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Complex Numbers Explained: A-Level Further Maths Notes - MEI/OCR

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Georgie

04/12/2025

Further Maths

Complex numbers - A-Level Further Mathematics - MEI/OCR

297

4 Dec 2025

2 pages

Complex Numbers Explained: A-Level Further Maths Notes - MEI/OCR

user profile picture

Georgie

@georgiethejam

Complex numbers might seem intimidating at first, but they're actually... Show more

ginary
Through Mack
imaginacs port. The cortesion form o
Re(arbi) (The reas component) } nose was aber eg
(The imaginary component) note
*(o

Complex Numbers and Polar Form

Complex numbers are written as z = x + iy, where x is the real part and y is the imaginary part. The key thing to remember is that i² = -1, which is what makes these numbers "imaginary."

You can visualise complex numbers on an Argand diagram - it's like a coordinate system where the x-axis shows real parts and the y-axis shows imaginary parts. This makes complex numbers much easier to work with geometrically.

The complex conjugate of z = x + iy is z* = x - iy. Geometrically, this is just a reflection across the real axis. The modulus |z| = √x2+y2x² + y² gives you the distance from the origin, whilst the argument arg(z) = arctany/xy/x gives you the angle.

Polar form writes complex numbers as z = rcosθ+isinθcos θ + i sin θ, where r is the modulus and θ is the argument. This form is incredibly useful for multiplication and division because you can just add or subtract the arguments.

Key insight: Multiplying by i rotates a complex number by 90° anticlockwise - this geometric interpretation makes many problems much clearer!

ginary
Through Mack
imaginacs port. The cortesion form o
Re(arbi) (The reas component) } nose was aber eg
(The imaginary component) note
*(o

Loci and Roots in the Complex Plane

Different equations create fascinating shapes in the complex plane. Circles appear when |z - a| = k (all points at distance k from point a), whilst ellipses form from |z - a| + |z - b| = k.

Arguments create straight lines and sectors. The equation argzaz - a = θ gives you a half-line from point a at angle θ. When you combine arguments, like argzaz - a + argzbz - b = θ, you get more complex curves.

Roots of unity are particularly elegant - they're the solutions to z^n = 1. These n roots form a perfect regular polygon on the unit circle, equally spaced at angles of 2π/n. For any complex number z^n = R, you get n roots arranged in the same geometric pattern.

The sum of all nth roots of any number always equals zero - they perfectly balance each other out around the origin. This beautiful symmetry makes complex roots incredibly useful for solving polynomial equations.

Remember: Every complex equation has a geometric interpretation - visualising problems on the Argand diagram often reveals the solution immediately!



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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Further Maths

297

4 Dec 2025

2 pages

Complex Numbers Explained: A-Level Further Maths Notes - MEI/OCR

user profile picture

Georgie

@georgiethejam

Complex numbers might seem intimidating at first, but they're actually brilliant tools that make solving equations and understanding geometry much easier. Think of them as regular numbers with an extra dimension - they combine real numbers with imaginary ones to... Show more

ginary
Through Mack
imaginacs port. The cortesion form o
Re(arbi) (The reas component) } nose was aber eg
(The imaginary component) note
*(o

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Complex Numbers and Polar Form

Complex numbers are written as z = x + iy, where x is the real part and y is the imaginary part. The key thing to remember is that i² = -1, which is what makes these numbers "imaginary."

You can visualise complex numbers on an Argand diagram - it's like a coordinate system where the x-axis shows real parts and the y-axis shows imaginary parts. This makes complex numbers much easier to work with geometrically.

The complex conjugate of z = x + iy is z* = x - iy. Geometrically, this is just a reflection across the real axis. The modulus |z| = √x2+y2x² + y² gives you the distance from the origin, whilst the argument arg(z) = arctany/xy/x gives you the angle.

Polar form writes complex numbers as z = rcosθ+isinθcos θ + i sin θ, where r is the modulus and θ is the argument. This form is incredibly useful for multiplication and division because you can just add or subtract the arguments.

Key insight: Multiplying by i rotates a complex number by 90° anticlockwise - this geometric interpretation makes many problems much clearer!

ginary
Through Mack
imaginacs port. The cortesion form o
Re(arbi) (The reas component) } nose was aber eg
(The imaginary component) note
*(o

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Loci and Roots in the Complex Plane

Different equations create fascinating shapes in the complex plane. Circles appear when |z - a| = k (all points at distance k from point a), whilst ellipses form from |z - a| + |z - b| = k.

Arguments create straight lines and sectors. The equation argzaz - a = θ gives you a half-line from point a at angle θ. When you combine arguments, like argzaz - a + argzbz - b = θ, you get more complex curves.

Roots of unity are particularly elegant - they're the solutions to z^n = 1. These n roots form a perfect regular polygon on the unit circle, equally spaced at angles of 2π/n. For any complex number z^n = R, you get n roots arranged in the same geometric pattern.

The sum of all nth roots of any number always equals zero - they perfectly balance each other out around the origin. This beautiful symmetry makes complex roots incredibly useful for solving polynomial equations.

Remember: Every complex equation has a geometric interpretation - visualising problems on the Argand diagram often reveals the solution immediately!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Similar content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user