AP Precalculus: Complex Numbers Formulas & Properties

1. Definition & Standard Form

  • Complex number: \( z = a + bi \), \( a, b \in \mathbb{R} \), \( i = \sqrt{-1} \)
  • Real part: \( a \), Imaginary part: \( b \)

2. Addition & Subtraction

  • \( (a+bi) \pm (c+di) = (a\pm c) + (b\pm d)i \)

3. Complex Conjugates

  • Conjugate: \( \overline{z} = a - bi \)
  • \( z\overline{z} = a^2 + b^2 \)

4. Multiplication

  • \( (a+bi)(c+di) = (ac-bd) + (ad+bc)i \)

5. Division

  • \( \frac{a+bi}{c+di} = \frac{(a+bi)(c-di)}{(c+di)(c-di)} = \frac{ac+bd}{c^2+d^2} + \frac{bc-ad}{c^2+d^2}i \)

6. Absolute Value (Modulus)

  • \( |z| = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} \)

7. Powers of \( i \)

  • \( i^1 = i \)
  • \( i^2 = -1 \)
  • \( i^3 = -i \)
  • \( i^4 = 1 \)
  • Powers repeat every 4: \( i^n = i^{n \mod 4} \)