SCSA Mathematics Specialist Complex numbers

15 sample questions with marking guides and sample answers · Avg. score: 61.5%

Q6
2025
VCAA
Paper 2
1 mark
Q6
1 mark

Let zCz \in C.

Given that z=1|z| = 1 and z1z \neq 1, Re(11z)\text{Re}\left(\frac{1}{1 - z}\right) is

A

12-\frac{1}{2}

B

00

C

12\frac{1}{2}

D

32\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}

Reveal Answer
A

12-\frac{1}{2}

Incorrect. This negative value might result from a sign error when multiplying by the complex conjugate or evaluating the denominator.

B

00

Incorrect. While the expression 1+z1z\frac{1+z}{1-z} has a real part of 00 for z=1|z|=1, the expression 11z\frac{1}{1-z} does not.

C

12\frac{1}{2}

Correct Answer

Correct. Letting z=cosθ+isinθz = \cos \theta + i \sin \theta, we get 11z=(1cosθ)+isinθ(1cosθ)2+sin2θ\frac{1}{1-z} = \frac{(1-\cos \theta) + i \sin \theta}{(1-\cos \theta)^2 + \sin^2 \theta}. The real part simplifies to 1cosθ22cosθ=12\frac{1-\cos \theta}{2-2\cos \theta} = \frac{1}{2}.

D

32\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}

Incorrect. This value might be confused with the imaginary part for specific values of zz (like z=eiπ/3z = e^{i\pi/3}), but the real part is constantly 12\frac{1}{2} for all valid zz.

Q5
2024
VCAA
Paper 2
1 mark
Q5
1 mark

If the point z=1+3iz = 1 + \sqrt{3}i is represented on an Argand diagram, the point representing zˉ-\bar{z} can be located by

A

reflecting the point representing zz in the real axis.

B

rotating the point representing zz anticlockwise about the origin by 9090^\circ.

C

reflecting the point representing zz in the imaginary axis.

D

rotating the point representing zz clockwise about the origin by 9090^\circ.

Reveal Answer
A

reflecting the point representing zz in the real axis.

Reflecting a point in the real axis negates its imaginary part, which gives the complex conjugate zˉ\bar{z}, not zˉ-\bar{z}.

B

rotating the point representing zz anticlockwise about the origin by 9090^\circ.

Rotating a point anticlockwise by 9090^\circ corresponds to multiplying the complex number by ii, which yields iziz, not zˉ-\bar{z}.

C

reflecting the point representing zz in the imaginary axis.

Correct Answer

For any complex number z=x+iyz = x + iy, the value of zˉ-\bar{z} is x+iy-x + iy. Negating only the real part while keeping the imaginary part unchanged corresponds to a reflection across the imaginary axis.

D

rotating the point representing zz clockwise about the origin by 9090^\circ.

Rotating a point clockwise by 9090^\circ corresponds to multiplying the complex number by i-i, which yields iz-iz, not zˉ-\bar{z}.

Q8
2020
SCSA
Paper 1
3 marks
Q8
3 marks

Consider the complex sum: n=12020nin=1i1+2i2+3i3++2020i2020\sum_{n=1}^{2020} n i^n = 1i^1 + 2i^2 + 3i^3 + \dots + 2020i^{2020}

Express the value of this sum in the form rcisθr \text{cis} \, \theta where π<θπ-\pi < \theta \le \pi.

Reveal Answer

n=14nin=1(i)1+2(i)2+3(i)3+4(i)4=i23i+4=22in=58nin=5(i)5+6(i)6+7(i)7+8(i)8=5i67i+8=22in=912nin=9(i)9+10(i)10+11(i)11+12(i)12=9i1011i+12=22i\begin{align*} \sum_{n=1}^4 n i^n &= 1(i)^1 + 2(i)^2 + 3(i)^3 + 4(i)^4 = i - 2 - 3i + 4 = 2 - 2i\\ \sum_{n=5}^8 n i^n &= 5(i)^5 + 6(i)^6 + 7(i)^7 + 8(i)^8 = 5i - 6 - 7i + 8 = 2 - 2i \\ \sum_{n=9}^{12} n i^n &= 9(i)^9 + 10(i)^{10} + 11(i)^{11} + 12(i)^{12} = 9i - 10 - 11i + 12 = 2 - 2i \\ \end{align*} Hence n=12020nin=(22i)+(22i)+(22i)+505 terms=505(22i)=10101010i=10102 cis(π4)or20202cis(π4)\begin{align*} \text{Hence }\sum_{n=1}^{2020} n i^n &= (2-2i) + (2-2i) + (2-2i) + \dots \quad \text{505 terms}\\ &= 505(2-2i) \\ &= 1010 - 1010i \\ &= 1010\sqrt{2} \text{ cis}\left(-\frac{\pi}{4}\right) \quad \text{or} \quad \frac{2020}{\sqrt{2}} \text{cis}\left(-\frac{\pi}{4}\right) \end{align*}
Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

evaluates the sum of the first 4 terms correctly

1

generalises that the sum of the first 4 terms repeats 505 times

1

simplifies correctly in the form r cis θr \text{ cis } \theta

1
Q1
2024
SCSA
Paper 1
3 marks
Q1
3 marks

The complex number z=rcisθ=3+biz = r \operatorname{cis} \theta = 3 + bi, where tanθ=2\tan \theta = \sqrt{2}. Determine the exact values for rr and bb.

Reveal Answer

Given z=r cis θz = r \text{ cis } \theta where tanθ=2b3=2\tan \theta = \sqrt{2} \quad \therefore \frac{b}{3} = \sqrt{2} i.e. b=32b = 3\sqrt{2}

r2=32+b2r^2 = 3^2 + b^2

r2=9+(32)2=9+9(2)r2=27r^2 = 9 + \left(3\sqrt{2}\right)^2 = 9 + 9(2) \quad \therefore r^2 = 27

i.e. r=27=33r = \sqrt{27} = 3\sqrt{3}

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

states b=32b = 3\sqrt{2}

1

states r=27r = \sqrt{27} or 333\sqrt{3}

1

justifies the determination of both bb and rr

1
Q6
2024
QCAA
Paper 2
1 mark
Q6
1 mark

Two concurrent forces represented in the polar form of F1=(1.21 N,120)F_1 = (1.21 \text{ N}, 120^\circ) and F2=(1.30 N,160)F_2 = (1.30 \text{ N}, -160^\circ) act on an object.
Determine the magnitude of the resultant force.

A

0.50 N

B

1.92 N

C

2.51 N

D

3.70 N

Reveal Answer
A

0.50 N

This value is incorrect. It is close to the result of F22F12\sqrt{F_2^2 - F_1^2} (approx. 0.480.48 N), which implies an incorrect application of the Pythagorean theorem rather than vector addition.

B

1.92 N

Correct Answer

The resultant is found by vector addition using the Law of Cosines or component method. The angle between the forces is 120(160)=280|120^\circ - (-160^\circ)| = 280^\circ, which is equivalent to 8080^\circ. Calculating R=1.212+1.302+2(1.21)(1.30)cos(80)R = \sqrt{1.21^2 + 1.30^2 + 2(1.21)(1.30)\cos(80^\circ)} yields approximately 1.921.92 N.

C

2.51 N

This represents the scalar sum of the magnitudes (1.21+1.30=2.511.21 + 1.30 = 2.51 N). This would only be correct if the two forces were acting in exactly the same direction.

D

3.70 N

This value corresponds to the square of the resultant force (R23.70R^2 \approx 3.70 N2^2). The final step of taking the square root to find the magnitude was omitted.

Q8
2024
QCAA
Paper 1
1 mark
Q8
1 mark

Given z=2cis(π3)z = 2\text{cis}\left(\frac{\pi}{3}\right), determine z3z^3.

A

8-8

B

6-6

C

66

D

88

Reveal Answer
A

8-8

Correct Answer

Using De Moivre's Theorem, z3=23cis(3π3)=8cis(π)z^3 = 2^3\text{cis}\left(3 \cdot \frac{\pi}{3}\right) = 8\text{cis}(\pi). Since cis(π)=cos(π)+isin(π)=1\text{cis}(\pi) = \cos(\pi) + i\sin(\pi) = -1, the result is 8(1)=88(-1) = -8.

B

6-6

This option incorrectly multiplies the modulus by the exponent (2×3=62 \times 3 = 6) instead of raising the modulus to the power (23=82^3 = 8).

C

66

This answer results from two errors: multiplying the modulus by the exponent (2×32 \times 3) and incorrectly evaluating cis(π)\text{cis}(\pi) as 11.

D

88

This option correctly calculates the new modulus (23=82^3 = 8) but incorrectly evaluates cis(π)\text{cis}(\pi) as 11 instead of 1-1.

Q19
2024
QCAA
Paper 1
6 marks
Q19
6 marks

Consider complex numbers of the form w=x+iw = x + i, where xx is a positive real number.

If Re(w7)=0\text{Re}(w^7) = 0, determine all possible values of xx.

Reveal Answer

Given w=x+iw=x+i

Let w=rcis(θ)w=r \operatorname{cis}(\theta)

w7=r7cis(7θ)w^7=r^7 \operatorname{cis}(7 \theta)

arg(w)=θ\arg (w)=\theta

=tan1(yx),x0=\tan ^{-1}\left(\frac{y}{x}\right), x \neq 0

=tan1(1x)=\tan ^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{x}\right) where xR+,x0x \in R^{+}, x \neq 0

arg(w7)=7θ=7tan1(1x)\arg \left(w^7\right)=7 \theta=7 \tan ^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{x}\right)

Given Re(w7)=0\operatorname{Re}\left(w^7\right)=0, then arg(w7)=(2n+1)π2\arg \left(w^7\right)=(2 n+1) \frac{\pi}{2} where nZn \in Z

7tan1(1x)=(2n+1)π27 \tan ^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{x}\right)=(2 n+1) \frac{\pi}{2}

1x=tan((2n+1)π14)\frac{1}{x}=\tan \left(\frac{(2 n+1) \pi}{14}\right)

x=cot((2n+1)π14)x=\cot \left(\frac{(2 n+1) \pi}{14}\right)

As xR+x \in R^{+}, consider (2n+1)π14\frac{(2 n+1) \pi}{14} for angles that lie in quadrant 1.

n=0:x=cot(π14)n=0: x=\cot \left(\frac{\pi}{14}\right)

n=1:x=cot(3π14)n=1: x=\cot \left(\frac{3 \pi}{14}\right)

n=2:x=cot(5π14)n=2: x=\cot \left(\frac{5 \pi}{14}\right)

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

Correctly uses De Moivre's theorem

1

Correctly determines an expression representing arg(w) in terms of x

1

Determines a relationship involving arg(w7)\arg(w^7) using the condition Re(w7)=0Re(w^7)=0

1

Determines a general expression representing possible values of x

1

Determines one value of x

1

Evaluates the reasonableness of solution by determining the remaining two values of x

1
Q5
2022
VCAA
Paper 2
1 mark
Q5
1 mark

Let z=x+yiz = x + yi, where x,yRx, y \in R and zCz \in C.

If Arg(zi)=3π4\text{Arg}(z - i) = \frac{3\pi}{4}, which one of the following is true?

A

y=1x,x<0y = 1 - x, x < 0

B

y=1x,x>0y = 1 - x, x > 0

C

y=1+xy = 1 + x

D

y=1+x,x>0y = 1 + x, x > 0

E

y=1+x,x<0y = 1 + x, x < 0

Reveal Answer
A

y=1x,x<0y = 1 - x, x < 0

Correct Answer

Substituting z=x+yiz = x + yi, we get zi=x+(y1)iz - i = x + (y - 1)i. An argument of 3π4\frac{3\pi}{4} means the point lies in the second quadrant, so x<0x < 0. The angle gives y1x=tan(3π4)=1\frac{y - 1}{x} = \tan(\frac{3\pi}{4}) = -1, which simplifies to y=1xy = 1 - x.

B

y=1x,x>0y = 1 - x, x > 0

If x>0x > 0 and y=1xy = 1 - x, the real part is positive and the imaginary part y1=xy - 1 = -x is negative. This places the point in the fourth quadrant, giving an argument of π4-\frac{\pi}{4} (or 7π4\frac{7\pi}{4}), not 3π4\frac{3\pi}{4}.

C

y=1+xy = 1 + x

The equation y=1+xy = 1 + x implies y1x=1\frac{y - 1}{x} = 1, which corresponds to an angle whose tangent is 11. This would mean the argument is either π4\frac{\pi}{4} or 3π4-\frac{3\pi}{4}, not 3π4\frac{3\pi}{4}.

D

y=1+x,x>0y = 1 + x, x > 0

If y=1+xy = 1 + x and x>0x > 0, both the real part xx and imaginary part y1y - 1 are positive. This places the point in the first quadrant, giving an argument of π4\frac{\pi}{4}.

E

y=1+x,x<0y = 1 + x, x < 0

If y=1+xy = 1 + x and x<0x < 0, both the real part xx and imaginary part y1y - 1 are negative. This places the point in the third quadrant, giving an argument of 3π4-\frac{3\pi}{4} (or 5π4\frac{5\pi}{4}).

Q18
2021
QCAA
Paper 2
6 marks
Q18
6 marks

Consider the polynomial P(z)=z3+az2+bz+cP(z) = z^3 + az^2 + bz + c, where a,b,cRa, b, c \in R and zCz \in C.

Two of the roots of P(z)P(z) are also roots of z4+z3+z2+z+1z^4 + z^3 + z^2 + z + 1. The remaining root of P(z)P(z) is z=2z = 2.

Given z51=(z1)(z4+z3+z2+z+1)z^5 - 1 = (z-1)(z^4 + z^3 + z^2 + z + 1), determine a possible expression for P(z)P(z).

Leave your answer in expanded form.

Reveal Answer

The roots of z5=1z^5 = 1 are z=cis(2kπ5)z = \text{cis}\left(\frac{2k\pi}{5}\right) where kZk \in Z
Given z51=(z1)(z4+z3+z2+z+1)z^5 - 1 = (z-1)(z^4 + z^3 + z^2 + z + 1), the four roots of z4+z3+z2+z+1z^4 + z^3 + z^2 + z + 1 must be the four complex roots of the five 5th roots of unity, z5=1z^5 = 1.

By the conjugate root theorem, the two remaining roots of P(z)P(z) must be a conjugate pair of roots of z5=1z^5 = 1.
One possible pair of roots is cis(2π5)\text{cis}\left(\frac{2\pi}{5}\right) and cis(2π5)\text{cis}\left(-\frac{2\pi}{5}\right)

Determining a quadratic factor of P(z)P(z)
(zcis(2π5))(zcis(2π5))\left(z - \text{cis}\left(\frac{2\pi}{5}\right)\right)\left(z - \text{cis}\left(-\frac{2\pi}{5}\right)\right)
=z2(cis(2π5)+cis(2π5))z+cis(2π5)cis(2π5)= z^2 - \left(\text{cis}\left(\frac{2\pi}{5}\right) + \text{cis}\left(-\frac{2\pi}{5}\right)\right)z + \text{cis}\left(\frac{2\pi}{5}\right)\text{cis}\left(-\frac{2\pi}{5}\right)
=z2(cos(2π5)+isin(2π5)+cos(2π5)+isin(2π5))z+cis(0)= z^2 - \left(\cos\left(\frac{2\pi}{5}\right) + i\sin\left(\frac{2\pi}{5}\right) + \cos\left(-\frac{2\pi}{5}\right) + i\sin\left(-\frac{2\pi}{5}\right)\right)z + \text{cis}(0)
=z22cos(2π5)z+1= z^2 - 2\cos\left(\frac{2\pi}{5}\right)z + 1

P(z)=(z2)(z22cos(2π5)z+1)P(z) = (z-2)\left(z^2 - 2\cos\left(\frac{2\pi}{5}\right)z + 1\right)
=z32(cos(2π5)+1)z2+(4cos(2π5)+1)z2= z^3 - 2\left(\cos\left(\frac{2\pi}{5}\right) + 1\right)z^2 + \left(4\cos\left(\frac{2\pi}{5}\right) + 1\right)z - 2

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

Correctly determines the roots of z^5 = 1

1

Correctly recognises one possible pair of roots

1

Determines a quadratic factor of P(z) in factorised form

1

Expresses determined quadratic factor of P(z) in expanded form

1

Uses the factor of z = 2 to express P(z) in factorised form

1

Determines P(z) in expanded form

1
Q6
2023
SCSA
Paper 1
5 marks
Q6
5 marks

Solve the complex equation z4=223iz^4 = 2 - 2\sqrt{3}i giving solutions in the form rcisθr \text{cis} \theta where π<θπ-\pi < \theta \le \pi.

Reveal Answer

z4=22+(23)2=4+12=4|z^4| = \sqrt{2^2+(2\sqrt{3})^2} = \sqrt{4+12} = 4
Arg(z4)=tan1(232)=tan1(3)=π3Arg(z^4) = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{-2\sqrt{3}}{2}\right) = \tan^{-1}(-\sqrt{3}) = -\frac{\pi}{3}

Solve z4=4cis(π3)\therefore \text{Solve } z^4 = 4\text{cis}\left(-\frac{\pi}{3}\right)

z=414cis(π12+k(π2))k=0,1,2,3...(1)\therefore z = 4^{\frac{1}{4}}\text{cis}\left(\frac{-\pi}{12}+k\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\right) \quad k = 0, 1, 2, 3 \quad ... (1)

Roots are:
z0=2cis(π12)z_0 = \sqrt{2}\text{cis}\left(-\frac{\pi}{12}\right)
z1=2cis(5π12)z_1 = \sqrt{2}\text{cis}\left(\frac{5\pi}{12}\right)
z2=2cis(11π12)z_2 = \sqrt{2}\text{cis}\left(\frac{11\pi}{12}\right)
z3=2cis(7π12)Note: z3=2cis(17π12) does not satisfy π<θπ.z_3 = \sqrt{2}\text{cis}\left(-\frac{7\pi}{12}\right) \quad \text{Note: } z_3 = \sqrt{2}\text{cis}\left(\frac{17\pi}{12}\right) \text{ does not satisfy } -\pi < \theta \le \pi.

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

states the value for z4|z^4| correctly

1

states the value for Arg(z4)Arg(z^4) correctly

1

states the principal solution z0=2cis(π12)z_0 = \sqrt{2}\text{cis}\left(-\frac{\pi}{12}\right)

1

indicates a separation of π2\frac{\pi}{2} between solution arguments

1

states all solutions correctly using the condition π<θπ-\pi < \theta \le \pi

1
Q6
2020
VCAA
Paper 2
1 mark
Q6
1 mark

For the complex polynomial P(z)=z3+az2+bz+cP(z)=z^3+az^2+bz+c with real coefficients aa, bb and cc, P(2)=0P(-2)=0 and P(3i)=0P(3i)=0.

The values of aa, bb and cc are respectively

A

2, 9, 18-2,\ 9,\ -18

B

3, 4, 123,\ 4,\ 12

C

2, 9, 182,\ 9,\ 18

D

3, 4, 12-3,\ -4,\ 12

E

2, 9, 182,\ -9,\ -18

Reveal Answer
A

2, 9, 18-2,\ 9,\ -18

This corresponds to the polynomial (z2)(z2+9)(z-2)(z^2+9), which has a root of z=2z=2 instead of z=2z=-2.

B

3, 4, 123,\ 4,\ 12

This corresponds to the polynomial (z+3)(z2+4)(z+3)(z^2+4), which has roots of 3-3 and ±2i\pm 2i rather than 2-2 and ±3i\pm 3i.

C

2, 9, 182,\ 9,\ 18

Correct Answer

Since the coefficients are real, the complex roots must occur in conjugate pairs, meaning 3i-3i is also a root. Expanding (z+2)(z3i)(z+3i)=(z+2)(z2+9)(z+2)(z-3i)(z+3i) = (z+2)(z^2+9) gives z3+2z2+9z+18z^3+2z^2+9z+18, so a=2a=2, b=9b=9, and c=18c=18.

D

3, 4, 12-3,\ -4,\ 12

This corresponds to the polynomial (z3)(z24)(z-3)(z^2-4), which has real roots 33, 22, and 2-2.

E

2, 9, 182,\ -9,\ -18

This corresponds to the polynomial (z+2)(z29)(z+2)(z^2-9), which has real roots 2-2, 33, and 3-3 instead of the required complex roots.

Q7
2024
SCSA
Paper 1
5 marks
Q7

Consider the quartic polynomial R(z)=z46z3+17z222z+14R(z) = z^4 - 6z^3 + 17z^2 - 22z + 14 and P(z)=z22z+2P(z) = z^2 - 2z + 2 where R(z)=P(z)(z2+az+b)R(z) = P(z)(z^2 + az + b).

Q7a
2 marks

Show that (z1i)(z - 1 - i) is a factor of P(z)P(z).

Reveal Answer

P(1+i)=(1+i)22(1+i)+2=2i22i+2=0P(1+i) = (1+i)^2 - 2(1+i) + 2 = 2i - 2 - 2i + 2 = 0
P(1+i)=0\therefore P(1+i) = 0
Hence (z1i)(z-1-i) is a factor of P(z)P(z).

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

substitutes z=1+iz = 1+i correctly into P(z)P(z)

1

expands correctly to show that P(1+i)=0P(1+i) = 0

1
Q7b
3 marks

Solve the equation R(z)=0R(z) = 0.

Reveal Answer

z=1iz = 1-i is also a root of P(z)P(z) and R(z)R(z).

R(z)=z46z3+17z222z+14=(z22z+2)(z2+az+b)R(z) = z^4 - 6z^3 + 17z^2 - 22z + 14 = (z^2 - 2z + 2)(z^2 + az + b)
2b=14    b=7\therefore 2b = 14 \quad \implies b = 7
6z3=z2(az)2z(z2)    a=4-6z^3 = z^2(az) - 2z(z^2) \quad \implies a = -4

Solve R(z)=(z22z+2)(z24z+7)=0:R(z) = (z^2 - 2z + 2)(z^2 - 4z + 7) = 0:

(z22z+2)=0    z=1±i(z^2 - 2z + 2) = 0 \implies \therefore z = 1 \pm i
and

(z24z+7)=0(z2)2+3=0z=2±3i\begin{align*} (z^2 - 4z + 7) &= 0\\ (z - 2)^2 + 3 &= 0\\ \therefore z &= 2 \pm \sqrt{3}i \end{align*}
Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

states that z=1+iz = 1+i and z=1iz = 1-i are solutions

1

determines that a=4a = -4 and b=7b = 7 or (z24z+7)(z^2 - 4z + 7) is a factor of R(z)R(z)

1

solves the equation z2+ax+b=0z^2 + ax + b = 0 correctly

1
Q18
2020
QCAA
Paper 1
6 marks
Q18
6 marks

Consider the function P(z)=2z4+az3+6z2+az+bP(z) = 2z^4 + az^3 + 6z^2 + az + b where a,bZ+a, b \in Z^+

One of the roots of P(z)P(z) is z=iz = -i

Determine the possible value/s for aa and bb such that all remaining roots of P(z)P(z) have an imaginary component.

Reveal Answer

P(z)=2z4+az3+6z2+az+bP(z) = 2z^4 + az^3 + 6z^2 + az + b where a,bZ+a, b \in Z^+
Given z=iz = -i is a root of P(z)P(z), then P(i)=0P(-i) = 0
2(i)4+a(i)3+6(i)2+a(i)+b=0\therefore 2(-i)^4 + a(-i)^3 + 6(-i)^2 + a(-i) + b = 0
2+ai6ai+b=02 + ai - 6 - ai + b = 0
4+b=0-4 + b = 0
b=4b = 4
P(z)=2z4+az3+6z2+az+4\therefore P(z) = 2z^4 + az^3 + 6z^2 + az + 4

Given that the coefficients of the polynomial are real, another root is z=iz = i, another factor of P(z)P(z) is (zi)(z - i).
(zi)(z+i)=(z2+1)(z - i)(z + i) = (z^2 + 1) is a factor of P(z)P(z)

By inspection,
P(z)=(z2+1)(2z2+az+4)P(z) = (z^2 + 1)(2z^2 + az + 4)

Given all roots of P(z)P(z) have an imaginary component, 2z2+az+42z^2 + az + 4 must have only complex roots.
For complex roots, b24ac<0b^2 - 4ac < 0
a24×2×4<0a^2 - 4 \times 2 \times 4 < 0
a<32a < \sqrt{32}
So a=1,2,3,4a = 1, 2, 3, 4 or 55 and b=4b = 4

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

correctly applies the factor theorem to determine bb

1

correctly uses the conjugate root of the given root to identify another factor of P(z)P(z)

1

correctly identifies that (z2+1)(z^2 + 1) is a factor of P(z)P(z)

1

determines the remaining quadratic factor in terms of aa

1

applies the complex root requirement to the remaining quadratic factor

1

determines the possible values for aa given a,bZ+a, b \in Z^+

1
Q13
2021
QCAA
Paper 1
6 marks
Q13
6 marks

Use z=a+biz = a + bi and w=c+diw = c + di, where a,b,c,dRa, b, c, d \in R, to prove

zw2=z2+w22Re(zwˉ)|z - w|^2 = |z|^2 + |w|^2 - 2Re(z\bar{w})

Reveal Answer

RTP
zw2=z2+w22Re(zw)|z - w|^2 = |z|^2 + |w|^2 - 2\text{Re}(z \overline{w})

LHS =zw2= |z - w|^2
=(a+bi)(c+di)2= |(a + bi) - (c + di)|^2
=(ac)+(bd)i2= |(a - c) + (b - d)i|^2
=(ac)2+(bd)2= (a - c)^2 + (b - d)^2
=a22ac+c2+b22bd+d2= a^2 - 2ac + c^2 + b^2 - 2bd + d^2

RHS =z2+w22Re(zw)= |z|^2 + |w|^2 - 2\text{Re}(z \overline{w})
=a+bi2+c+di2= |a + bi|^2 + |c + di|^2 \dots
2Re((a+bi)(cdi))\dots - 2\text{Re}((a + bi)(c - di))
=a2+b2+c2+d2= a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + d^2 \dots
2Re((ac+bd)+(bcad)i)\dots - 2\text{Re}((ac + bd) + (bc - ad)i)
=a2+b2+c2+d22(ac+bd)= a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + d^2 - 2(ac + bd)
=a2+b2+c2+d22ac2bd= a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + d^2 - 2ac - 2bd
=a22ac+c2+b22bd+d2= a^2 - 2ac + c^2 + b^2 - 2bd + d^2
=LHS= \text{LHS}

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

correctly expresses zwz - w in terms of a,b,ca, b, c and dd in Cartesian form

1

expresses zw2|z - w|^2 in terms of a,b,ca, b, c and dd in expanded form

1

correctly expresses z2+w2|z|^2 + |w|^2 in terms of a,b,ca, b, c and dd in expanded form

1

correctly expresses (zw)(z \overline{w}) in terms of a,b,ca, b, c and dd

1

completes proof

1

shows logical organisation, communicating key steps

1
Q1
2022
QCAA
Paper 1
1 mark
Q1
1 mark

Let z=a+3iz = a + 3i and w=3+biw = -3 + bi, where a,bRa, b \in R.
If z=wz = w, then

A

a=3,b=3a = -3, b = -3

B

a=3,b=3a = -3, b = 3

C

a=3,b=3a = 3, b = -3

D

a=3,b=3a = 3, b = 3

Reveal Answer
A

a=3,b=3a = -3, b = -3

This is incorrect because equating the imaginary parts (3i=bi3i = bi) implies b=3b = 3, not 3-3.

B

a=3,b=3a = -3, b = 3

Correct Answer

Two complex numbers are equal if and only if their real parts are equal (a=3a = -3) and their imaginary parts are equal (3=b3 = b).

C

a=3,b=3a = 3, b = -3

This is incorrect because equating the real parts requires a=3a = -3 (not 33) and equating the imaginary parts requires b=3b = 3 (not 3-3).

D

a=3,b=3a = 3, b = 3

This is incorrect because the real part aa must equal the real part of ww, which is 3-3, not 33.

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