4.02e Arithmetic of complex numbers: add, subtract, multiply, divide

239 questions

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CAIE P3 2003 June Q5
8 marks Standard +0.3
5 The complex number 2 i is denoted by \(u\). The complex number with modulus 1 and argument \(\frac { 2 } { 3 } \pi\) is denoted by \(w\).
  1. Find in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real, the complex numbers \(w , u w\) and \(\frac { u } { w }\).
  2. Sketch an Argand diagram showing the points \(U , A\) and \(B\) representing the complex numbers \(u\), \(u w\) and \(\frac { u } { w }\) respectively.
  3. Prove that triangle \(U A B\) is equilateral.
CAIE P3 2011 June Q8
10 marks Challenging +1.2
8 The complex number \(u\) is defined by \(u = \frac { 6 - 3 \mathrm { i } } { 1 + 2 \mathrm { i } }\).
  1. Showing all your working, find the modulus of \(u\) and show that the argument of \(u\) is \(- \frac { 1 } { 2 } \pi\).
  2. For complex numbers \(z\) satisfying \(\arg ( z - u ) = \frac { 1 } { 4 } \pi\), find the least possible value of \(| z |\).
  3. For complex numbers \(z\) satisfying \(| z - ( 1 + \mathrm { i } ) u | = 1\), find the greatest possible value of \(| z |\).
CAIE P3 2011 June Q7
9 marks Standard +0.3
7
  1. The complex number \(u\) is defined by \(u = \frac { 5 } { a + 2 \mathrm { i } }\), where the constant \(a\) is real.
    1. Express \(u\) in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real.
    2. Find the value of \(a\) for which \(\arg \left( u ^ { * } \right) = \frac { 3 } { 4 } \pi\), where \(u ^ { * }\) denotes the complex conjugate of \(u\).
  2. On a sketch of an Argand diagram, shade the region whose points represent complex numbers \(z\) which satisfy both the inequalities \(| z | < 2\) and \(| z | < | z - 2 - 2 \mathrm { i } |\).
CAIE P3 2012 June Q4
7 marks Moderate -0.3
4 The complex number \(u\) is defined by \(u = \frac { ( 1 + 2 \mathrm { i } ) ^ { 2 } } { 2 + \mathrm { i } }\).
  1. Without using a calculator and showing your working, express \(u\) in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real.
  2. Sketch an Argand diagram showing the locus of the complex number \(z\) such that \(| z - u | = | u |\).
CAIE P3 2013 June Q7
9 marks Standard +0.8
7
  1. Without using a calculator, solve the equation $$3 w + 2 \mathrm { i } w ^ { * } = 17 + 8 \mathrm { i }$$ where \(w ^ { * }\) denotes the complex conjugate of \(w\). Give your answer in the form \(a + b \mathrm { i }\).
  2. In an Argand diagram, the loci $$\arg ( z - 2 \mathrm { i } ) = \frac { 1 } { 6 } \pi \quad \text { and } \quad | z - 3 | = | z - 3 \mathrm { i } |$$ intersect at the point \(P\). Express the complex number represented by \(P\) in the form \(r \mathrm { e } ^ { \mathrm { i } \theta }\), giving the exact value of \(\theta\) and the value of \(r\) correct to 3 significant figures.
CAIE P3 2014 June Q7
9 marks Standard +0.3
7
  1. The complex number \(\frac { 3 - 5 \mathrm { i } } { 1 + 4 \mathrm { i } }\) is denoted by \(u\). Showing your working, express \(u\) in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real.
    1. On a sketch of an Argand diagram, shade the region whose points represent complex numbers satisfying the inequalities \(| z - 2 - \mathrm { i } | \leqslant 1\) and \(| z - \mathrm { i } | \leqslant | z - 2 |\).
    2. Calculate the maximum value of \(\arg z\) for points lying in the shaded region.
CAIE P3 2015 June Q8
9 marks Standard +0.3
8 The complex number \(w\) is defined by \(w = \frac { 22 + 4 \mathrm { i } } { ( 2 - \mathrm { i } ) ^ { 2 } }\).
  1. Without using a calculator, show that \(w = 2 + 4 \mathrm { i }\).
  2. It is given that \(p\) is a real number such that \(\frac { 1 } { 4 } \pi \leqslant \arg ( w + p ) \leqslant \frac { 3 } { 4 } \pi\). Find the set of possible values of \(p\).
  3. The complex conjugate of \(w\) is denoted by \(w ^ { * }\). The complex numbers \(w\) and \(w ^ { * }\) are represented in an Argand diagram by the points \(S\) and \(T\) respectively. Find, in the form \(| z - a | = k\), the equation of the circle passing through \(S , T\) and the origin.
CAIE P3 2015 June Q8
9 marks Standard +0.3
8 The complex number 1 - i is denoted by \(u\).
  1. Showing your working and without using a calculator, express $$\frac { \mathrm { i } } { u }$$ in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real.
  2. On an Argand diagram, sketch the loci representing complex numbers \(z\) satisfying the equations \(| z - u | = | z |\) and \(| z - \mathrm { i } | = 2\).
  3. Find the argument of each of the complex numbers represented by the points of intersection of the two loci in part (ii).
CAIE P3 2017 June Q7
8 marks Standard +0.3
7 Throughout this question the use of a calculator is not permitted.
The complex numbers \(u\) and \(w\) are defined by \(u = - 1 + 7 \mathrm { i }\) and \(w = 3 + 4 \mathrm { i }\).
  1. Showing all your working, find in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real, the complex numbers \(u - 2 w\) and \(\frac { u } { w }\).
    In an Argand diagram with origin \(O\), the points \(A , B\) and \(C\) represent the complex numbers \(u , w\) and \(u - 2 w\) respectively.
  2. Prove that angle \(A O B = \frac { 1 } { 4 } \pi\).
  3. State fully the geometrical relation between the line segments \(O B\) and \(C A\).
CAIE P3 2017 June Q11
10 marks Standard +0.8
11 Throughout this question the use of a calculator is not permitted.
  1. The complex numbers \(z\) and \(w\) satisfy the equations $$z + ( 1 + \mathrm { i } ) w = \mathrm { i } \quad \text { and } \quad ( 1 - \mathrm { i } ) z + \mathrm { i } w = 1$$ Solve the equations for \(z\) and \(w\), giving your answers in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real.
  2. The complex numbers \(u\) and \(v\) are given by \(u = 1 + ( 2 \sqrt { 3 } ) \mathrm { i }\) and \(v = 3 + 2 \mathrm { i }\). In an Argand diagram, \(u\) and \(v\) are represented by the points \(A\) and \(B\). A third point \(C\) lies in the first quadrant and is such that \(B C = 2 A B\) and angle \(A B C = 90 ^ { \circ }\). Find the complex number \(z\) represented by \(C\), giving your answer in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real and exact.
CAIE P3 2019 June Q8
9 marks Standard +0.3
8 Throughout this question the use of a calculator is not permitted.
The complex number \(u\) is defined by $$u = \frac { 4 \mathrm { i } } { 1 - ( \sqrt { } 3 ) \mathrm { i } }$$
  1. Express \(u\) in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real and exact.
  2. Find the exact modulus and argument of \(u\).
  3. On a sketch of an Argand diagram, shade the region whose points represent complex numbers \(z\) satisfying the inequalities \(| z | < 2\) and \(| z - u | < | z |\).
CAIE P3 2002 November Q8
9 marks Moderate -0.3
8
  1. Find the two square roots of the complex number \(- 3 + 4 \mathrm { i }\), giving your answers in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real.
  2. The complex number \(z\) is given by $$z = \frac { - 1 + 3 \mathrm { i } } { 2 + \mathrm { i } } .$$
    1. Express \(z\) in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real.
    2. Show on a sketch of an Argand diagram, with origin \(O\), the points \(A , B\) and \(C\) representing the complex numbers \(- 1 + 3 \mathrm { i } , 2 + \mathrm { i }\) and \(z\) respectively.
    3. State an equation relating the lengths \(O A , O B\) and \(O C\).
CAIE P3 2003 November Q7
9 marks Standard +0.8
7 The complex number \(u\) is given by \(u = \frac { 7 + 4 \mathrm { i } } { 3 - 2 \mathrm { i } }\).
  1. Express \(u\) in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real.
  2. Sketch an Argand diagram showing the point representing the complex number \(u\). Show on the same diagram the locus of the complex number \(z\) such that \(| z - u | = 2\).
  3. Find the greatest value of \(\arg z\) for points on this locus.
CAIE P3 2004 November Q6
8 marks Standard +0.3
6 The complex numbers \(1 + 3 \mathrm { i }\) and \(4 + 2 \mathrm { i }\) are denoted by \(u\) and \(v\) respectively.
  1. Find, in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real, the complex numbers \(u - v\) and \(\frac { u } { v }\).
  2. State the argument of \(\frac { u } { v }\). In an Argand diagram, with origin \(O\), the points \(A , B\) and \(C\) represent the numbers \(u , v\) and \(u - v\) respectively.
  3. State fully the geometrical relationship between \(O C\) and \(B A\).
  4. Prove that angle \(A O B = \frac { 1 } { 4 } \pi\) radians.
CAIE P3 2006 November Q8
10 marks Standard +0.3
8 Let \(\mathrm { f } ( x ) = \frac { 7 x + 4 } { ( 2 x + 1 ) ( x + 1 ) ^ { 2 } }\).
  1. Express \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) in partial fractions.
  2. Hence show that \(\int _ { 0 } ^ { 2 } \mathrm { f } ( x ) \mathrm { d } x = 2 + \ln \frac { 5 } { 3 }\).
CAIE P3 2007 November Q7
10 marks Standard +0.3
7 The number of insects in a population \(t\) days after the start of observations is denoted by \(N\). The variation in the number of insects is modelled by a differential equation of the form $$\frac { \mathrm { d } N } { \mathrm {~d} t } = k N \cos ( 0.02 t )$$ where \(k\) is a constant and \(N\) is taken to be a continuous variable. It is given that \(N = 125\) when \(t = 0\).
  1. Solve the differential equation, obtaining a relation between \(N , k\) and \(t\).
  2. Given also that \(N = 166\) when \(t = 30\), find the value of \(k\).
  3. Obtain an expression for \(N\) in terms of \(t\), and find the least value of \(N\) predicted by this model.
CAIE P3 2009 November Q7
9 marks Moderate -0.3
7 The complex numbers \(- 2 + \mathrm { i }\) and \(3 + \mathrm { i }\) are denoted by \(u\) and \(v\) respectively.
  1. Find, in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), the complex numbers
    1. \(u + v\),
    2. \(\frac { u } { v }\), showing all your working.
    3. State the argument of \(\frac { u } { v }\). In an Argand diagram with origin \(O\), the points \(A , B\) and \(C\) represent the complex numbers \(u , v\) and \(u + v\) respectively.
    4. Prove that angle \(A O B = \frac { 3 } { 4 } \pi\).
    5. State fully the geometrical relationship between the line segments \(O A\) and \(B C\).
CAIE P3 2010 November Q6
9 marks Moderate -0.8
6 The complex number \(z\) is given by $$z = ( \sqrt { } 3 ) + \mathrm { i } .$$
  1. Find the modulus and argument of \(z\).
  2. The complex conjugate of \(z\) is denoted by \(z ^ { * }\). Showing your working, express in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real,
    1. \(2 z + z ^ { * }\),
    2. \(\frac { \mathrm { i } z ^ { * } } { z }\).
    3. On a sketch of an Argand diagram with origin \(O\), show the points \(A\) and \(B\) representing the complex numbers \(z\) and \(\mathrm { i } z ^ { * }\) respectively. Prove that angle \(A O B = \frac { 1 } { 6 } \pi\).
CAIE P3 2010 November Q3
6 marks Moderate -0.3
3 The complex number \(w\) is defined by \(w = 2 + \mathrm { i }\).
  1. Showing your working, express \(w ^ { 2 }\) in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real. Find the modulus of \(w ^ { 2 }\).
  2. Shade on an Argand diagram the region whose points represent the complex numbers \(z\) which satisfy $$\left| z - w ^ { 2 } \right| \leqslant \left| w ^ { 2 } \right|$$
CAIE P3 2012 November Q10
11 marks Standard +0.3
10
  1. Without using a calculator, solve the equation \(\mathrm { i } w ^ { 2 } = ( 2 - 2 \mathrm { i } ) ^ { 2 }\).
    1. Sketch an Argand diagram showing the region \(R\) consisting of points representing the complex numbers \(z\) where $$| z - 4 - 4 i | \leqslant 2$$
    2. For the complex numbers represented by points in the region \(R\), it is given that $$p \leqslant | z | \leqslant q \quad \text { and } \quad \alpha \leqslant \arg z \leqslant \beta$$ Find the values of \(p , q , \alpha\) and \(\beta\), giving your answers correct to 3 significant figures.
CAIE P3 2014 November Q5
7 marks Standard +0.3
5 The complex numbers \(w\) and \(z\) are defined by \(w = 5 + 3 \mathrm { i }\) and \(z = 4 + \mathrm { i }\).
  1. Express \(\frac { \mathrm { i } w } { z }\) in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), showing all your working and giving the exact values of \(x\) and \(y\).
  2. Find \(w z\) and hence, by considering arguments, show that $$\tan ^ { - 1 } \left( \frac { 3 } { 5 } \right) + \tan ^ { - 1 } \left( \frac { 1 } { 4 } \right) = \frac { 1 } { 4 } \pi$$
CAIE P3 2015 November Q9
10 marks Standard +0.8
9 The complex number 3 - i is denoted by \(u\). Its complex conjugate is denoted by \(u ^ { * }\).
  1. On an Argand diagram with origin \(O\), show the points \(A , B\) and \(C\) representing the complex numbers \(u , u ^ { * }\) and \(u ^ { * } - u\) respectively. What type of quadrilateral is \(O A B C\) ?
  2. Showing your working and without using a calculator, express \(\frac { u ^ { * } } { u }\) in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real.
  3. By considering the argument of \(\frac { u ^ { * } } { u }\), prove that $$\tan ^ { - 1 } \left( \frac { 3 } { 4 } \right) = 2 \tan ^ { - 1 } \left( \frac { 1 } { 3 } \right)$$
CAIE P3 2015 November Q9
10 marks Standard +0.3
9
  1. It is given that \(( 1 + 3 \mathrm { i } ) w = 2 + 4 \mathrm { i }\). Showing all necessary working, prove that the exact value of \(\left| w ^ { 2 } \right|\) is 2 and find \(\arg \left( w ^ { 2 } \right)\) correct to 3 significant figures.
  2. On a single Argand diagram sketch the loci \(| z | = 5\) and \(| z - 5 | = | z |\). Hence determine the complex numbers represented by points common to both loci, giving each answer in the form \(r \mathrm { e } ^ { \mathrm { i } \theta }\).
CAIE P3 2018 November Q8
9 marks Standard +0.3
8
  1. Showing all necessary working, express the complex number \(\frac { 2 + 3 \mathrm { i } } { 1 - 2 \mathrm { i } }\) in the form \(r \mathrm { e } ^ { \mathrm { i } \theta }\), where \(r > 0\) and \(- \pi < \theta \leqslant \pi\). Give the values of \(r\) and \(\theta\) correct to 3 significant figures.
  2. On an Argand diagram sketch the locus of points representing complex numbers \(z\) satisfying the equation \(| z - 3 + 2 i | = 1\). Find the least value of \(| z |\) for points on this locus, giving your answer in an exact form.
CAIE P3 2019 November Q7
9 marks Standard +0.3
7
  1. Find the complex number \(z\) satisfying the equation $$z + \frac { \mathrm { i } z } { z ^ { * } } - 2 = 0$$ where \(z ^ { * }\) denotes the complex conjugate of \(z\). Give your answer in the form \(x + \mathrm { i } y\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are real.
    1. On a single Argand diagram sketch the loci given by the equations \(| z - 2 \mathrm { i } | = 2\) and \(\operatorname { Im } z = 3\), where \(\operatorname { Im } z\) denotes the imaginary part of \(z\).
    2. In the first quadrant the two loci intersect at the point \(P\). Find the exact argument of the complex number represented by \(P\).