.5
0.9% of questions
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Write down the fifth roots of unity. Hence, or otherwise, find all the roots of the equation $$z^5 = -16 + (16\sqrt{3})i,$$ giving each root in the form \(re^{i\theta}\). [4]
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Verify roots satisfy polynomial equations

A question is this type if and only if it asks to verify or show that a given complex number satisfies a particular polynomial equation by direct substitution.

2 Standard +0.0
0.6% of questions
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9
  1. Show that \(z = ( 1 + \mathrm { i } )\) is a root of the cubic equation \(3 z ^ { 3 } - 8 z ^ { 2 } + 10 z - 4 = 0\).
  2. Show that the equation \(3 z ^ { 3 } - 8 z ^ { 2 } + 10 z - 4 = 0\) has a quadratic factor with real coefficients and hence solve this equation completely.
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Invariant points under transformations

A question is this type if and only if it asks to find points that are invariant (fixed points) under a given complex transformation.

1 Standard +0.8
0.3% of questions
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  1. The transformation \(T\) from the \(z\)-plane, where \(z = x + \mathrm { i } y\), to the \(w\)-plane, where \(w = u + \mathrm { i } v\), is given by
$$w = \frac { z + p \mathrm { i } } { \mathrm { i } z + 3 } \quad z \neq 3 \mathrm { i } \quad p \in \mathbb { Z }$$ The point representing \(\mathrm { i } ( 1 + \sqrt { 3 } )\) is invariant under \(T\).
Determine the value of \(p\).
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Regions under complex transformations

A question is this type if and only if it asks to determine and sketch the region in the w-plane that is the image of a given region in the z-plane under a transformation.

1 Challenging +1.2
0.3% of questions
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A transformation \(T\) from the \(z\)-plane to the \(w\)-plane is given by $$w = \frac{z}{z-i}, \quad z \neq i.$$ The circle with equation \(|z| = 3\) is mapped by \(T\) onto the curve \(C\).
  1. Show that \(C\) is a circle and find its centre and radius. [8]
The region \(|z| < 3\) in the \(z\)-plane is mapped by \(T\) onto the region \(R\) in the \(w\)-plane.
  1. Shade the region \(R\) on an Argand diagram. [2]
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Direct nth roots: shifted or transformed variable

Questions that ask to solve (z + a)^n = w or similar equations where the variable is shifted or transformed, requiring an additional step to recover z after finding the nth roots.

1 Standard +0.8
0.3% of questions
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2 Find the roots of the equation \(( z + 5 i ) ^ { 3 } = 4 + 4 \sqrt { 3 } i\), giving your answers in the form \(r \cos \theta + i ( r \sin \theta - 5 )\), where \(r > 0\) and \(0 < \theta < 2 \pi\).
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