Q.For a positive integer n, find the value of (1−i)n(1−i1)n.
Concept understanding — Complex Number Arithmetic
Complex Number Arithmetic: A First Look
Imagine you're trying to solve x2+1=0. You know that no real number squared gives −1. The square of any real number is either zero or positive. So this equation has no real solution. But what if we invent a number whose square is −1? That's exactly what mathematicians did — and that invention is the imaginary unit i, defined by:
i2=−1
A complex number is any number of the form a+bi, where a and b are real numbers. Here a is called the real part, and b is called the imaginary part. For example, 3+4i has real part 3 and imaginary part 4.
The name "imaginary" is unfortunate — these numbers are just as real (in the mathematical sense) as the numbers you already know. They're simply a different kind of number.
Why Bother?
Complex numbers let you solve equations that real numbers can't. Every polynomial equation — no matter how complicated — has a solution in the complex numbers. This is the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, and it's one of the most important results in mathematics.
Arithmetic Operations
The rules are straightforward: treat i like a variable, but remember that i2=−1.
Addition and Subtraction
Add (or subtract) real parts with real parts, imaginary parts with imaginary parts.
(a+bi)+(c+di)=(a+c)+(b+d)i
(a+bi)−(c+di)=(a−c)+(b−d)i
Example: (2+3i)+(4−5i)=(2+4)+(3−5)i=6−2i
Multiplication
Multiply like binomials, then replace i2 with −1.
(a+bi)(c+di)=ac+adi+bci+bdi2=(ac−bd)+(ad+bc)i
Example: (2+3i)(4−5i)=2(4)+2(−5i)+3i(4)+3i(−5i)
=8−10i+12i−15i2
=8+2i−15(−1)
=8+2i+15=23+2i
The most common mistake: forgetting that i2=−1, not 1. Always check your final step.
Division
Division is trickier. The key idea: multiply numerator and denominator by the complex conjugate of the denominator.
The complex conjugate of a+bi is a−bi. When you multiply a complex number by its conjugate, you get a real number:
(a+bi)(a−bi)=a2−(bi)2=a2−b2i2=a2+b2
So to divide:
c+dia+bi=(c+di)(c−di)(a+bi)(c−di)=c2+d2(a+bi)(c−di)
Example: 4−5i2+3i=(4−5i)(4+5i)(2+3i)(4+5i)=16+258+10i+12i+15i2=418+22i−15=41−7+22i=−417+4122i
To divide quickly: multiply top and bottom by the conjugate of the denominator, then simplify. The denominator always becomes c2+d2, a positive real number.
The Big Picture
Complex numbers form a field — they obey the same arithmetic rules as real numbers (commutative, associative, distributive) with one extra rule: i2=−1. Every operation reduces to real-number arithmetic plus that single rule.
Complex Number Arithmetic — the set of all numbers a+bi with a,b∈R and i2=−1, with addition and multiplication defined as above. This system is closed under all four basic operations (except division by zero), and every non-zero complex number has a multiplicative inverse.
You'll use these operations constantly in everything from solving quadratic equations to analyzing AC circuits to understanding quantum mechanics. Master them now, and the rest becomes much easier.
Complex number arithmetic, including addition, multiplication, and division using the conjugate, is a central skill in the NCERT Class 11 Mathematics chapter on Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations, and "complex number arithmetic operations with examples" is a heavily searched revision topic for CBSE boards and JEE Main. This arithmetic is foundational for solving polynomial equations with no real roots, a question type that appears often in "complex numbers important questions" for competitive exams.
Concept: Complex number arithmetic and simplification of powers.
The key is to simplify each factor separately before raising to the n-th power.
First, simplify 1−i1. Multiply numerator and denominator by −i:
1−i1=1−i1⋅−i−i=1−−i2−i=1−1−i=1+i
Now the expression becomes:
(1−i)n(1+i)n=[(1−i)(1+i)]n
Expand the product using difference of squares:
(1−i)(1+i)=12−i2=1−(−1)=2
Therefore:
[(1−i)(1+i)]n=2n
The value is 2n.
Since i1=−i, the second factor is 1+i, and (1−i)(1+i)=2, so the value is 2n.
Simplify i1:
i1=i⋅(−i)−i=1−i=−i,
so
1−i1=1−(−i)=1+i.
Because both factors share the exponent n:
(1−i)n(1−i1)n=(1−i)n(1+i)n=[(1−i)(1+i)]n.
Now
(1−i)(1+i)=1−i2=1−(−1)=2,
hence
(1−i)n(1−i1)n=2n.
The value is 2n.
Showing the 12 most recent of 17 on this concept.
- COMEDK 2026Set 2026-A1 markMCQQ.The conjugate of the multiplicative inverse of the complex number z=3+i1+7i is: (A) 52+51i (B) 51−52i (C) 51+52i (D) 1+2i
›Reveal solutionSolution
The problem asks for the conjugate of the multiplicative inverse of a given complex number. After simplifying the number, finding its reciprocal, and then taking the conjugate, the result is 51+52i, which corresponds to option (C).
Concept & Intuition
The multiplicative inverse of a complex number z is 1/z. The conjugate of a complex number a+bi is a−bi. So we need to:
- Simplify z to standard form a+bi.
- Compute 1/z.
- Take the conjugate of that result.
A key trick: instead of doing two separate rationalizations, we can combine steps. The conjugate of 1/z is actually 1/zˉ (since 1/z=1/zˉ). This often saves work.
Step-by-step solution
- Simplify z
z=3+i1+7i
Multiply numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator (3−i):
z=(3+i)(3−i)(1+7i)(3−i)=9−i23−i+21i−7i2
Since i2=−1, this becomes:
z=9+13+20i+7=1010+20i=1+2i
- Find the multiplicative inverse The inverse of z=1+2i is:
z1=1+2i1
Multiply numerator and denominator by the conjugate 1−2i:
1+2i1=(1+2i)(1−2i)1−2i=1−(2i)21−2i=1+41−2i=51−2i
So:
z1=51−52i
- Take the conjugate The conjugate of 51−52i is:
z1=51+52i
TipUsing 1/z=1/zˉ is faster: zˉ=1−2i, so 1/zˉ=1−2i1=51+2i. Wait — that gives 51+52i directly. Indeed, it matches.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that the conjugate of the inverse is not the inverse of the conjugate — but actually it is! So you can skip the intermediate step if you remember this property.
- Match with options The result 51+52i matches option (C).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
ANSWER: C
- COMEDK 2026Set 2026-M1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] The conjugate of z=(1+i)(2−i)(4+i)(1−i)
(A) 56+57i (B) 21−21i (C) 56−57i (D) 21+21i›Reveal solutionSolution
Simplify z=(1+i)(2−i)(4+i)(1−i)=56−57i, so zˉ=56+57i — option (A).
Simplify the numerator:
(4+i)(1−i)=4−4i+i−i2=4−3i+1=5−3i
Simplify the denominator:
(1+i)(2−i)=2−i+2i−i2=2+i+1=3+i
So:
z=3+i5−3i
Rationalise by multiplying numerator and denominator by 3−i:
z=(3+i)(3−i)(5−3i)(3−i)
Denominator: (3+i)(3−i)=9−i2=10.
Numerator: (5−3i)(3−i)=15−5i−9i+3i2=15−14i−3=12−14i.
z=1012−14i=56−57i
Take the conjugate (flip the sign of the imaginary part):
zˉ=56+57i
This matches option (A).
✓Final answerzˉ=56+57i — option (A).
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-A1 markMCQQ.The complex number (2−i)21+7i lies in (A) Quadrant 4 (B) Quadrant 3 (C) Quadrant 1 (D) Quadrant 2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Simplifying gives −1+i: real part negative, imaginary part positive, so it lies in Quadrant 2.
First square the denominator:
(2−i)2=4−4i+i2=4−4i−1=3−4i.
So the number is 3−4i1+7i. Multiply numerator and denominator by the conjugate 3+4i:
(3−4i)(3+4i)(1+7i)(3+4i)=9+163+4i+21i+28i2=253+25i−28=25−25+25i=−1+i.
The point is (−1,1): negative real part, positive imaginary part.
✓Final answer(2−i)21+7i=−1+i, which lies in Quadrant 2, option (D).
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-E1 markMCQQ.Given that z is a real number and z=1+λiλ+4i where λ∈R, then the possible value of λ is : (A) −2 (B) 2i (C) 5 (D) ±2i
›Reveal solutionSolution
The problem asks for the real parameter λ such that z is real. The key is to set the imaginary part of z to zero. Solving gives λ=±2, but only λ=−2 is among the options. The correct option is (A).
We are told that z is a real number, and
z=1+λiλ+4i,λ∈R.
Since z is real, its imaginary part must be zero. The natural approach is to simplify the complex fraction by multiplying numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator, then isolate the imaginary part and set it equal to zero.
- Multiply numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator The denominator is 1+λi; its conjugate is 1−λi.
z=(1+λi)(1−λi)(λ+4i)(1−λi).
- Simplify the denominator
(1+λi)(1−λi)=12−(λi)2=1−(λ2i2)=1−(−λ2)=1+λ2.
This is a positive real number (since λ is real).
- Expand the numerator
(λ+4i)(1−λi)=λ(1)+λ(−λi)+4i(1)+4i(−λi).
Compute term by term:
- λ⋅1=λ
- λ⋅(−λi)=−λ2i
- 4i⋅1=4i
- 4i⋅(−λi)=−4λi2=−4λ(−1)=4λ
So the numerator becomes:
(λ+4λ)+(−λ2i+4i)=(5λ)+(4−λ2)i.
- Write z in standard form
z=1+λ25λ+1+λ24−λ2i.
- Set the imaginary part to zero (since z is real)
1+λ24−λ2=0.
The denominator is always positive (never zero for real λ), so we only need the numerator to be zero:
4−λ2=0⇒λ2=4⇒λ=±2.
-
Check the options
The given choices are:
(A) −2
(B) 2i (not real, so invalid because λ must be real)
(C) 5
(D) ±2i (again, not real)
Only λ=−2 appears among the real options.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that λ is given as a real number. Options (B) and (D) contain imaginary numbers, so they are automatically disqualified. Also, λ=2 is a valid mathematical solution but is not listed; only −2 is an option.
TipYou can also solve by cross-multiplying: z(1+λi)=λ+4i. Since z is real, equate real and imaginary parts directly — you’ll get the same condition λ2=4.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-E1 markMCQQ.If z=(23+2i)5+(23−2i)5, then (A) Re(z)>0,Im(z)<0 (B) Im(z)=0 (C) Re(z)=0 (D) Re(z)>0,Im(z)>0
›Reveal solutionSolution
The expression simplifies to twice the real part of a complex number in polar form; because the complex numbers are conjugates, the sum is purely real, so Im(z)=0, which corresponds to option (B).
We are given
z=(23+2i)5+(23−2i)5.
Notice that the two terms are complex conjugates: if w=23+2i, then the second term is w5=w5.
For any complex number, wn+wn=2Re(wn), which is always a real number. Therefore z is real, meaning its imaginary part is zero. That already points to option (B).
Let’s verify by explicit computation.
- Recognize the polar form The modulus of 23+2i is
(23)2+(21)2=43+41=1.
Its argument θ satisfies
cosθ=23,sinθ=21⇒θ=6π.
So
23+2i=eiπ/6.
- Apply De Moivre’s Theorem
(eiπ/6)5=ei5π/6.
Its conjugate is
(23−2i)5=e−i5π/6.
- Sum the two terms
z=ei5π/6+e−i5π/6=2cos(65π).
Since cos(5π/6)=−23, we get
z=2(−23)=−3.
- Interpret the result z=−3 is a negative real number. Hence Re(z)<0 and Im(z)=0.
Watch outA common mistake is to think the sum of a complex number and its conjugate always gives a positive real; it gives a real, but the sign depends on the cosine. Here cos(5π/6) is negative, so the real part is negative.
TipWhenever you see a sum of a complex number and its conjugate raised to the same power, immediately think 2Re(wn) — it saves computation and directly tells you the imaginary part is zero.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-M1 markMCQQ.If 3+ix−1+3−iy−1=i then (y,x)= (A) (−6,−4) (B) (−4,−6) (C) (6,−4) (D) (−4,6)
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to combine the two complex fractions over a common denominator, equate real and imaginary parts, and solve the resulting linear system to find x and y. The ordered pair (y,x) is (−4,6).
We are given
3+ix−1+3−iy−1=i
and need to find (y,x).
Concept and Intuition
When an equation involves complex numbers, a powerful approach is to separate real and imaginary parts. Here, the denominators are conjugates: 3+i and 3−i. Their product is a real number, so combining the fractions will simplify nicely. Once we have a single complex fraction, we can multiply both sides by the denominator, expand, and then equate the real and imaginary parts. This gives two linear equations in x and y.
Step-by-step solution
- Combine the fractions The common denominator is (3+i)(3−i)=32−i2=9+1=10.
3+ix−1+3−iy−1=10(x−1)(3−i)+(y−1)(3+i)
- Expand the numerator
(x−1)(3−i)=3x−3−xi+i
(y−1)(3+i)=3y−3+yi−i
Adding them:
(3x+3y−6)+(−xi+yi)+(i−i)
The i and −i cancel. So the numerator is
3x+3y−6+i(y−x)
- Write the equation
103x+3y−6+i(y−x)=i
Multiply both sides by 10:
3x+3y−6+i(y−x)=10i
-
Equate real and imaginary parts
Real part: 3x+3y−6=0
Imaginary part: y−x=10
-
Solve the system
From the real part: 3(x+y)=6⇒x+y=2.
From the imaginary part: y−x=10.
Add the two equations: (x+y)+(y−x)=2+10⇒2y=12⇒y=6.
Then x=2−y=2−6=−4.
So (y,x)=(6,−4).
TipNotice that the problem asks for (y,x), not (x,y). A common mistake is to report (−4,6) as (x,y) and then pick the wrong option. Always check the order!
- Match with options (6,−4) corresponds to option (C).
Watch outIf you solved for (x,y)=(−4,6), you might be tempted to pick option (D) (−4,6). But the question asks for (y,x), so the first coordinate is y=6 and the second is x=−4.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
ANSWER: C
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-A1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] The value of i510+i508+i506+i504+i502i1004+i1006+i1008+i1010+i1012 is
(A) 1 (B) i (C) −1 (D) −i›Reveal solutionSolution
Reduce each power of i modulo 4: the numerator sums to 1 and the denominator to −1, giving −1. Option (C).
Powers of i repeat with period 4: i4k=1, i4k+2=−1. Reduce each exponent modulo 4.
Numerator:
i1004=1,i1006=−1,i1008=1,i1010=−1,i1012=1
sum=1−1+1−1+1=1
Denominator:
i510=−1,i508=1,i506=−1,i504=1,i502=−1
sum=−1+1−1+1−1=−1
Therefore
−11=−1.
✓Final answerThe value is −1 — option (C).
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-E1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] If (1−4i)3=a+ib then the value of a and b is
(A) −47,52 (B) 49,−74 (C) −74,49 (D) −48,−52›Reveal solutionSolution
We expand (1−4i)3 using the binomial theorem and simplify using i2=−1, then separate real and imaginary parts to find a=−47 and b=52, which matches option (A).
Concept & Intuition
The problem asks us to cube a complex number and write the result in the standard form a+ib. The direct approach is to treat 1−4i as a binomial and expand (1−4i)3 using the binomial theorem, just like (x+y)3, but remembering that i2=−1 and i3=−i. This avoids any guesswork or memorization of formulas for powers of complex numbers.
Step-by-step solution
- Write the cube as a binomial expansion
(1−4i)3=13+3(1)2(−4i)+3(1)(−4i)2+(−4i)3
This is the standard expansion: (x+y)3=x3+3x2y+3xy2+y3, with x=1 and y=−4i.
-
Simplify each term
- First term: 13=1
- Second term: 3⋅1⋅(−4i)=−12i
- Third term: 3⋅1⋅(−4i)2=3⋅(16i2)=3⋅16⋅(−1)=−48
- Fourth term: (−4i)3=(−4)3⋅i3=−64⋅(−i)=64i (Recall i2=−1, i3=i2⋅i=−i)
-
Combine real and imaginary parts
Real parts: 1+(−48)=−47
Imaginary parts: (−12i)+(64i)=52i
So (1−4i)3=−47+52i, meaning a=−47 and b=52.
-
Match with the options
Option (A) gives (−47,52), which is exactly what we found.
TipA common shortcut: (1−4i)3 can also be computed by first squaring (1−4i)2=1−8i+16i2=−15−8i, then multiplying by (1−4i) again: (−15−8i)(1−4i)=−15+60i−8i+32i2=−15+52i−32=−47+52i. Same result, fewer exponents.
Watch outA classic mistake is forgetting that i2=−1 when simplifying (−4i)2 — it becomes 16(−1)=−16, not 16. Also, (−4i)3=−64i3=−64(−i)=64i, not −64i.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-M1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] The modulus of the following complex number 1−i1+i−1+i1−i is
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 16›Reveal solutionSolution
The expression simplifies to a purely imaginary number 2i, whose modulus is 2. The correct option is (C).
The key here is to avoid rushing into modulus calculations on the raw fractions. Instead, simplify the complex number first — that’s almost always the cleaner path. The modulus of a complex number a+bi is a2+b2, so once we find the simplest form, the modulus is immediate.
- Write the expression clearly Let
z=1−i1+i−1+i1−i.
Both fractions are reciprocals in disguise — notice that 1−i1+i and 1+i1−i are actually conjugates of each other.
- Simplify the first fraction Multiply numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator:
1−i1+i⋅1+i1+i=12−i2(1+i)2=1−(−1)1+2i+i2.
Since i2=−1, we get
21+2i−1=22i=i.
- Simplify the second fraction Similarly,
1+i1−i⋅1−i1−i=1−i2(1−i)2=21−2i+i2=21−2i−1=2−2i=−i.
- Combine the results
z=i−(−i)=i+i=2i.
So the complex number is purely imaginary: 0+2i.
- Find the modulus The modulus of 2i is
∣2i∣=02+22=4=2.
TipNotice that 1−i1+i=i is a well-known fact — it’s the rotation by 90∘ in the complex plane. Recognizing this saves time.
Watch outA common mistake is to compute the modulus of each fraction separately and then subtract, but ∣a−b∣=∣a∣−∣b∣. Always simplify the whole expression first.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
ANSWER: C
- COMEDK 2023Set 2023-E1 markMCQQ.If the conjugate of (x+iy)(1−2i) be 1+i, then (A) x=51 (B) y=53 (C) x−iy=1+2i1−i (D) x+iy=1−2i1−i
›Reveal solutionSolution
Taking conjugates, (x+iy)(1−2i)=1+i=1−i, hence x+iy=1−2i1−i=53+i (so x=53, y=51). This is exactly option (D).
Given (x+iy)(1−2i)=1+i. Conjugating both sides:
(x+iy)(1−2i)=1+i=1−i.
Therefore
x+iy=1−2i1−i=(1−2i)(1+2i)(1−i)(1+2i)=51+2i−i+2=53+i,
so x=53 and y=51. Checking the options: (A) x=51 is false, (B) y=53 is false, and (C) is false, while (D) states precisely x+iy=1−2i1−i.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — x+iy=1−2i1−i
- COMEDK 2023Set 2023-M1 markMCQQ.If z=3+i, then the argument of z2ez−i is equal to (A) eπ/3 (B) 3π (C) 6π (D) eπ/6
›Reveal solutionSolution
z−i=3 is a positive real, so ez−i contributes zero argument; arg(z2)=2argz=π/3.
Here z=3+i, so argz=tan−131=6π and ∣z∣=2.
Note z−i=3+i−i=3, a positive real number, so ez−i=e3>0 has argument 0.
Therefore
arg(z2ez−i)=arg(z2)+arg(ez−i)=2argz+0=2⋅6π=3π.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — 3π
- COMEDK 2023Set 2023-M1 markMCQQ.If i=−1 and n is a positive integer, then in+in+1+in+2+in+3 is equal to (A) 1 (B) i (C) in (D) 0
›Reveal solutionSolution
Factor out in; the bracket 1+i+i2+i3=0, so the sum is 0.
Factor:
in+in+1+in+2+in+3=in(1+i+i2+i3).
Since i2=−1 and i3=−i:
1+i+i2+i3=1+i−1−i=0.
Hence the whole expression equals in⋅0=0 for every positive integer n.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — 0
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