Worked solution
Plot polar points and interpret a complex multiplier
The numbers satisfy , , , .
(i) On an Argand diagram with origin , mark their points and deduce the exact value of . marks
(ii) Write down a number such that . Hence or otherwise describe their geometric relationship. marks
[2023/RVHS/II/1(modified)]
CJC · Review problems · Question 14
Answer
(i) . (ii) : rotate 90° anticlockwise about O, then enlarge by factor 2.
(i) Place the points and find the distance
Place at radius 4 and angle 60° in quadrant I, and at radius 2 and angle −30° in quadrant IV. Their Cartesian forms are and . The angle between the rays is , so the triangle is right-angled at . Hence .
(ii) Describe the transformation about O
The multiplier has modulus and argument , so . Starting from the point for , rotate 90° anticlockwise about , then enlarge by scale factor 2 about to reach the point for . Indeed .
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Common mistakes
|z₁−z₂| is a distance, not the difference of the two moduli. The enlargement and rotation are about O.
Solution notes
Source filename says 2026; printed header says 2025/JC2. Both identities are retained; rendered pages determine radicals and modulus bars.