3

Complexnumbersand
hyperbolic
functions
This chapter is concernedwith the representationand manipulation of complex
numbers. Complex numbers pervade this book, underscoringtheir wide application in the mathematics of the physical sciences.The application of complex
numbers to the description of physical systemsis left until later chapters and
only the basic tools are presentedhere.

3.1 The need for complex numbers

Although complex numbers occur in many branchesof mathematics,they arise
most directly out of solvingpolynomial equations.We examinea specificquadratic
equation as an example.
Consider the quadratic equation

(3.1
)

z " - 4 2 *5 : 0 .
Equation (3.1) has two solutions,zy a.nd22,such that
(z - zr)Q - z) :0.

(3.2)

Using the lamiliar formula for the roots of a quadratic equation,(1.4),the

solutions z1 and 22,written in brief as 2r.2,are

4+ J;$

-4 1 1 "
'
(3.3)

Both solutions contain the squareroot of a negativenumber. However, it is not

true to say that there are no solutionsto the quadratic equation.Thefundamental
theorem of algebra states that a quadratic equation will always have two solutions
and these are in fact given by (3.3). The second term on the RHS of (3.3) is
called an imaginaryterm sinceit contains the square root of a negativenumber;
83

COMPLEX NUMBERS AND HYPERBOLICFUNCTIONS

Figure 3.1 The functionf (r) --

"'

- 4z * 5.

the first term is called a real term. The full solution is the sum of a real term
and an imaginary term and is called a complex number. A plot of the function
z2 -42 * 5 is shown in figure 3.1.It will be seenthat the plot does not
IQ):
intersect the z-axis, correspondingto the fact that the equation /(z) :0 has no
purely real solutions.
The choice of the symbol z for the quadratic variable was not arbitrary; the
conventional representationof a complex number is z, where z is the sum of a
real part x and i times an imaginary part y, i.e.
z : x *i y ,
where i is usedto denote the squareroot of - 1. The real part x and the imaginary
part y arc usually denoted by Rez andlmz respectively.We note at this point
that some physical scientists,engineersin particular, use j instead of i. However,
for consistency,we will use i throughout this book.
:2J-t
- 2i, and hencethe two solutions of
In our particular example,lZ
(3.1) are

z rz : 2 t z j: z t i.
Thus , her ex : 2 and, y : *1 .
For compactnessa complex number is sometimeswritten in the form
z : (x,y),
where the componentsof z may be thought ofas coordinatesin an xy-plot. Such
a plot is called an Argand diagram and is a common representationof complex
numbers; an example is shown in figure 3.2.

3.2 MANIPULATION OF COMPLEX NUMBERS

Figure 3.2 The Argand diagram.

Our particular example of a quadratic equation may be generalisedreadily to

polynomials whose highest power (degree)is greater than2, e.g.cubic equations
(degree3), quartic equations(degree4) and so on. For a generalpolynomial /(z),
of degreen, the fundamental theorem of algebrastatesthat the equation f(z) : O
will have exactly n solutions.We will examine casesof higher-degreeequations
in subsection3.4.3.
The remainder of this chapter deals with: the algebra and manipulation of
complex numbers; their polar representation,which has advantagesin many
circumstances
; complexexponentialsand logarithms; the useof complex numbers
in finding the roots of polynomial equations;and hyperbolic functions.

3.2 Manipulation of complex numbers

This section considersbasic complex number manipulation. Some analogy may
be drawn with vector manipulation (seechapter 7) but this section stands alone
as an introduction.

3.2,1 Addition and subtraction

The addition of two complex numbers, 21 and 22, in general gives another
complex number. The real componentsand the imaginary componentsare added
separatelyand in a like manner to the familiar addition of real numbers:

4 + 22:(xr * iyr)* (xz* iy) : (x1+x2)+ i(y I yz),

85

COMPLEX NUMBERS AND HYPERBOLICFUNCTIONS

lrn z
4 +2 2

Figure3.3 The addition of two complexnumbers.

or in component notation
z1 | z2 - (xr"yr) * 6z,y) : (xr * xz,yr * yz).
The Argand representationof the addition of two complex numbers is shown in
figure 3.3.
By straightforward application of the commutativity and associativity of the
real and imaginary parts separately, we can show that the addition of complex
numbers is itself commutative and associative,i.e.
z 1 *2 2 : 2 2 +z t ,
z r *k z *4 ) : Q r l z z ) l z t .
Thus it is immaterial in what order complex numbers are added.
r sum the compl* nambas 1 + 2,, 3 - 4i, -2 + ,.
Summingthe real termswe obtain
l +3 - 2 : 2 .
and summingthe imaginarytermswe obtain
2 i - 4 i +i : - i .
Hence

(1 + 2D+ (3 -4') + (-2 + i) : 2 - i. <

The subtraction of complex numbers is very similar to their addition. As in the
case of real numbers, if two identical complex numbers are subtracted then the
result is zero.
86

3.2 MANIPULATION OF COMPLEX NUMBERS

Figure 3.4

The modulus and argument of a complex number

3.2.2 Modulus and argument

The modulus of the complex number z is denoted by lzl and is defined as

(3.4)

lt l: \ , F r t .

Hence the modulus of the complex number is the distanceof the corresponding
point irom the origin in the Argand diagram, as may be seenin figure 3.4.
The argument of the complex number z is denoted by arg z and is defined as

(3.5)

a,sz-*1l-'(i)

It can be seen that argz is the angle that the line joining the origin to z on
the Argand diagram makes with the positive x-axis. The anticlockwise directton
is taken to be positive by convention. The angle arg z is shown in figure 3.4.
Account must be taken of the signs of x and y individually in determining in
which quadrant arg z lies. Thus, for example,if x and y are both negative then
arg z lies in the range -n < arg z < -n/2 rather than in the first quadrant
(0 < arg z <n/2), though both casesgive the same value for the ratio of y to x.
of the canplex rupiber z :2

>Fuil tlw mdubs aul

-ii.

Using (3.4), the modulus is given by

Ej: JY * 1-3Y:
Using (3.5),the argumentis givenby

'81.

ary z : tan-t (-)) .

The two angleswhosetangentsequal-1.5 are -0.9828rad and 2.1588rad. Sincex : 2 and
y : -3, z clearlylies in the fourth quadrant;thereforeatg z : -0.9828is the appropriate
answer.<

COMPLEX NUMBERS AND HYPERBOLICFUNCTIONS

3.2.3 Muhiplication
Complex numbers may be multiplied together and in general give a complex
number as the result. The product of two complex numbers z1 &nd z2 is found
by multiplying them out in full and remembering that i2 : -1, t-e.

z1z2-- (x1+ iyt)(x2+ iy2)

: xfiz * ixflz + iyrxz+ i2yryz
: (4xz - t.:r) * i(4y2 * ytx).

(3.6)

the complexwnbers zr * 3 * 2i otd z2: -l - 4i

Bv direct multiolication we find

4 2 2 : ( 3 +2 i ) ( - l - 4 i )
:-3-2i-l2i-8i2
:5-14i.<

(3.7)

The multiplication of complex numbers is both commutative and associative,

i.e.
ztz2: z2zl,

(3.8)

(z1z)23: ztQzzi.

(3.e)

The product of two complex numbers also has the simple properties
laz2l: lz1llz2l,
arg(zP) : arg zt I arg 22.

(3.10)
(3.1I )

These relations are derived in subsection3.3.1.

>Vertfy tlnt (3.14) hoills

, Wiluct of 4 :3 + A uid zz: *l -

From (3.7)

: l5- l4tl: .rFT elry :

lz1z2l
We also find

"m

1a1:J3aY:1V'
tzr:JerY+(4Y:",tm,
and hence

: Jm : Etzzl.
<
lzllz2l:
"ryi"m

We now examine the effect on a complex number z of multiplying it by +1

and *i. These four multipliers have modulus unity and we can seeimmediately
from (3.10)that multiplying z by another complex number of unit modulus gives
a product with the same modulus as z. We can also see from (3.11) that if we
88

3.2 MANIPULATION OF COMPLEX NUMBERS

Figure 3.5

Multiplication of a complex number by *l

and *i.

multiply z by a complex number then the argument of the product is the sum
of the argument of z and the argument of the multiplier. Hence multiplying
z by unity (which has argument zero) leaves z unchanged in both modulus
and argument, i.e. z is completely unaltered by the operation. Multiplying by
-1 (which has argument z) leads to rotation, through an angle z, of the line
joining the origin to z in the Argand diagram. Similarly,multiplication by i or -i
leads to correspondingrotations of n12 or -nf2 respectively.This geometrical
interpretation of multiplication is shown in figure 3.5.
>Using the geunetricali.ntopremtionof r,

r,fad tto frduct i(l-t).

fnus, using(3'10)and
The complexnumber1-i hasargument-n/4and modulus
"8.
(3.11),its product with i has argument*n/4 and unchangedmodulus u5. lte complex
number with modulus.f and argument*n/4 is I * i and so
i ( l - t ) : l +t ,
as is easilyverifiedby direct multiplication.<
The division of two complex numbers is similar to their multiplication but
requiresthe notion of the complex conjugate (seethe following subsection)and
so discussionis postponeduntil subsection3.2.5.

3.2.4 Complex conjugate

If z has the convenientform x * iy then the complex conjugate,denoted by z-,
may be found simply by changing the sign of the imaginary part, i.e.tf z: x*iy
then z' : x-i!. More generally,we may define the complex conjugate of z as
the (complex) number having the same magnitude as z that when multiplied by
z leavesa real result, i.e. there is no imaginary component in the product.

COMPLEX NUMBERS AND HYPERBOLICFUNCTIONS

Figure3.6 The complexconjugateas a mirror imagein the real axis'

In the case where z can be written in the form x + iy it is easily verified, by
direct multiplication of the components,that the product zz' givesa real result:
zz' : (x* iyXx - iy) : x2 - ixy * ixy - i2y2 : f

a y2 : 1212'

complex conjugation corresponds to a reflection of z in the real axis of the

Argand diagram, as may be seenin figure 3.6.
a*2i+31b.
of z = a
+ Zi + 3Ib.
cogugateoJ
> Finrl the complexco4jugate
The complexnumberis written in the standardform
z : a't i(2 * 3b\;
then,replacingi by -i, we obtain
z ': a - i ( 2 +3 b ) . <
In some cases,however,it may not be simple to rearrangethe expressionfor
z into the standard form x * iy. Nevertheless, given two complex numbers, z1
and 22, it is straightforward to show that the complex conjugate of their sum
(or difference)is equal to the sum (or difference)of their complex conjugates,i.e.
(q * z). : zi f zi. Similarly, it may be shown that the complex conjugateof the
product (or quotient) of z1 and z2 is equal to the product (or quotient) of their
complex conjugates,i.e. (zrz)' : ziz) and (q/z)' : ri/ti.
Using these results,it can be deduced that, no matter how complicated the
expression, its complex conjugate may always be flound by replacing every i by
-i. To apply this rule, however, we must always ensure that all complex parts are
first written out in full. so that no i's are hidden.

3.2 MANIPULATION OF COMPLEX NUMBERS

5i
of thecomptexrusnberz - alsv+2a1,
"rtq! " -.1
Although we do not discusscomplexpowersuntil section3.5,the simplerule givenabove
still enablesus to find the complexconjugateofz.
In this casew itself containsreal and imaginarycomponentsand so must be written
out in full, i.e.
>fira *

Wt*

t-iaut

z : w3t+2i\: (x + 5i)3.u+2i*.
Now we can replace each i by -i to obtain
z-:G-5i )(3)-2N ).
It can be shown that the product zz' is real, as required. <
The following properties of the complex conjugate are easily proved and others
may be derived from them. If z : x * iy then

(3.r2)

(z')' : z,

(3.1
3)
(3.14)

z * z ': 2 F . e z : 2 x ,
z - z :z l l m z : z l y ,
z
/x2-y2\

./

2xy \

r:\FT})+t\;rr7)

(3.r5)

The derivation ofthis last relation relieson the resultsofthe following subsection.

3.2.5 Division
The division of two complex numbers zy &nd z2 bears some similarity to their
multiplication. Writing the quotient in component form we obtain

zt
22

xr * iYr
xz * iyz

(3.r6)

In order to separate the real and imaginary components of the quotient, we

multiply both numerator and denominator by the complex conjugate of the
denominator. By definition, this process will leave the denominator as a real
quantity.Equation(3.16)gives
zt _ (\ + iyt)(x2 - iy) _ (xrxz + yty2)I i(x2y1- xflz)

":1"ra;rtYxr-t141
xlx2 + ytV l
.x)V t

'| + fi

W
- xtv2

']+ fi

Hence we have separatedthe quotient into real and imaginary components,as

required.
In the specialcasewhere zz: zi. so that xz : xr and y2 : -yr, the general
result reducesto (3.15).
9l

COMPLEXNUMBERSAND HYPERBOLICFT]NCTIONS

|Express z in theform x * iY,when

3-2i
',:- -t+4i
Multiplying numerator and denominator by the complex conjugate of the denominator
we obtain

-11 - 10'

(3-2i )(-1-4i )

--n

(-t +4r.11t -4t)

11 l0
:----1.<
l7
t7

In analogy to (3.10) and (3.11),which describethe multiplication of two

complex numbers,the following relations apply to division:

l zt I

lr l

l ztl

(3.r7)

l z2l

/zr \ :
arg zt - arg 22
arsl-l
- \zz/

(3.1
8)

The proof of theserelationsis left until subsection3.3.1.

3.3 Polar representationof complex numbers

Although consideringa complex number as the sum of a real and an imaginary
proveseasierto manipulate.
part is often useful,sometimesthepolar representation
which is definedby
function,
This makes use of the complex exponential
z2

ez:expz=1*z+r.+

23

t+

(3.re)

Strictly speakingit is the function expz that is defined by (3.19).The number e

is the value of exp(l), i.e. it is just a number. However, it may be shown that e'
and expz are equivalent when z is real and rational and mathematiciansthen
define their equivalencefor irrational and complex z. For the purposesof this
book we will not concern ourselvesfurther with this mathematical nicety but,
rather. assumethat (3.19)is valid for all z' We also note that, using (3.19)'by
multiplying together the appropriate serieswe may show that (seechapter 24)
ez te'z _ ez tl r z ,

which is analogousto the familiar result for exponentialsof real numbers.

( 3.20)

3.3 POLAR REPRESENTATIONOF COMPLEX NUMBERS

lmz

Figure 3.7 The polar representation of a complex number.

From (3.19), it immediately follows that for z :

i0,0 teal,

(3.2r)

e i o :rt*- f.- ' o.

:'-f* f-

+;( o - $ .$)-

(3.22)

and hence that

eio:cos? f isin0,

(3.23)

where the last equality follows from the series expansions of the sine and costne
functions (seesubsection4.6.3).This last relationshipis called Euler's equation.lt
also follows from (3.23)that
e i n a : c o s n ? *i s i n n 0
for all n. From Euler's equation (3.23)and figure 3.7 we deducethat
r e i e : r ( c o s l *i s i n 0 )
: x *i ! .
Thus a complex number may be representedin the polar form
z : reio

(3.24)

Referring again to figure 3.7, we can identify r with lzl and 0 with arg z' The
simplicity of the representationof the modulus and argument is one of the main
reasonsfor using the polar representation.The angle 0 lies conventionallyin the
range-n <0 <n, but, sincerotation by 0 is the sameas rotation by 2nn*0'
where n is any integer,
teiq -

feilq+2nrl.

93

COMPLEX NUMBERS AND HYPERBOLICFUNCTIONS

rg2si(oiozl

Figure 3.8 The multiplication of two complex numbers. In this case rr and
12 are both greater than unity.

The algebra of the polar representation is diflerent from that of the real and
imaginary component representation,though, of course,the resultsare identical.
Someoperationsprove much easierin the polar representation,others much more
complicated.The best representationfor a particular problem must be determined
by the manipulation required.

3.3.1 Muhiplication and division in polat form

Multiplication and division in polar form are particularly simple.The product of
zt : rgiot and z2: r2eiozis given bY
Z1z2 :

71gi0tYrai9z

Yr1'rsilqi0z).

(3.2s)

The relations lzrzzl: lzllz2l and arg(42) : arg zr { arg z2 follow immediately'
An exampleof the multiplication of two complex numbers is shown in figure 3'8'
Division is equally simple in polar form; the quotient of zl and z2 is given by
zt

ttgiot

rl

ila.-a-

(3.26\

--'-!ei (at-42).

;:;"^
The

relations lq/zzl

-- lzlllzzl

and arg(z1f z)

94

arg zt -

atg22

are again

3.4 DE MOIVRE'STHEOREM
Imz

Figure 3.9 The division of two complexnumbers.As in the previousfigure,

ry atrd12are both greaterthan unity.
immediately apparent. The division of two complex numbers in polar form is
shown in figure 3.9.

3.4 de Moivre's theorem

We now derive an extremelyimportant theorem. Since (et0)' : ei'o, we have

(c os0* i si n0)' : cosn0* i si nn0,

(3.21)

where the identity eing: cosnl * isinno follows from the seriesdefinition of
ei"0 (see(3.21)).This result is calledile Moiure's theoremand is often used in the
manipulation of complex numbers. The theorem is valid for all n whether real,
imaginary or complex.
There are numerous applications of de Moivre's theorem but this section
examinesjust three: proofs of trigonometric identities; finding the nth roots of
unity; and solving polynomial equationswith complex roots.

3.4.1 Trigonometric identities

The use of de Moivre's theorem in finding trigonometric identities is best illustrated by example. We consider the expression of a multiple-angle function in
terms of a polynomial in the single-anglefunction, and its converse.
95

COMPLEX NUMBERS AND HYPERBOLICFUNCTIONS

>Exgew

atut cnl3,Alft wntl of pow*s

Usingde Moivre'stheorem,
c os 30+ js in39: ( co s 0+ i s i n g ) 3
g) + i(3sin0cos20
g - 3cos0sin2
: (cos3
-sin3 g;.

(3.28)

i'e.
We can equatethe real and imaginarycoefficientsseparately,
cos39: cos3d - 3 cosgsin20
:4cos3d-3cosd

(3.2e)

and

0 - sins0
sin39: 3 sin0cos2
:3sin0-4sin30. <
This method can clearly be applied to finding power expansionsof cos,4dand
sinnd for any positive integer n.
The converseprocessusesthe following propertiesol z : eiq,

u * ;:2cosno,

(3.30)

z" - !

(3.31)

:2i stnnl .

zn

These equalities follow from simple applications of de Moivre's theorem, l.e.

," *

: (cosd* i si n0)'* (cos0+ i si n0)-'

: cosnd * i sinn0 * cos(-no)* i sin(-no)
: cosn' * i sinn0 * cosn0 - i sinn0
:2 cosn9

and
"l

zn

: (cos0 * isin0)'r- (cos0 * isin0)-'

: cosn0* i sinn0- cosn0* isinn0
:2i stnn?.

In the particular casewhere n:

l,

I _
eio+ e,io :2cos0,
z
I
: ,i0 - t-io :2i si n9.
z
96

(3.32)
(3.33)

3.4 DE MOIVRE'STHEOREM

w30 Nt
M ryO.
> Fird an ayessianfer cod 0 ir te'rasof
{w30
Using(3.32),
cos3o :

l \'

| /

F \' *r )
t= ( s*1,+l+ 1)

Now using(3.30)and

2" ,/

b\

l\
r/.
r \z-+
" )*
(3.32),we find

l\
3/
s\' * ;)

cos30: fcos30+ lcos0.<

This result happensto be a simple rearrangementoi (3.29),but casesinvolving
larger valuesol n arebetter handled using this direct method than by rearranging
polynomial expansionsof multiple-anglefunctions.

3.4.2 Finding the nth roots of unrty

The equation z2 : I has the familiar solutions z : !1. However, now that
we have introduced the concept of complex numbers we can solve the general
equation zn : l. Recalling the fundamental theorem of algebra' we know that
the equation has n solutions.In order to proceedwe rewrite the equation as
zn :

e2iko,

where k is any integer. Now taking the nth root of each side of the equation we
find
z :

e2ikn/n'

Hence, the solutions of zn : I are

2r.2.....n-- I,

e2in/n, . . . ,

e2i\n-llo/n ,

correspondingto the values0,1,2,...,n- I for k-Larger integervaluesof ft do

not give new solutions, since the roots already listed are simply cyclically repeated
f or k : n, nll, nl2, et c .
>Find trv aoh$btrsta thee4uationz1 : l.
By applying the above method we find
z :

e2th/3

: l, zz: s2in/3o4: sain/t'16''note that, as expected,

Hence the three solutions arezr:3i
the next solution, for which & : 3, gives 24 : s6ia/3: | : zt so that there are only three
separate solutions. {

97

COMPLEX NUMBERS AND HYPERBOLICFUNCTIONS

Figure3.10 The solutionsof zr : l'

Not surprisingly,given that lz3l : lzl3 from (3.10),all the roots of unity have
unit modulus, i.e. they all lie on a circle in the Argand diagram of unit radius.
The three roots are shown in figure 3.10.
The cube roots of unity are often written 1, co and az.The propertiescoj:1
and 1 + a * a2 : 0 are easily proved.

3'4.3 Solving polynomial equations

A third application of de Moivre's theorem is to the solution of polynomial
equations.Complex equationsin the form of a polynomial relationshipmust first
be solved for z in a similar fashion to the method lor finding the roots of real
polynomial equations.Then the complex roots of z may be found.
> Solue tlw eEration tt - 7s I 4/ - 6zt + ?22 - 8z * 8 = 0.

We first factoriseto give

( 2 3- 2 ) ( 2 2
+ 4)e - ll :0.
Hencezr :2 or z2: -4 or z : l.The solutionsto the quadraticequationare z : l2i;
to find the complexcuberoots,we first write the equationin the form
z3:2:2e2'kn,
where /r is any integer. If we now take the cube root, we get
z :21/3e2i k a/3

98

3.5 COMPLEX LOGARITHMS AND COMPLEX POWERS

To avoid the duplicationof solutions,we usethe fact that -T <arg z < z and find
-

1t/3

/ r
A\
22 : 2 t / 3 e 2 n:i / 3z r / ' | - i + +i I '

-n<

);

z t : 2 1 / 3 e 2 n i /-3 2 t / t t - ; - +t
,,,

-/

\-

The complexnumbers21,22 Lfld23,togetherwith zo:2i, z5 : -)i and z6: I are the

solutionsto the original polynomialequation.
--As
ofalgebra,we find thatthe total number
e"pectedfroi the fundamentaliheorem
of.o.pir* .oots (six,in this case)is equalto the largestpower of z in the polynomial.<
A useful fesult is that the roots of a polynomial with real coemcientsoccur in
conjugate pairs (i.e. if zr is a root, then zi is a seconddistinct root, unlessz1 is
real). This may be proved as follows. Let the polynomial equation of which z ts
a root be
Q r zn+ a n - : z n - l + " '+ a l z + a o : 0 '
Taking the complex conjugateof this equation,
aiQ ' ) " * a l r Q ') '- t + " '+

a\2" + ai:g'

But the an are real, and so z- satisfies

an/ . ) n* a n - r l z .l n - t + " ' + a 1 z *| a s : Q '
and is also a root of the original equation.
3.5 Complex logarithms and complex powers
The concept of a complex exponentialhas already been introduced in section3.3,
where it was assumedthat the definition of an exponentialas a serieswas valid
for complex numbers as well as for real numbers. Similarly we can define the
logarithm of a complex number and we can use complex numbers as exponents.
Let us denote the natural logarithm of a complex number z by w : Ln z, where
the notation Ln will be explainedshortly. Thus, w must satisfy
z : e *,
Using (3.20),we seethat
z 1z 2:

g| | r gw z :

g\| r +w z ,

and taking logarithms of both sideswe find

Ln(ztz):

wt * wz : Ln zr 4- Ln 22,

(3'34)

which shows that the familiar rule for the logarithm of the product of two real
numbersalso holds for complexnumbers.

COMPLEXNI,]MBERSAND HYPERBOLICFIJNCTIONS

We may use (3.34)to investigatefurther the propertiesol Ln z. We have already

noted that the argumentof a complexnumberis multivalued,i.e.argz : 0 +2nn'
where n is any integer.Thus, in polar form, the complex number z should strictly
be written as
2 :

Ygil9*2nn)

Taking the logarithm of both sides,and using (3.34),we find

(3.35)

Ln z : lnr * i(0 4-2nn),

where lnr is the natural logarithm of the real positive quantity r and so is
written normally. Thus from (3.35)we seethat Lnz is itself multivalued.To avoid
this multivaluedbehaviourit is conventionalto defineanotherfunction lnz, the
principal ualueof Ln z, which is obtained from Ln z by restricting the argument
of z t o lie in t he r ange- n < 0 < n .
> EoaluateLn (-i).
By rewriting -i as a complex exponential,we find
n/z+znntl
: ien/2
Ln (-i) : Ln leir
-i
n/2,3i
r/2,
wh e r e n is a n y in te g e r . He nce Ln(-i ):
principal value of Ln(-,), is given by ln(-i) : -inl2. <

+ 2nn),
"

w e note that l n(-i )' the

lf z and I are both complex numbers then the zth power of r is defined by
f :

e'Lnt.

Since Ln t is multivalued, so too is this definition.

>Simplify the expression z : i-2i
Firstly we take the logarithm of both sides of the equation to give
Lnz:

-2i Lni .

Now inverting the processwe find

eL".:Z:g2iLni,

We can write i:

where n is any integer,and hence

ei\n/2+2,n),

Lni :Ln

l e' Grz* z* 11
:i (nl 2' t2nn).

We can now simpliiy z to give

i(n1)+2m\
;-)i-.L
'
'o'**t'
_

which, perhaps surprisingly,is a real quantity rather than a complex one. <
Complex powers and the logarithms of complex numbers are discussed further
in chapter 24.

100

3.6 APPLICATIONSTO DIFFERENTIATION AND INTEGRATION

3.6 Applicationsto differentiationand integration

We can usethe exponentialform of a complexnumbertogetherwith de Moivre's
functions.
of trigonometric
theorem(seesection3.4)to simplifythedifferentiation
>Fitd the tteriuatioewith respectto x of et'ooafx.
We could differentiate this function straightforwardly using the product rule (see subsection 2.1.2). However, an alternative method in this case is to use a complex exponential.
Let us consider the complex number
z:

e1"(cos4x+jsin4x):

etxe4ix- el314i\',

where we have used de Moivre's theorem to rewrite the trigonometric functions as a complex exponential. This complex number has e3'cos4x as its real part. Now, differentiating
z with respect to x we obtain
dz
:( J*4 i;stl +41':(3+4i )e3'(cos4x*i si n4x),
-ax
where we have again used de Moivre's theorem. Equating real parts we then find

(3.36)

d
(el' cos4x) : e3*(3cos4x - 4sin4x).
-4 X
By equating the imaginary parts of (3.36), we also obtain, as a bonus,
+'; : e3'(4 cos 4x * 3 sin 4x)' <
{d x' 1"'in
In a similar way the complex exponential can be used to evaluate integrals
containing trigonometric and exponential functions.

> Eualuatethe integratt - t f

cotbxdx.

Let us consider the integrand as the real part of the complex number
eo'(cosbx * i sin Dx) : eaaeib\ - etu+iblx
'
where we use de Moivre's theorem to rewrite the trigonometric functions as a complex
exponential. Integrating we find
r

^(a+ib)Y

lp r o *i rt,dx:i
I

+c
a+tD
(a - iblga+'ot'
l a - i bl l a -l i bl

:+(aei b'_
a2+bz'

(3.37)

i bei b,)+c,

where the constant of integration c is in general complex. Denoting this constant by

c : ct * ic2 and equating real parts in (3.37) we obtain
eo'
:
[,",
a2 +62@cosbx+bsi nbx)*cr'
.,' o sb xdx
which agrees with result (2.37) found using integration by parts. Equating imaginary parts
in (3.37) we obtain, as a bonus,
t:

J:

pax

d' s t n b x d x : p j *@ s i n b x - b c o s b x ) *c 2 .

101

<

COMPLEX NUMBERS AND HYPERBOLICFUNCTIONS

3.7 Hyperbolic functions

The hyperbolicfunctionsare the complexanaloguesof the trigonometricfunctions.
The analogy may not be immediately apparent and their definitions may appear
at first to be somewhat arbitrary. However, careful examination of their properties
revealsthe purpose of the definitions.For instance,their close relationship with
the trigonometric functions, both in their identities and in their calculus' means
that many of the familiar propertiesof trigonometricfunctionscan also be applied
to the hyperbolic functions. Further, hyperbolic functions occur regularly, and so
giving them specialnamesis a notational convenience.

3.7.1 Definitions
The two fundamental hyperbolic functions are coshx and sinh x, which, as their
namessuggest,are the hyperbolic equivalentsof cosx and sin x. They are defined
by the following relations:

coshx: l { e" + e-" ),

-1.
srnhx:;l e' -e

(3.38)
(3.3e)

Note that coshx is an even function and sinhx is an odd function. By analogy
with the trigonometric functions, the remaining hyperbolic functions are
e '- e *
sinhx
,
(3.40)
t a n nr :
e a +e - ^
coshx
,t2
(3.41)
--_--:secn.I-:
e- f e-"
cosnx
l2
(3.42)
cosechx:-:
..'
e'- - e-'
srnnx
1
e t *e - *
' .I-:
(3.43)
Cuin
tanhx
e\-e x
A11the hyperbolic functions above have beendefinedin terms ofthe real variable
x. However, this was simply so that they may be plotted (seefigures 3'11-3'13);
the definitions are equally valid for any complex number z.
3.7'2 H yperbolic-trigonometric analogie s
In the previous subsectionswe have alluded to the analogy betweentrigonometric
and hyperbolic functions.Here, we discussthe closerelationshipbetweenthe two
groups of functions.
Recalling (3.32)and (3.33)we find

cosi x: ){e' + e-' ),

sinjx : \i1e' - e-').
t02

3.7 HYPERBOLICFUNCTIONS

Figure 3.ll

Graphs of coshx and sech-x.

\ cosechr
sinh -r

\a
\

-L

cosechr \
\4

Figure 3.I 2

Graphs of sinh x and cosechr.

Hence, by the definitions given in the previous subsection,

coshx:cosix,

(3.44)

i sinhx : sin ix,

(3.45)

cosx:coshix,

(3.46)

i sinx : sinhix.

(3.47)

These useful equations make the relationship between hyperbolicand trigono103

COMPLEX NUMBERS AND HYPERBOLICFUNCTIONS

Figure3'13 Graphsof tanhx and cothx'

metric functions transparent.The similarity in their calculusis discussedfurther
in subsection3.7.6.

3.7.3 ldentities of hyperbolic functions

The analogiesbetweentrigonometric functions and hyperbolic functions having
been established,we should not be surprisedthat all the trigonometric identities
also hold for hyperbolic functions, with the following modification. wherever
sin2x occurs it must be replaced by - sinh2x, and vice versa. Note that this
: sin2x/ cos2x
replacementis necessaryeven if the sin2x is hidden, e.g. tan2x
:
- tanh2x'
and so must be replacedby (- sinh2x/ cosh2x)

Using the rulesstatedabovecos2x is replacedby cosh2x, and sin2x by - sinh2x, and so

the identity becomes
cosh2x-sinh2x: l.
usingthe definitionsofcoshx and sinhx; see
substitution,
This can be verifiedby direct
(3.38)and (3.39).<
Some other identitiesthat can be proved in a similar way are
sech2x:1-tanh2x,
cosech2x:coth2x-1,
sinh 2x : 2 sinh x coshx,
cosh2x : cosh2x * sinh2x.

(3.48)
(3.4e)
(3.s0)
(3.51)

3.7 HYPERBOLICFUNCTIONS

3.7.4 Solving hyperbolic equations

When we are presented with a hyperbolic equation to solve, we may proceed
by analogy with the solution of trigonometric equations.However, it is almost
always easierto expressthe equation directly in terms of exponentials.
the hypobotk epatiott coshx - 5 siahx - 5 = 0.
Substituting the definitions of the hyperbolic functions we obtain

1,(e'
:
.- +e') - ltt -e-')-5 0.
Rearranging,and then multiplying throughby -e', givesin turn
- 2 e 'I 3 e - '- 5 : 0
and
2 e 2 '+5 e '- 3 : 0 .
Now we can factoriseand solve:
( 2 e '- l \ ( e '+ 3 ) : 0 .
of the
-3. Hencex: -ln2 orx: ln(-3). The interpretation
Thus e* :l/2 or d:
in section3'5. <
logarithmof a negativenumber has beendiscussed

3.7.5 Inverces of hyperbolic functions

Just like trigonometric functions, hyperbolic functions have inverses.lt y :
coshx then x: cosh-ly, which servesas a definitionofthe inverse.By using
the fundamental definitions of hyperbolic functions, we can find closed-form
expressionsfor their inverses.This is best illustrated by example.
>Fitd a cloxd-farm atpessiotfor tte bvercehyperbotk
First we write x as a function of y, i.e.
.l:sinh-rx

x:sinh.y.

Now,sincecoshy: l1e,+e-t1and sinhy : llet -e-t\,

er : coshy* sinhy

r----------:-

: V 1 +s i n h 'y *s i n h y

e:Jta*a*,
and hence

y :tn(Jt + r] + r). <

In a similar fashion it can be shown that

- t + x;.
cosh-lx : tn1..,6z

J : sint-r x'

COMPLEX NUMBERS AND HYPERBOLICFUNCTIONS

Figure3.14 Graphsofcosh-'x and sech-'x

First we write x as a function of y, i.e'

+

tt:tanh-rx

x:tanhY

Now, using the definition of tanhy and rearranging, we find

e' - e-!
"
Thus. it follows

l ) e- y :

(x *

( l - x ) eY.

eY+e- !

that

,..

1 *x

e':\l

I -X

tt+"

1- ,
V I -x

y:rn\/

lT+'
'. ,

Y t -I
|

tanhrx:=l n(;
t

/l-1-Y\

-'l '<

\t-x/

Graphs of the inversehyperbolic functions are given in figures 3'14-3'16'

3.7.6 Calculus of hyperboliefunctions

Just as the identitiesof hyperbolic functions closelyfollow those of their trigonometric counterparts,so their calculusis similar. The derivativesof the two basic
106

3.7 HYPERBOLICFUNCTIONS

Figure 3.15 Graphs of sinh ' .x and cosech 'x.

F ig u r e 3.16 Graphs of tanh

1x and coth-rx.

hyperbolic functions are given by

{c o s nx ) : s l n nx ,

: cosh.x.
f trtnn')

(3.s2)
r1 51)

They may be deducedby consideringthe definitions (3.38),(3.39)as follows.

t07

COMPLEX NUMBERS AND HYPERBOLICFUNCTIONS

>Ver{v tlte *

*iehx.

Using the definition of coshx.

c o s h x : ; ( e '+e - " ) ,
and differentiatingdirectly,we find
4 tcosh : I {e*- e-*}
dx
")
-- sinhx. <

Clearly the integrals of the fundamental hyperbolic functions are also defined
by these relations.The derivativesof the remaining hyperbolic functions can be
derived by product differentiation and are presentedbelow only for completeness.

ftAunnl: sech2x,
:
x tanhx,
ft{r""t x) -sech

(3.54)

{"or."t x) : -cosechxcothx,

(3.56)

ft@otni:

-cosech2x.

(3.55)

(3.s7)

The inverse hyperbolic functions also have derivatives, which are given by the
following:
d t
.-rX\
, lc osh '- l :

4X \

A/

d /
,-rx\
- - ls lnn '- , :
dx \
d
,
4X
d
,
4X

a,/

t
,-rX \
lla nn--l :
\
A ,/
r
,-r X \
tco tn'-l :
\
O/

(3.58)

I- '

lx. - a.
I

(3.5e)

FTa'
a

a 2- x 2 '
-a
x '- 4 "

fot x2 < a2,

(3.60)

for x2 > a2.

(3.61)

These may be derived from the logarithmic form of the inverse (see subsection 3.7.5).
108

3.8 EXERCISES

From the resultsof section3.7.5.

)trt-\t

*) : a, ltn(x+ r/* + t))

fr {rint,'

: ; ; , ? '| T ] 1 /.' - @ l x

(.6uTt+x\

|
x + ftTT
::.

r-l

\
{

"tt+l

J x 2 +l

3.8 Exercises
3.1

T wo co m p le x n u m bers z andw are gi ven by z:3I4i

Argand diagram, plot

andw :2-

i . On an

(a\ z * w, (b) w - z, (c) wz, (d) z/w,

(e\ z' w * w' z, (f\ w2, 1g1ln z, (h) (l * z -t w)t/2.

3.2
3.3
3.4

By considering the real and imaginary parts of the product sias'o prove the
standard formulae for cos(d + d) and sin(0 * d).
By writing n/12: (n/3\ - (n/4) and consideringsi"/r2,evaluate cot(n/12).
Find the locus in the complex z-plane of points that satisfy the following equations.

lal z -r:
(b),

/ I +,r\
p is realandt is a realparameter
p\T;J
, wherec is complex,

that varies in the range -.4 < t <...

: a + bt + ct2, in which t is a real parameter and a, b, and c are complex
numbers with b/c rcal.

Evaluate
(a) Re(exp2iz), (b) Im(cosh2z), (c) (-1 + \6i\1/2,
(e) exp(i3),(f) Im(2i+r), (g) ,', (h) lnt(\6 +,)31.
(d) | exp(,'/'z)1,

3.6

Find the equations in terms of x and y of the sets of points in the Argand
diagram that satisfy the following:
( a ) Re z2 :lm zz;
(b\ (lmz2)lzz : -i;
( c) a r e lz/( z- r ) l:n /2.
Show that the locus of all points z:x*
l z - i al :

3.8

ry in the complex plane that satisfy

i l z -l i al '

)' > 0'

is a circle of radius l21a/(l -,12)l centred on the point z : ial(l + )J)10 - L'z\|.
Sketch the circlesfor a few typical valuesofI, including A < l,1 > 1 and,l : 1.
The two sets of points z : a, z : b, z : c, and z : A, z : B, z : C arc
the corners of two similar triangles in the Argand diagram. Express in terms of
a ,b ,...,C

COMPLEX NUMBERS AND HYPERBOLICFUNCTIONS

(a) the equalitiesofcorrespondingangles,and

(b) the constantratio of correspondingsides,
in the two triangles.
as
By noting that any complexquantity can be expressed
2 : lzlexp(iargz),
deducethat
a(B- C) + b(C- A) + c(.4- B) :0.
For the real constanta find the loci of all points z : x I i! in the complexplane
that satisfy
(

/.-;^\'l

( a) Re{ ln{ ": i* } } : c ,

| \ z + t o/ )

,0, ,,"{,n1=)
|

3.10

\ z + u/

c>0,

} : o,

0<k<n/2

Identify the two families of curves and verify that in case (b) all curves pass
through the two points +id.
The most general type of transformation between one Argand diagram, in the
z-plane, and another, in the Z-plane, that gives one and only one value of Z for
each value of z (and conversely) is known as the general bilinear transformation
and takes the form
aZ -l b
::
17af,'
(a) Confirm that the transformation from the Z-plane to the z-plane is also a
general bilinear transformation.
(b) Recalling that the equation of a circle can be written in the form
lz - z1 |
l-l:

^+

^'

t,

show that the general bilinear transformation transforms circles into circles
(or straight lines). What is the condition that zt, zz and ,1must satisly if the
transformed circle is to be a straight line?

3. 1I

Sketch the parts of the Argand diagram in which

3. 12

( a ) Re z2 < 0 , zt/2 <2;

( b ) 0 < a tg z' < n /2 ;
qr.
( c) le xp z3 l
a s l zl
-0
What is the area of the region in which all three sets of conditions are satisfied?
Denote the r4throots of unity by l, to,,,.?,, . .. , ai,-t.
(a) Prove that
n-1

ti r \-,,,'*n : o
"'

1r:0

(r) f[a;i: (-1)'*1.

r:0

(b) Express x2 + y2 + 22 - yz - zx - xy as the product of two factors, each linear

in x, y and z, with coefficients dependent on the third roots of unity (and
those of the x terms arbitrarilv taken as real).

3.8 EXERCISES

3. 13

Prove that x2n+r -a2n+r, where m is an integer > 1, can be written as

x2n+t
- a2n+t:
,"- ",_ll - zo".o,
(#il
l*'
3. 14

The complex position vectors of two parallel interacting equal fluid vortices
moving with their axes of rotation always perpendicular to the z-plane are z1
and zz.The equations governing their motions are

dzi

dti

-;:-:-- z2 -.1 -'

Z 1- 22

AI

3. 15

. r]

ut

Deduce that (a) zr * zz, (b) lzr - z2l and (c) 1ztl2+ lzzl2are all constant in time,
and hence describe the motion geometrically.
Solve the equation
z7 _ 426+6zs -624 +623 -1222 *82*4:0,
(a) by examining the effect of setting z3 equal to 2, and then
(b) by factorising and using the binomial expansion of (z + a\a'

3. 16

3. 17

Plot the sevenroots of the equation on an Argand plot, exemplifying that complex
roots ofa polynomial equation always occur in conjugate pairs if the polynomial
has real coefficients.
The polynomial /(z) is defined by
- 624+ l5z3 - 34221 362 - 48.
l(r) :
"s
(a) Show that the equation f(z) :0 has roots of the form z : tri, where ) is
real, and hence factorize /(z).
(b) Show further that the cubic factor of f(z) can be written in the lorm
(z + a\3 Ib, where a and b are real, and hence solve the equation f(z) : 0
completely.
The binomial expansion of (1 f x)', discussed in chapter 1, can be written for a
positive integer n as
(t+x,

.
":2_+,,^
c,x.

where "C : nl/Irl(n - r)ll.

(a) Use de Moivre's theorem to show that the sum
S1 ( n ) :' 6 0 -"C z*uC t-...

*(-l )"

"C 2^,

n-l

<2m<n,

has the value 2"/2cos(nn/4).

(b) Derive a similar result for the sum
Sz( n ) :"6 t

-'C t*'C s-...

nC 2,,a1, n-l
* (-l )^

and verify it for the casesn : 6,7 and 8.

3. 18

By considering(l + exp i0)", prove that

_l:
) "C cosrd : 2' co{'(0 /2)cos(n0/2),
-,:o
)-'C,
-,:o
where 'C, : nl/lrr.(n - r)ll.

sin r0 : 2' cos'(0 / 2\ sin(nO/ 2),

<2m+|

<n,

COMPLEX NUMBERS AND HYPERBOLICFUNCTIONS

3.l9

to provethat
g + l.
:
d - 8cos2
8cosa
cos49

Usede Moivre'stheoremwith n:4

and deducethat
l/2

/^

.o.* :
d\"/

3.20
3.21

^\

Expresssinag entirelyin termsof the trigonometricfunctio-nsof multiple angles

and deducethat its averagevalueover a completecycleis f.
Usede Moivre'stheoremto Drovethat
tan)u:

)-zL

[' * rl ' l

r ) - 1 0 r r +5 r
tL
lot, + l'

wheret : tan 0. Deducethe valuesof tan(nn/ l0) for n : l, 2, 3, 4.

Provethe following resultsinvolving hyperbolicfunctions.
(a) That
c o s h x - c o s h y : 2 s i n h ( +)

r ''n ( ? )

\z/\

( b ) ln a t,llY:sln h

'x.

+ ,!dx :0.
u' +tt2
dx'
3.23

Determine the conditions under which the equation

ccoshx*bsi nhx:c,

c>0,

has zero, one, or two real solutions for x. What is the solution if a2 : c2 + b2'!
Use the definitions and properties ofhyperbolic functions to do the following:
( a ) So lveco sh x : si nhx* 2sechx.
(b) Show that the real solution x of tanhx : cosech x can be written in the
form x : ln(u+ Ju\.Find an explicit value for u.
(c) Evaluate tanhx when x is the real solution ofcosh2x:2coshx.

3.25

Express sinha x in terms of hyperbolic cosines of multiples of x, and hence find

the real solutions of
2 cosh4x - 8 cosh 2x + 5 : 0.

3.26

In the theory of special relativity, the relationship between the position and time
coordinates of an event, as measured in two frames of referencethat have parallel
x-axes, can be expressedin terms of hyperbolic functions. If the coordinates are
x and t in one frame and x' and t'in the other, then the relationship take the
form
x':xcoshd-cl si nh{,
cr' : -x sinh d + ct cosh d.
Express x and ct in terms ofx', ct' and Q and show that
x2 - (ct)2 : 1x')2- (ct')2.

t12

3.9T{INTSAND ANSWERS

3.27

A closed barrel has as its curved surface the surface obtained by rotating about
the -x-axisthe part of the curve
y:

al 2- cosh(x/a)l

lying in the range -b <,t < b, where b < acosh-r2. Show that the total surlace
area,A, of the barrel is given by
A : ral9a - 8a exp(-b / al -f aexp(-2b / a) - Zbl.

3.28

The principal value of the logarithmic function of a complex variable is defined

to have its argument in the range -n < arg z < n. By writing z : tanw in terms
oi exponentialsshow that
l.
,
tan,z:=l nl _
zr

/1+i z\
\t-rz/

l.

Use this result to evaluate

/- \

tanrllJ::1

\'/

..\
I

3.9 Hints and answers

3 .1
3 .3
3 .5

3.7
3 .9

3.11
3.13

3 .1 5
3 .1 7
l.l9
3.21

(f) 3-4t;
(c)10+5i ; (d) 2/5+l 1i /5:(e)4;
( a ) 5 + 3 t;( b ) - l- 5 ,;
( g ) ln 5 + ifta n t( 4 /3\ + 2nn1;$) +(2.521+ 0.595,).
tJsesin zl4 : co sn /4 - l /nD , si nn13: l /2 and cosn13: nE /2.
co tn /1 2 : 2 + 1 5 .
( a ) e xp ( - 2 y) co s2 .t; (b) (si n2ysi nh2x)/2; (c) .uDexp(zi/3) or l D exp(4tti /3);
( d ) e xp ( l/J2 ) o r e x p(-l l .,D ); (e) 0.540-0.841t; (f) 8si n(l n2): 5.11;
(g) exp(-n/2 - 2nn): (h) ln 8 * i(6n + | /2)n.
Starting from l-x* iy - ia :,l.Jx * iy * ial, show that the coefficientsof -x and y
are equal, and write the equation in the lorm -x2+ (l - u)2 : 12.
( a ) Cir cle se n clo si ngz: -i a, w i th,l : expc > l .
(b) The condition is that arg[(z ia)/(z'tia)]:
k. This can be rearrangedto give
a(z * z') : (a2- zl2)tank. which becomesin x,y coordinates the equation
of a circle with centre (-a cot k, 0) and radius d coseck.
All three conditions are satisfiedin 3n12 < 0 < 7n/4, lzl < 4; area : 2n.
- d2''+r as a product of factors
Denoting expl2ni/(2m't l)] by O, express-x2"'+1
like (x - aO') and then combine those containing O' and Q2D'+r-/.[Jse the fact
that o2"'+l : 1.
T h e r o o ts a r e 2 t/3 exp(2nni /3)torn:0, 1,2; l +31/a;l +3t/4i .
Co n sid e r( l + tf' . ( b) S zh\:2'/z si n(nr/4).5r(6) : -8, S z(7): -8, S 2(8): 0
tlse th e b in o m ia l e x pansi onof {cos0 f i si n{}}4.
Show that cos50 : l6cs - 20c3+ 5c, where c : cos0, and correspondingly for
sin 50. Ljsecos-20 : | + an2 0. The four required values are

(s+ v20)'2.
[(s- .l,T)/slt/r,(5- !t0)'2, [(5+ \,00)/5]r/r,

3.23

3 .2 5

Reality of the root(s) requiresc2 + b2 > a2 and a + b > 0. With theseconditions,

there are two roots if a2 > b2, but only one if b2 > a2.
F o r a 2 : c2 + b 2 ,x: j l n[(c - h)/(a + b)1.
Re d u ceth e e q u a tionto l 6si nhax: I, yi el di ngx - *0.481.

113

C] O M PLEXNT J M B E R S
A N D H Y P E R B O L I CF I ] N C T I O N S

3. 21

Sh o w th a t /5 : ( co shr/a)d-r,
curved surface area : na2[8 sinh(b/ a) sinh(2bI a)) - 2rab
fla t e n d s a r e a : 2 r il4
4cosh(b/a)+ coshr(b/d)].