Revision Notes: Modulus-Argument Form of
Complex Numbers
1. Complex Numbers
A complex number is a number of the form
z=a+biz=a+bi, where:
aa is the real part.
bb is the imaginary part.
ii is the imaginary unit, where i2=−1i2=−1.
2. Polar Form of Complex Numbers
Complex numbers can be represented in polar
form using modulus and argument:
z=r(cosθ+isinθ)z=r(cosθ+isinθ)
This can also be written using Euler's formula
as:
z=reiθz=reiθ
3. Modulus (r)
The modulus of a complex number z=a+biz=a+bi
is the distance of zz from the origin in the
complex plane. It is given by:
r=a2+b2r=a2+b2
Example: For z=3+4iz=3+4i:
r=32+42=9+16=5r=32+42
=9+16
=5.
4. Argument (theta)
The argument of a complex number is the angle
θθ that the line representing the complex number
makes with the positive real axis. It is given by:
θ=tan−1(ba)θ=tan−1(ab)
Example: For z=3+4iz=3+4i:
θ=tan−1(43)θ=tan−1(34).
5. Converting Between Forms
From Rectangular to Polar:
Calculate r=a2+b2r=a2+b2
.
Calculate θ=tan−1(ba)θ=tan−1(ab).
Write in the form
z=r(cosθ+isinθ)z=r(cosθ+isinθ) or z=reiθz=reiθ.
From Polar to Rectangular:
Given z=r(cosθ+isinθ)z=r(cosθ+isinθ) or
z=reiθz=reiθ.
Calculate a=rcosθa=rcosθ.
Calculate b=rsinθb=rsinθ.
Write in the form z=a+biz=a+bi.
6. Multiplication and Division
Multiplication: Multiply the moduli and add the
arguments.
z1⋅z2=r1r2(cos(θ1+θ2)+isin(θ1+θ2))z1⋅z2=r1r2(co
s(θ1+θ2)+isin(θ1+θ2))
Division: Divide the moduli and subtract the
arguments.
z1z2=r1r2(cos(θ1−θ2)+isin(θ1−θ2))z2z1=r2r1(cos(
θ1−θ2)+isin(θ1−θ2))
7. Example Problems
Example 1: Rectangular to Polar
Convert z=1+iz=1+i to polar form.
r=12+12=2r=12+12
2
=
.
θ=tan−1(11)=π4θ=tan−1(11)=4π.
Polar form: z=2(cosπ4+isinπ4)z=2
(cos4π+isin4π).
Example 2: Polar to Rectangular
Convert z=2(cosπ3+isinπ3)z=2(cos3π+isin3π) to
rectangular form.
a=2cosπ3=2⋅12=1a=2cos3π=2⋅21=1.
b=2sinπ3=2⋅32=3b=2sin3π=2⋅23
=3
.
Rectangular form: z=1+i3z=1+i3
.
8. Geometric Interpretation
Modulus: Represents the distance from the
origin.
Argument: Represents the angle with the
positive real axis.
Multiplication: Increases the magnitude and
rotates the angle.
Division: Decreases the magnitude and rotates
the angle in the opposite direction.
Summary
The modulus-argument form (polar form) of
complex numbers provides a powerful way to
handle multiplication, division, and geometric
interpretations. The modulus measures the size,
while the argument measures the direction of the
complex number. Converting between
rectangular and polar forms allows for flexible
problem-solving approaches in various
mathematical and engineering applications.
