Paper 1 · Complex Numbers ⏱ Tested in 3 exam questions since 2017 Lesson 10 of 17

Complex Numbers 10: Introduction to Polar Form

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You’ll learn

  • Convert a + bi into polar form z = R(cos θ + i sin θ) and back again
  • Find the argument θ from a right-angle triangle and the page-13 reference angles
  • Quadrant-adjust the angle: Q2 = 180°−ref, Q3 = 180°+ref, Q4 = 360°−ref
  • Give θ in both degrees and radians, reading it straight off for on-axis points

Most recent exam questions

  • 2024 P1 Q2(c)(i)
  • 2024 P1 Q2(c)(ii)
  • 2019 P1 Q5(b)(i)
  • 2017 P1 Q2(b)

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