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Complex Numbers

Practice exam-style IB Math AA questions for Complex Numbers, aligned with the syllabus and grouped by topic.

Verified by Karim
Verified by Karim
Paper
Difficulty
Status
Level
Question 1
HL • Paper 1
Easy
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Easy
Non Calculator

Let z=x+yiz=x+yi, where x,yRx,y\in\mathbb{R}, and suppose that (1+i)z=4+2i(1+i)z=4+2i.

A

Find zz in Cartesian form.

[3]
B

Find z|z| and the principal argument of zz.

[2]
Question 2
HL • Paper 1
Easy
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Easy
Non Calculator

Let z=1iz=1-i.

A

Find z6z^6 in Cartesian form.

[4]
Question 3
HL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted

The complex number zz is defined by

z=53i2+iz=\frac{5-3{\text{i}}}{2+{\text{i}}}
A

Express zz in the form a+bia+b{\text{i}}, where a,bQa,b\in\mathbb{Q}.

[2]
B

Find the exact value of z|z|.

[1]
C

Find the principal argument of zz, in radians.

[2]
Question 4
HL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted

Let z=cosθ+isinθz=\cos\theta+{\text{i}}\sin\theta, where θR\theta\in\mathbb{R}.

A

Expand z3z^3 in Cartesian form.

[3]
B

Hence show that cos3θ=4cos3θ3cosθ\cos3\theta=4\cos^3\theta-3\cos\theta.

[1]
Question 5
HL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted

The polynomial

P(z)=z37z2+17z15P(z)=z^3-7z^2+17z-15

has real coefficients. One root of P(z)=0P(z)=0 is 2+i2+{\text{i}}.

A

Write down another non-real root of P(z)=0P(z)=0.

[1]
B

Find the remaining root of P(z)=0P(z)=0.

[3]
Question 6
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

A complex number z=x+yiz=x+yi, where x,yRx,y\in\mathbb{R}, satisfies
z(2+i)=z+13i|z-(2+i)|=|z+1-3i|.

A

Determine the Cartesian equation satisfied by xx and yy.

[3]
B

Describe the locus represented by this equation in the Argand diagram.

[1]
Question 7
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

The polynomial P(z)=z3+pz2+qz+10P(z)=z^3+pz^2+qz+10 has real coefficients. One root is 1+2i1+2i and the third root is real.

A

Write down another non-real root of P(z)P(z).

[1]
B

Find the real root.

[2]
C

Find the values of pp and qq.

[2]
Question 8
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

Let z=2cis(π6)z=2\operatorname{cis}\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right) and w=3iw=\sqrt{3}-i.

A

Write ww in modulus-argument form.

[2]
B

Find zw2zw^2 in Cartesian form.

[3]
Question 9
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

Let u=1+iu=1+i and v=3+iv=\sqrt{3}+i.

A

Determine uv\frac{u}{v} in Euler form.

[3]
B

Describe geometrically the transformation represented by multiplying a complex number by uv\frac{u}{v}.

[2]
Question 10
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

Let zz be a non-zero complex number such that z=2|z|=\sqrt{2} and 0<argz<π20<\arg z<\frac{\pi}{2}. It is given that the principal argument of (1+i)z2(1+i)z^2 is 5π6\frac{5\pi}{6}.

A

Find argz\arg z.

[3]
B

Find (1+i)z2|(1+i)z^2|.

[1]
Question 11
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The complex numbers ww and zz satisfy

wz=12i,z+2w=7i\frac{w}{z}=1-2{\text{i}},\qquad z^*+2w=7-{\text{i}}

where z0z\ne0.

A

Show that, if z=x+yiz=x+y{\text{i}}, then 3x+4y=73x+4y=7 and y4x=1y-4x=-1.

[3]
B

Hence find zz and ww in Cartesian form.

[3]
Question 12
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

On an Argand diagram, the point AA represents the complex number z=3+4iz=-3+4{\text{i}}. The point BB represents the complex number ww, where

w=(2i)zw=(2-{\text{i}})z
Argand diagram showing z at A.
A

Find ww in Cartesian form.

[2]
B

Describe fully the geometrical effect of multiplying by 2i2-{\text{i}} on an Argand diagram.

[2]
C

Find the distance OBOB, where OO is the origin.

[1]
Question 13
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Let z=4+6iz=-4+6{\text{i}}.

A

Write zz in Euler form reiθre^{{\text{i}}\theta}, where r>0r>0 and π<θπ-\pi<\theta\le\pi.

[3]
B

Hence find z5z^5 in Cartesian form.

[3]
Question 14
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Let

u=16(cos2π3+isin2π3)u=16\left(\cos\frac{2\pi}{3}+{\text{i}}\sin\frac{2\pi}{3}\right)
A

Find all values of u14u^{\frac{1}{4}} in modulus-argument form.

[4]
B

State the argument of the root which lies in the third quadrant.

[1]
Question 15
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Two complex impedances are given by Z1=4+3iZ_1=4+3{\text{i}} and Z2=62iZ_2=6-2{\text{i}}. The combined impedance ZZ is defined by

1Z=1Z1+1Z2\frac{1}{Z}=\frac{1}{Z_1}+\frac{1}{Z_2}
A

Calculate ZZ in Cartesian form.

[3]
B

Find ZZ in the form reiθre^{{\text{i}}\theta}, where r>0r>0 and π<θπ-\pi<\theta\le\pi.

[2]
Question 16
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Let z=x+yiz=x+y{\text{i}}, where x,yRx,y\in\mathbb{R}. The point representing zz on an Argand diagram satisfies both

z4=z2i|z-4|=|z-2{\text{i}}|

and

arg(z1i)=π4\arg(z-1-{\text{i}})=\frac{\pi}{4}
Argand diagram with the fixed points and two loci.
A

Show that the first condition gives y=2x3y=2x-3.

[2]
B

Hence find zz.

[2]
Question 17
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

Consider the equation z3=8iz^3=8i, where zCz\in\mathbb{C}.

A

Write 8i8i in modulus-argument form.

[2]
B

Solve the equation, giving your answers in Cartesian form.

[4]
Question 18
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

Let w=16cis(2π3)w=16\operatorname{cis}\left(\frac{2\pi}{3}\right).

A

Find all values of w14w^{\frac{1}{4}} in modulus-argument form.

[5]
Question 19
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

A monic quartic polynomial P(z)P(z) has real coefficients. Two of its roots are 1+2i1+2i and 3i3-i.

A

Write down the other two roots of P(z)P(z).

[2]
B

Find P(z)P(z) in expanded form.

[4]
Question 20
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

Let z=cosθ+isinθz=\cos\theta+i\sin\theta, where θR\theta\in\mathbb{R}.

A

Expand z3z^3 in terms of cosθ\cos\theta and sinθ\sin\theta.

[2]
B

Use De Moivre's theorem to prove that cos3θ=4cos3θ3cosθ\cos 3\theta=4\cos^3\theta-3\cos\theta.

[3]
Question 21
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

The five roots of z5=1z^5=1 are zk=cis(2πk5)z_k=\operatorname{cis}\left(\frac{2\pi k}{5}\right), where k=0,1,2,3,4k=0,1,2,3,4.

A

Show that the sum of the five roots is 00.

[2]
B

Hence show that cos(2π5)+cos(4π5)=12\cos\left(\frac{2\pi}{5}\right)+\cos\left(\frac{4\pi}{5}\right)=-\frac{1}{2}.

[3]
Question 22
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Consider the equation

z3=8+8iz^3=-8+8{\text{i}}
A

Write 8+8i-8+8{\text{i}} in modulus-argument form.

[2]
B

Find all solutions of the equation, giving your answers in modulus-argument form.

[4]
Question 23
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The polynomial

P(z)=z42z3+az2+bz+65P(z)=z^4-2z^3+az^2+bz+65

has real coefficients. Two of its roots are 2+3i2+3{\text{i}} and 1+2i-1+2{\text{i}}.

A

Write down the other two roots of P(z)=0P(z)=0.

[1]
B

Hence find the values of aa and bb.

[4]
Question 24
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Let z=x+yiz=x+y{\text{i}}, where x,yRx,y\in\mathbb{R}. The complex number zz satisfies

z(3+i)=2z+i|z-(3+{\text{i}})|=2|z+{\text{i}}|
Argand diagram with the fixed points 3+i and -i.
A

Show that the locus of zz has equation

3x2+3y2+6x+10y6=03x^2+3y^2+6x+10y-6=0
[3]
B

Hence find the centre and radius of this locus.

[3]
Question 25
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

Let z=x+yiz=x+yi, where x,yRx,y\in\mathbb{R}, and define w=(1i)z+2w=(1-i)z+2.

A
I.

Express ww in the form a+bia+bi, where a,bRa,b\in\mathbb{R}, in terms of xx and yy.

[2]
II.

Hence show that w2=(x+y+2)2+(yx)2|w|^2=(x+y+2)^2+(y-x)^2.

[3]
B
I.

Given that ww is real, show that y=xy=x.

[1]
II.

Given also that z1=5|z-1|=\sqrt{5}, find the possible values of zz.

[3]
C

The locus of zz is defined by w=z|w|=|z|. Determine the centre and radius of this locus in the Argand diagram.

[3]
Question 26
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

Let u=3+iu=\sqrt{3}+i, v=1iv=1-i and q=uvq=\dfrac{u}{v}.

A
I.

Write uu and vv in modulus-argument form.

[2]
II.

Hence write qq in modulus-argument form.

[2]
B
I.

Find q3q^3 in Cartesian form.

[3]
C

Find the smallest positive integer nn such that qnq^n is a positive imaginary number.

[3]
Question 27
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The transformation TT of the complex plane is defined by

T(z)=(1+3i)z+2iT(z)=(1+\sqrt{3}{\text{i}})z+2-{\text{i}}.

The points AA, BB and CC represent the complex numbers 1+2i1+2{\text{i}}, 4+i4+{\text{i}} and 22i2-2{\text{i}} respectively.

Argand diagram of the original triangle with vertices A, B and C.
A
I.

Find the modulus and principal argument of 1+3i1+\sqrt{3}{\text{i}}.

[2]
II.

Describe fully the geometrical effect of multiplying a complex number by 1+3i1+\sqrt{3}{\text{i}}.

[2]
B

Find the complex numbers represented by T(A)T(A), T(B)T(B) and T(C)T(C), in Cartesian form.

[3]
C

Determine the area of the triangle with vertices T(A)T(A), T(B)T(B) and T(C)T(C).

[3]
Question 28
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Consider the equation

z4=81(cos2π3+isin2π3)z^4=81\left(\cos\frac{2\pi}{3}+{\text{i}}\sin\frac{2\pi}{3}\right),

where zCz\in\mathbb{C}.

Argand diagram of the four roots on the circle |z|=3.
A
I.

Write down the modulus of each root.

[1]
II.

Find all four roots in modulus-argument form.

[5]
B

Give the roots in Cartesian form.

[4]
C

Determine the area of the quadrilateral formed by joining the four roots in order around the origin.

[2]
Question 29
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A monic quartic polynomial P(z)P(z) has real coefficients. One root of P(z)=0P(z)=0 is 32+2i\frac32+2{\text{i}}. Another root is 1-1, and the constant term of P(z)P(z) is 25-25.

A
I.

Write down another non-real root of P(z)=0P(z)=0.

[1]
II.

Find the remaining real root.

[3]
B

Find P(z)P(z) in expanded form.

[4]
C

Hence determine P(2)P(2).

[2]
Question 30
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

Consider the equation
(z1+i)4=16cis(2π3),zC(z-1+i)^4=16\operatorname{cis}\left(\frac{2\pi}{3}\right),\qquad z\in\mathbb{C}

A
I.

Let ζ=z1+i\zeta=z-1+i. Find all possible values of ζ\zeta in modulus-argument form.

[4]
II.

Hence find all possible values of zz in modulus-argument form translated into Cartesian form.

[1]
B
I.

Show that one root of the original equation is real, and state this root.

[2]
II.

If you did not obtain the real root in part (b)(i), use z=1+3z=1+\sqrt{3}. Verify directly that this value satisfies the equation.

[1]
C

The four roots are represented by points in an Argand diagram. Find the area of the quadrilateral formed by joining these points in order of increasing argument of ζ\zeta.

[3]
Question 31
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

A monic quartic polynomial P(z)P(z) has real coefficients. One root is 1+3i1+3i. The coefficient of z3z^3 is 6-6 and the constant term is 50-50.

A
I.

Write down another root of P(z)P(z).

[1]
II.

Let the remaining two roots be real numbers rr and ss. Show that r+s=4r+s=4 and rs=5rs=-5.

[3]
B
I.

Find rr and ss.

[2]
II.

Hence write P(z)P(z) as a product of real quadratic and linear factors.

[1]
C

Find P(z)P(z) in expanded form.

[3]
Question 32
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

Let 0<θ<π20<\theta<\dfrac{\pi}{2} and let
z=1+cos2θ+isin2θz=1+\cos2\theta+i\sin2\theta

A
I.

Show that z=2cosθcisθz=2\cos\theta\operatorname{cis}\theta.

[3]
II.

State the modulus and principal argument of zz.

[2]
B
I.

Find all cube roots of zz in modulus-argument form.

[3]
II.

If you did not obtain the roots in part (b)(i), use 2cosθ3cis(θ+2kπ3)\sqrt[3]{2\cos\theta}\operatorname{cis}\left(\dfrac{\theta+2k\pi}{3}\right), k=0,1,2k=0,1,2. Show that the product of the three cube roots is zz.

[2]
Question 33
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

A transformation of the complex plane is defined by w=az+bw=az+b, where a,bCa,b\in\mathbb{C} and a0a\ne0. The transformation maps 00 to 1+i1+i and maps 22 to 3+5i3+5i.

A
I.

Find aa and bb.

[3]
II.

Describe geometrically the effect of multiplication by aa.

[1]
B
I.

The point zz moves on the circle z1=2|z-1|=2. Find the centre and radius of the image circle in the ww-plane.

[3]
II.

Write the Cartesian equation of the image circle, using w=X+Yiw=X+Yi.

[1]
C

Find the maximum possible value of Re(w)\operatorname{Re}(w) for points on z1=2|z-1|=2.

[4]
Question 34
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

Let z=x+yiz=x+yi, where x,yRx,y\in\mathbb{R}. The point representing zz in the Argand diagram satisfies
z2=2z+1|z-2|=2|z+1|

A
I.

Show that the locus has equation x2+4x+y2=0x^2+4x+y^2=0.

[3]
II.

Find the centre and radius of this locus.

[2]
B
I.

The point also satisfies arg(z+1)=π4\arg(z+1)=\dfrac{\pi}{4}. Show that y=x+1y=x+1 and state the required restriction on xx.

[2]
II.

If you did not obtain the line in part (b)(i), use y=x+1y=x+1. Hence find zz exactly.

[3]
Question 35
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

Let aRa\in\mathbb{R} and consider the quadratic equation
z22az+a2+16=0z^2-2az+a^2+16=0

A
I.

Show that the roots are a+4ia+4i and a4ia-4i.

[2]
II.

The root with positive imaginary part has modulus 55 and a>0a>0. Find aa.

[2]
B
I.

Using a=3a=3, find the square roots of 3+4i3+4i.

[3]
C

Find the monic quartic polynomial with real coefficients whose roots are all the square roots of the two roots of the quadratic when a=3a=3.

[3]
Question 36
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A complex number z=x+yiz=x+y{\text{i}} is represented by a point PP on an Argand diagram. The point PP satisfies

z(2+3i)=2|z-(2+3{\text{i}})|=2

and

arg(z+1i)=0.700\arg(z+1-{\text{i}})=0.700.

Angles are in radians.

Argand diagram of the given circle and ray.
A
I.

Show that points on the ray may be written in the form z=1+i+t(cos0.700+isin0.700)z=-1+{\text{i}}+t(\cos 0.700+{\text{i}}\sin 0.700), where t>0t>0.

[2]
II.

Substitute this form of zz into the circle equation to obtain a quadratic equation in tt.

[2]
B

Hence find the two possible values of zz.

[3]
C
I.

Find the distance between the two possible positions of PP.

[2]
II.

Find the smaller angle subtended at the origin by the two possible positions of PP.

[2]
Question 37
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

In an alternating-current circuit, two impedances are connected in parallel. At angular frequency ω>0\omega>0 they are modelled by

Z1=6+0.5ωi,Z2=1060ωiZ_1=6+0.5\omega{\text{i}},\qquad Z_2=10-\frac{60}{\omega}{\text{i}}.

The combined impedance ZZ satisfies

1Z=1Z1+1Z2\frac{1}{Z}=\frac{1}{Z_1}+\frac{1}{Z_2}.

A
I.

Find ZZ when ω=20\omega=20, in Cartesian form.

[3]
II.

Write this value of ZZ in Euler form reiθre^{{\text{i}}\theta}, where r>0r>0 and π<θπ-\pi<\theta\le\pi.

[2]
B

Show that ZZ is purely real when ω\omega satisfies

60ω100ω2+3600=0.5ω36+0.25ω2\frac{60\omega}{100\omega^2+3600}=\frac{0.5\omega}{36+0.25\omega^2}.

[3]
C

Hence find the value of ω\omega for which ZZ is purely real.

[3]
Question 38
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Consider the equation

(z2+i)3=64(cos5π6+isin5π6)(z-2+{\text{i}})^3=64\left(\cos\frac{5\pi}{6}+{\text{i}}\sin\frac{5\pi}{6}\right).

Schematic Argand diagram with centre at 2-i only.
A
I.

Let u=z2+iu=z-2+{\text{i}}. Find the three possible values of uu in modulus-argument form.

[4]
II.

Hence write the three solutions for zz in Cartesian form, correct to three significant figures.

[3]
B

Show that the three solution points form an equilateral triangle and find its area.

[3]
Question 39
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Let z=x+yiz=x+y{\text{i}}, where x,yRx,y\in\mathbb{R}. The complex number zz satisfies

z2+2z=11+8iz^2+2z^*=11+8{\text{i}}.

A
I.

Show that xx and yy satisfy

x2y2+2x=11,2xy2y=8x^2-y^2+2x=11,\qquad 2xy-2y=8.

[3]
II.

Show that xx satisfies x414x2+24x27=0x^4-14x^2+24x-27=0.

[1]
B

Solve the equation for zz, giving all solutions correct to three significant figures.

[5]
C

For the solution with positive imaginary part, find the modulus and principal argument of zz.

[2]
Question 40
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

The complex number u=3+iu=\sqrt{3}+i is used to generate a sequence of points P0,P1,P2,P_0,P_1,P_2,\ldots on an Argand diagram. The point PnP_n represents the complex number zn=unz_n=u^n, where nZ0n\in\mathbb{Z}_{\ge 0}.

Argand diagram showing the first several points of the sequence z_n = u^n joined in order.
A
I.

Express uu in modulus-argument form.

[2]
II.

Find z3z_3 in Cartesian form.

[2]
B

Show that the distance PnPn+1P_nP_{n+1} is 2n5232^n\sqrt{5-2\sqrt{3}}.

[3]
C
I.

Let SN=z0+z1+z2++zNS_N=z_0+z_1+z_2+\cdots+z_N. Show that SN=uN+11u1S_N=\frac{u^{N+1}-1}{u-1}.

[2]
II.

Determine the least value of NN such that SN>1000|S_N|>1000. If you did not obtain the result in part (c)(i), use SN=uN+11u1S_N=\frac{u^{N+1}-1}{u-1}.

[3]
Question 41
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Consider the equation

z5=32cisϕz^5=32\operatorname{cis}\phi

where 0ϕ<2π0\le \phi<2\pi. The five roots are represented by points on an Argand diagram.

Five roots for φ=π/2 shown on the circle |z|=2 in the Argand plane.
A
I.

For ϕ=π2\phi=\frac{\pi}{2}, find the five roots in modulus-argument form.

[3]
B

Show that, for any value of ϕ\phi, the five roots form a regular pentagon with side length 4sin(π5)4\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{5}\right).

[3]
C
I.

Let R0R_0 be one of the roots. Show that the product of the distances from R0R_0 to the other four roots is 8080.

[3]
II.

Deduce the area of the pentagon and explain why it is independent of ϕ\phi. If you did not prove the regular pentagon result in part (b), use that the roots lie equally spaced on a circle of radius 22.

[2]
Question 42
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

For t0t\ge 0, define

H(t)=1+it2itH(t)=\frac{1+it}{2-it}

In an engineering interpretation, H(t)|H(t)| represents a gain and argH(t)\arg H(t) represents a phase shift.

t

\

H(t)\

arg H(t) [rad]

0

0.5000

0.0000

0.5

0.5423

0.7086

1

0.6325

1.2490

1.5

0.7211

1.6263

2

0.7906

1.8925

3

0.8771

2.2318

4

0.9220

2.4330

A
I.

Find H(1)H(1) in Cartesian form.

[2]
II.

Find H(1)|H(1)|.

[1]
B
I.

Show that H(t)2=1+t24+t2|H(t)|^2=\frac{1+t^2}{4+t^2}.

[2]
II.

Determine the value of tt for which H(t)=12|H(t)|=\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}.

[2]
C
I.

Show that argH(t)=arctant+arctan(t2)\arg H(t)=\arctan t+\arctan\left(\frac{t}{2}\right) for t0t\ge 0.

[2]
II.

Solve argH(t)=π3\arg H(t)=\frac{\pi}{3}. If you did not obtain part (c)(i), use tan(argH(t))=3t21t22\tan(\arg H(t))=\frac{\frac{3t}{2}}{1-\frac{t^2}{2}}.

[2]
Question 43
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A transformation TT of the complex plane is defined by

T(z)=(1+i)z+2iT(z)=(1+i)z+2-i

Repeated application of TT produces a sequence z0,z1,z2,z_0,z_1,z_2,\ldots where zn+1=T(zn)z_{n+1}=T(z_n).

Argand diagram of z_0 and its iterates under T.
A
I.

Find T(3+i)T(3+i) in Cartesian form.

[2]
II.

Describe the geometric effect of multiplying by 1+i1+i.

[2]
B
I.

Find the fixed point pp of TT, where T(p)=pT(p)=p.

[2]
II.

Show that T(z)p=(1+i)(zp)T(z)-p=(1+i)(z-p).

[3]
C

Let z0=3+iz_0=3+i. Determine the least value of nn such that znp>100|z_n-p|>100. If you did not obtain the fixed point in part (b)(i), use p=1+2ip=1+2i.

[3]
Question 44
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

For a real parameter aa, consider the equation

(za)3=8(z-a)^3=8

where zCz\in\mathbb{C}. The three roots are represented by points on an Argand diagram.

Argand diagram of translated root triangles for real values of a.
A
I.

For a=1a=1, find the three roots in Cartesian form.

[3]
B

Show that, for any real value of aa, the centroid of the three points representing the roots is the point representing aa.

[2]
C
I.

Determine all real values of aa for which at least one root lies on the imaginary axis (has zero real part).

[3]
II.

Prove that the area of the triangle formed by the three roots is independent of aa, and find this area. If you did not obtain the roots in part (c)(i), use that the roots are obtained by translating the cube roots of 88 by aa.

[3]
Question 45
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

This question compares the values of z1/3z^{1/3} and z2/3z^{2/3} for complex numbers on the unit circle. Let

z=cist,qquad0t<2πz=\operatorname{cis}t,\\qquad 0\le t<2\pi
Argand diagram with the unit circle and two root triangles.
A
I.

Find all values of (1)1/3(-1)^{1/3} in modulus-argument form.

[3]
B
I.

For general tt, write down all values of z1/3z^{1/3}.

[2]
II.

Show that the three values of z2/3z^{2/3} form an equilateral triangle on the unit circle.

[2]
C

Deduce the area of the triangle formed by the three values of z2/3z^{2/3}, and explain why this area does not depend on tt.

[3]
Question 46
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

Let z=cosθ+isinθz=\cos\theta+i\sin\theta, where θR\theta\in\mathbb{R}.

A
I.

Expand (cosθ+isinθ)5(\cos\theta+i\sin\theta)^5 using the binomial theorem.

[2]
II.

Hence show that cos5θ=16cos5θ20cos3θ+5cosθ\cos5\theta=16\cos^5\theta-20\cos^3\theta+5\cos\theta.

[3]
B
I.

Let α=π10\alpha=\dfrac{\pi}{10}. Show that 16cos4α20cos2α+5=016\cos^4\alpha-20\cos^2\alpha+5=0.

[3]
II.

Hence find the exact value of cosπ10\cos\dfrac{\pi}{10}.

[5]
Question 47
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

Let ω=cis(2π5)\omega=\operatorname{cis}\left(\dfrac{2\pi}{5}\right).

A
I.

Show that ω5=1\omega^5=1 and ω1\omega\ne1.

[2]
II.

Hence show that 1+ω+ω2+ω3+ω4=01+\omega+\omega^2+\omega^3+\omega^4=0.

[2]
B
I.

Divide the equation in part (a)(ii) by ω2\omega^2 and show that t=ω+ω1t=\omega+\omega^{-1} satisfies t2+t1=0t^2+t-1=0.

[3]
II.

Hence find 2cos2π52\cos\dfrac{2\pi}{5}.

[1]
C

Deduce the exact values of cos2π5\cos\dfrac{2\pi}{5} and cos4π5\cos\dfrac{4\pi}{5}.

[4]
Question 48
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

For real α\alpha and β\beta, define cisα=cosα+isinα\operatorname{cis}\alpha=\cos\alpha+i\sin\alpha.

A
I.

Show that cisαcisβ=cis(α+β)\operatorname{cis}\alpha\operatorname{cis}\beta=\operatorname{cis}(\alpha+\beta).

[3]
II.

Use mathematical induction to prove De Moivre's theorem, (cisθ)n=cis(nθ)(\operatorname{cis}\theta)^n=\operatorname{cis}(n\theta), for all nZ+n\in\mathbb{Z}^+.

[3]
B
I.

Write 1+i1+i in modulus-argument form.

[1]
II.

Hence find (1+i)10(1+i)^{10} in Cartesian form.

[3]
Question 49
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

A sequence of complex numbers is defined by z0=0z_0=0 and
zn+1=(1+i)zn+1iz_{n+1}=(1+i)z_n+1-i
for n0n\ge0.

A
I.

Find the fixed point α\alpha satisfying α=(1+i)α+1i\alpha=(1+i)\alpha+1-i.

[2]
II.

Show that zn+1α=(1+i)(znα)z_{n+1}-\alpha=(1+i)(z_n-\alpha).

[2]
B
I.

Hence show that zn=1+i(1+i)n+1z_n=1+i-(1+i)^{n+1}.

[2]
II.

Find z3z_3.

[2]
C

If you did not obtain the expression in part (b)(i), use zn=1+i(1+i)n+1z_n=1+i-(1+i)^{n+1}. Find the smallest positive integer nn such that zn(1+i)z_n-(1+i) is a positive real number.

[3]
Question 50
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Let z=cosθ+isinθz=\cos\theta+{\text{i}}\sin\theta, where θR\theta\in\mathbb{R}.

A
I.

State De Moivre's theorem for positive integers nn.

[1]
II.

Prove De Moivre's theorem for positive integers by induction.

[4]
B

Use De Moivre's theorem to show that

cos4θ=8cos4θ8cos2θ+1\cos4\theta=8\cos^4\theta-8\cos^2\theta+1.

[4]
C

Hence solve 8cos4θ8cos2θ+1=0.2008\cos^4\theta-8\cos^2\theta+1=0.200 for 0θ<2π0\le\theta<2\pi.

[4]
Question 51
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A sequence of complex numbers is defined by

z0=0,zn+1=azn+2iz_0=0,\qquad z_{n+1}=az_n+2-{\text{i}},

where a=0.85e0.350ia=0.85e^{0.350{\text{i}}} and nNn\in\mathbb{N}.

First terms of z_n on an Argand diagram.
A
I.

Find the fixed point pp satisfying p=ap+2ip=ap+2-{\text{i}}.

[3]
II.

Show that zn=p(1an)z_n=p(1-a^n) for n0n\ge0.

[2]
B

Find the least value of nn for which znp<0.050|z_n-p|<0.050.

[4]
C

The total distance travelled by the first NN steps is DN=k=0N1zk+1zkD_N=\sum_{k=0}^{N-1}|z_{k+1}-z_k|. Find the least NN for which DND_N exceeds 90%90\% of its limiting value.

[3]
Question 52
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Let AA and BB be the points representing 2+i2+{\text{i}} and 1+3i-1+3{\text{i}} respectively. A variable point PP represents the complex number zz.

Argand diagram with two circles and marked points.
A
I.

Explain why arg(z(2+i)z(1+3i))=π2\arg\left(\frac{z-(2+{\text{i}})}{z-(-1+3{\text{i}})}\right)=\frac{\pi}{2} implies that APB=π2\angle APB=\frac{\pi}{2}.

[2]
II.

Find the Cartesian equation of the locus satisfying this angle condition.

[3]
B

The point PP also satisfies z=3|z|=3. Find the value of zz which satisfies both conditions and the stated argument condition.

[5]
C

Find the greatest possible value of z|z| for a point on the circle found in part (a)(ii).

[3]
Question 53
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Let ω=cos2π7+isin2π7\omega=\cos\frac{2\pi}{7}+{\text{i}}\sin\frac{2\pi}{7}.

Argand diagram of the 7th roots of unity.
A
I.

Write down all the roots of z7=1z^7=1.

[2]
II.

Show that 1+ω+ω2++ω6=01+\omega+\omega^2+\cdots+\omega^6=0.

[2]
B

Let S=ω+ω2+ω4S=\omega+\omega^2+\omega^4. Show that S+S=1S+S^*=-1 and SS=2SS^*=2.

[5]
C

Hence find SS in Cartesian form.

[2]
D

Deduce the exact value of sin2π7+sin4π7+sin8π7\sin\frac{2\pi}{7}+\sin\frac{4\pi}{7}+\sin\frac{8\pi}{7}.

[2]
Question 54
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Two fixed points AA and BB on an Argand diagram represent the complex numbers 2+i2+i and 1+3i-1+3i respectively. For a variable complex number z1+3iz\ne -1+3i, define

w=z(2+i)z(1+3i)w=\frac{z-(2+i)}{z-(-1+3i)}
Argand diagram with fixed points A and B and a sample variable point z, with segments from z to A and z to B.
A
I.

Find ww when z=4+5iz=4+5i, giving your answer in Cartesian form.

[3]
II.

Find w|w| for this value of zz.

[1]
B
I.

Show that the condition w=1|w|=1 represents a straight line, and find its equation in the form ax+by+c=0ax+by+c=0, where z=x+yiz=x+yi.

[3]
II.

Show that the condition w=2|w|=2 represents a circle, and find its centre and radius.

[4]
C

Determine zz when w=2|w|=2 and argw=π3\arg w=\frac{\pi}{3}. If you did not obtain a circle in part (b)(ii), continue using the definition of ww.

[3]
Question 55
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

For r>1r>1 and 0<θ<π20<\theta<\frac{\pi}{2}, consider the four complex numbers

rcisθ,rcis(θ),r1cisθ,r1cis(θ)r\operatorname{cis}\theta,\quad r\operatorname{cis}(-\theta),\quad r^{-1}\operatorname{cis}\theta,\quad r^{-1}\operatorname{cis}(-\theta)

They are represented by four points on an Argand diagram.

Argand diagram of the four complex-number vertices and their quadrilateral boundary.
A
I.

For r=2r=2 and θ=π3\theta=\frac{\pi}{3}, write down the four complex numbers in Cartesian form.

[2]
B

Let P(z)P(z) be the monic quartic polynomial having the four complex numbers in the stem as roots. Show that

P(z)=z42(r+r1)cosθz3+(r2+r2+4cos2θ)z22(r+r1)cosθz+1P(z)=z^4-2\left(r+r^{-1}\right)\cos\theta\,z^3+\left(r^2+r^{-2}+4\cos^2\theta\right)z^2-2\left(r+r^{-1}\right)\cos\theta\,z+1
[4]
C
I.

For r=2r=2 and θ=π3\theta=\frac{\pi}{3}, find the area of the quadrilateral formed by joining the four points in order around the boundary.

[3]
II.

Deduce a formula for the area of the quadrilateral in terms of rr and θ\theta. If you did not obtain the area in part (c)(i), use the same symmetric quadrilateral described in the stem.

[3]
Question 56
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Let z=cisθz=\operatorname{cis}\theta, where θR\theta\in\mathbb{R}. Define Cn(x)C_n(x) by

zn+zn=2Cn(x),x=cosθz^n+z^{-n}=2C_n(x),\qquad x=\cos\theta

This question investigates a recurrence for the functions CnC_n.

Graphs of y=cos4θ and y=cosθ on 0≤θ<2π.
A
I.

Show that C2(x)=2x21C_2(x)=2x^2-1.

[2]
II.

Show that, for n1n\ge 1, Cn+1(x)=2xCn(x)Cn1(x)C_{n+1}(x)=2xC_n(x)-C_{n-1}(x).

[3]
B
I.

Use the recurrence to find C4(x)C_4(x).

[3]
C

Hence, or otherwise, solve cos4θ=cosθ\cos 4\theta=\cos\theta for 0θ<2π0\le \theta<2\pi. If you did not obtain C4(x)C_4(x), use cos4θ=8cos4θ8cos2θ+1\cos 4\theta=8\cos^4\theta-8\cos^2\theta+1.

[4]
Question 57
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A monic quartic polynomial has real coefficients and is reciprocal, meaning that if z0z\ne0 is a root then 1z\frac{1}{z} is also a root. One root is

α=2cis(π4)\alpha=2\operatorname{cis}\left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right)
Argand diagram showing a root, its conjugate, and their reciprocal roots relative to the unit circle.
A
I.

Write down the other three roots.

[2]
II.

Find the polynomial in the form z4+pz3+qz2+pz+1z^4+pz^3+qz^2+pz+1.

[4]
B

Show that if P(z)=z4+pz3+qz2+pz+1P(z)=z^4+pz^3+qz^2+pz+1, then P(z)=0P(z)=0 implies P(1z)=0P\left(\frac{1}{z}\right)=0 for z0z\ne0.

[3]
C

For roots of the form 2cisθ2\operatorname{cis}\theta, 2cis(θ)2\operatorname{cis}(-\theta), 12cisθ\frac{1}{2}\operatorname{cis}\theta, 12cis(θ)\frac{1}{2}\operatorname{cis}(-\theta), deduce the least possible value of the coefficient qq.

[2]
Question 58
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

For a positive integer nn and real number θ\theta, define the phasor sum

Sn(θ)=1+cisθ+cis2θ++cis(n1)θS_n(\theta)=1+\operatorname{cis}\theta+\operatorname{cis}2\theta+\cdots+\operatorname{cis}(n-1)\theta
Argand diagram of an equal-length phasor chain with a resultant vector from the origin.
A
I.

Show that, when cisθ1\operatorname{cis}\theta\ne1,

Sn(θ)=1cis(nθ)1cisθS_n(\theta)=\frac{1-\operatorname{cis}(n\theta)}{1-\operatorname{cis}\theta}
[3]
II.

Show that, when cisθ1\operatorname{cis}\theta\ne1,

Sn(θ)=sin(nθ2)sin(θ2)|S_n(\theta)|=\left|\frac{\sin\left(\frac{n\theta}{2}\right)}{\sin\left(\frac{\theta}{2}\right)}\right|
[3]
B

Evaluate S6(π5)S_6\left(\frac{\pi}{5}\right) in Cartesian form. If you did not obtain the formula in part (a), use the geometric series formula.

[2]
C

Prove that the sum of all nn roots of zn=1z^n=1 is zero for n>1n>1.

[2]
Question 59
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Let zz be a non-zero complex number and define

w=z+1zw=z+\frac{1}{z}

This question investigates the special case in which zz lies on the unit circle.

Generic unit-circle Argand diagram with z and 1/z.
A
I.

If z=cisθz=\operatorname{cis}\theta, show that z+1z=2cosθz+\frac{1}{z}=2\cos\theta.

[2]
II.

Show that zn+zn=2cos(nθ)z^n+z^{-n}=2\cos(n\theta) for any positive integer nn.

[2]
B

Suppose ww is real and 2<w<2-2<w<2. Prove that the two roots of z2wz+1=0z^2-wz+1=0 are complex conjugates lying on the unit circle.

[4]
C
I.

For w=1w=1, find the two roots of z2wz+1=0z^2-wz+1=0 in modulus-argument form.

[2]
II.

Hence find z6+z6z^6+z^{-6} for either root. If you did not obtain the roots in part (c)(i), use z=cis(π3)z=\operatorname{cis}\left(\frac{\pi}{3}\right).

[1]
Question 60
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

For z3iz\ne3-{\text{i}}, define

w=z(1+i)z(3i)w=\frac{z-(1+{\text{i}})}{z-(3-{\text{i}})}.

Let z=x+yiz=x+y{\text{i}}.

Argand diagram with the fixed points and the two loci.
A
I.

Find ww when z=4+2iz=4+2{\text{i}}.

[2]
II.

Find an expression for zz in terms of ww.

[2]
B

Show that the condition w=1|w|=1 corresponds to the line xy2=0x-y-2=0.

[3]
C

Show that the condition argw=π4\arg w=\frac{\pi}{4} leads to

x2+y22x+2y2=0x^2+y^2-2x+2y-2=0,

with a suitable restriction on the arc.

[4]
D

Determine the value of zz for which both w=1|w|=1 and argw=π4\arg w=\frac{\pi}{4}.

[3]

Binomial Theorem

Counting Principles