Aimathic
Login | English | Deutsch

Algebra II math worksheets

Build your own math worksheets from 35,000+ problems for grades 3 to 12, from fractions to AP Calculus. Every problem comes with step-by-step solutions.

Complex solutions of quadratics

Learning goals

  • Recognizes when a quadratic has nonreal complex roots.
  • Uses the quadratic formula to obtain complex solutions.
  • Simplifies square roots of negative numbers using i.
  • Checks conjugate-pair structure for real-coefficient quadratics.

Click problems to add them to your worksheet.

Complex solutions of quadratics 1
A quadratic-formula calculation for a real-coefficient quadratic reaches \(x=4\pm\sqrt{-9}\). Write both solutions in \(a+bi\) form.

Hints

- Recall how the imaginary unit is used to rewrite the square root of a negative number. - Keep both choices represented by the \(\pm\) sign when you rewrite the expression.

Solution

1. Since \(i^2=-1\), \(\sqrt{-9}=3i\). 2. Therefore, the two solutions are \(x=4+3i\) and \(x=4-3i\).

Answer

\(x=4+3i\) and \(x=4-3i\)
Complex solutions of quadratics 2
A quadratic equation with real coefficients has one nonreal solution \(-2+5i\). What is the other solution?

Hints

- Think about the relationship between nonreal roots of a polynomial whose coefficients are all real. - In a complex-conjugate pair, compare the real parts and the signs of the imaginary parts.

Solution

1. Nonreal solutions of a quadratic with real coefficients occur as a complex-conjugate pair. 2. The conjugate of \(-2+5i\) is \(-2-5i\), so that is the other solution.

Answer

\(-2-5i\)
Complex solutions of quadratics 3
Solve \(x^2=-36\) over the complex numbers.

Hints

- Rewrite \(-36\) using \(i^2=-1\). - A quadratic square equation usually has two opposite square roots. - Check each proposed solution by squaring it.

Solution

1. A number whose square is \(-36\) can be written using \(i^2=-1\). 2. Since \((6i)^2=-36\) and \((-6i)^2=-36\), the two solutions are \(x=6i\) and \(x=-6i\).

Answer

\(x=\pm6i\)
Complex solutions of quadratics 4
For each quadratic graph \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\), state how many real zeros its function has. Which graph corresponds to an equation with nonreal complex solutions?
Figure for problem 555721

Hints

- Real zeros of a quadratic correspond to x-intercepts. - Compare a crossing with a graph that just touches the x-axis. - Consider what a parabola with no x-intercepts means for its real roots.

Solution

1. Graph \(a\) crosses the x-axis twice, so its equation has two real solutions. 2. Graph \(b\) touches the x-axis once, so its equation has one repeated real solution. 3. Graph \(c\) does not meet the x-axis, so its equation has no real solutions and instead has two nonreal complex solutions.

Answer

Graph \(a\): two real solutions Graph \(b\): one repeated real solution Graph \(c\): no real solutions; two nonreal complex solutions
Complex solutions of quadratics 5
Is the discriminant of the quadratic equation \(f(x)=0\) positive, zero, or negative? Explain using the graph.
Figure for problem 560728

Hints

- What do real roots look like on a parabola's graph? - Connect the number of x-intercepts to the sign of the discriminant.

Solution

1. The parabola does not cross or touch the x-axis. 2. Therefore, \(f(x)=0\) has no real solutions, so its discriminant is negative.

Answer

Negative; the graph has no x-intercepts.
Complex solutions of quadratics 6
Which equation has no real solutions: \(x^2+1=0\) or \(x^2-1=0\)? Explain without using the quadratic formula.

Hints

- Rearrange each equation so the square is alone. - Can a real number squared be negative? - Test a simple positive and negative number in the second equation.

Solution

1. The equation \(x^2+1=0\) requires \(x^2=-1\), which has no real solution because a real square is nonnegative. 2. The equation \(x^2-1=0\) has real solutions \(x=\pm1\). 3. Therefore, only \(x^2+1=0\) has no real solutions.

Answer

\(x^2+1=0\), because no real square equals \(-1\).
Complex solutions of quadratics 7
Solve \(x^2+5=0\) over the complex numbers.

Hints

- Isolate the squared term before taking square roots. - Remember that a square equation normally has two solutions. - Express the square root of a negative number using \(i\).

Solution

1. Isolate the square: \(x^2=-5\). 2. Taking both square roots gives \(x=\pm\sqrt{-5}=\pm i\sqrt{5}\).

Answer

\(x=\pm i\sqrt{5}\)
Complex solutions of quadratics 8
In the complex number system \(\mathbb{C}\), the imaginary unit is defined by \(i^2=-1\). a) Find the value of \(S=i^1+i^2+i^3+i^4\). b) Solve \(x^2+4x+13=0\) over \(\mathbb{C}\).

Hints

- Look for the repeating cycle in the powers of \(i\). - Recall how to write the square root of a negative number using \(i\). - Use the quadratic formula.

Solution

1. The powers of \(i\) are \(i^1=i\), \(i^2=-1\), \(i^3=-i\), and \(i^4=1\). 2. Therefore, \(S=i-1-i+1=0\). 3. For \(x^2+4x+13=0\), the discriminant is \(4^2-4\cdot1\cdot13=-36\). 4. Since \(\sqrt{-36}=6i\), the quadratic formula gives \(x=\frac{-4\pm6i}{2}=-2\pm3i\).

Answer

a) \(S=0\) b) \(\{-2+3i, -2-3i\}\)
Complex solutions of quadratics 9
Construct a quadratic equation \(z^2+bz+c=0\) with real coefficients whose solutions are \(z_1=2+i\) and \(z_2=2-i\). Find \(b\) and \(c\), and write the equation.

Hints

- Start from a factored quadratic whose factors correspond to the two given roots. - Relate the sum and product of the roots to the coefficients. - Use the fact that the two roots are complex conjugates when simplifying their sum and product.

Solution

1. Use the factored equation \((z-z_1)(z-z_2)=0\). Thus, \(b=-(z_1+z_2)\) and \(c=z_1z_2\). 2. The sum is \((2+i)+(2-i)=4\), so \(b=-4\). 3. The product is \((2+i)(2-i)=4-i^2=5\), so \(c=5\). 4. Therefore, the equation is \(z^2-4z+5=0\).

Answer

\(b=-4\), \(c=5\); the equation is \(z^2-4z+5=0\).
Complex solutions of quadratics 10
Solve \(x^2-6x+13=0\) over the complex numbers by completing the square.

Hints

- The required method aims to create one squared binomial. - Keep both sides of the equation balanced when completing that square. - Once the square equals a negative real number, express its square roots using \(i\).

Solution

1. Move the constant term: \(x^2-6x=-13\). 2. Add \(9\) to both sides: \(x^2-6x+9=-4\). 3. Rewrite: \((x-3)^2=-4\). 4. Take square roots: \(x-3=\pm2i\). 5. Therefore, \(x=3\pm2i\).

Answer

\(x=3\pm2i\)
Complex solutions of quadratics 11
Solve \(2x^2+4x+7=0\) over the complex numbers using the quadratic formula. Give the answer in \(a+bi\) form.

Hints

- Identify \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) carefully before substituting. - Simplify the negative square root using \(i\). - Reduce the real and imaginary parts of the fraction before writing the final \(a+bi\) form.

Solution

1. Here \(a=2\), \(b=4\), and \(c=7\). 2. The discriminant is \(b^2-4ac=16-56=-40\). 3. The quadratic formula gives \(x=\frac{-4\pm\sqrt{-40}}{4}\). 4. Since \(\sqrt{-40}=2i\sqrt{10}\), \(x=-1\pm\frac{\sqrt{10}}{2}i\).

Answer

\(x=-1\pm\frac{\sqrt{10}}{2}i\)
Complex solutions of quadratics 12
Solve \((x+2)^2=-9\) over the complex numbers.

Hints

- What expression is being squared? - Take both square roots of the number on the right. - Isolate \(x\) only after taking the roots.

Solution

1. Take square roots: \(x+2=\pm\sqrt{-9}=\pm3i\). 2. Subtract \(2\) from both sides: \(x=-2\pm3i\).

Answer

\(x=-2+3i\) or \(x=-2-3i\)
Complex solutions of quadratics 13
Use the quadratic formula to solve \(x^2+2x+6=0\) over the complex numbers. Write each solution in \(a+bi\) form.

Hints

- Identify the three coefficients before substituting into the formula. - A negative discriminant does not mean there are no complex roots. - Simplify the radical and then the fraction.

Solution

1. The discriminant is \(D=2^2-4\cdot1\cdot6=-20\). 2. The quadratic formula gives \(x=\frac{-2\pm\sqrt{-20}}{2}\). 3. Since \(\sqrt{-20}=2i\sqrt{5}\), the roots are \(x=-1\pm i\sqrt{5}\).

Answer

\(x=-1+i\sqrt{5}\) or \(x=-1-i\sqrt{5}\)
Complex solutions of quadratics 14
Let \(z=a+bi\), where \(a, b\in\mathbb{R}\). a) Derive a condition on \(a\) and \(b\) that makes \(z^2\) real. b) Find all complex numbers \(z\) that satisfy \(z^2=-16\).

Hints

- Determine when the imaginary part of \(z^2\) is zero. - Expand \((a+bi)^2\) and identify its two components. - A negative real square suggests a number on the imaginary axis. - Use \(i^2=-1\).

Solution

1. \(z^2=(a+bi)^2=a^2-b^2+2abi\). 2. The square is real exactly when its imaginary part is zero: \(2ab=0\). Thus, \(a=0\) or \(b=0\). 3. To solve \(z^2=-16\), the case \(b=0\) would require \(a^2=-16\), which has no real value of \(a\). 4. In the case \(a=0\), \(-b^2=-16\), so \(b=\pm4\). 5. Therefore, \(z=4i\) or \(z=-4i\).

Answer

a) \(a=0\) or \(b=0\) b) \(z\in\{4i, -4i\}\)
Complex solutions of quadratics 15
A quadratic equation \(z^2+pz+q=0\), with real coefficients \(p\) and \(q\), has the complex solution \(z_1=3-4i\). a) Find the second solution \(z_2\) and explain why. b) Find \(p\) and \(q\). c) Calculate the discriminant \(D=p^2-4q\) and use it to confirm that the equation has no real solutions.

Hints

- Recall the conjugate-root theorem for polynomials with real coefficients. - Use the sum and product of the roots. - A negative discriminant gives nonreal roots.

Solution

1. Nonreal roots of a polynomial with real coefficients occur in conjugate pairs, so \(z_2=3+4i\). 2. By the relationships between roots and coefficients, \(p=-(z_1+z_2)=-6\). 3. Also, \(q=z_1z_2=(3-4i)(3+4i)=25\). 4. The discriminant is \(D=(-6)^2-4\cdot25=-64\). Since \(D<0\), the equation has no real solutions.

Answer

a) \(z_2=3+4i\) b) \(p=-6\) and \(q=25\) c) \(D=-64\), so there are no real solutions
Complex solutions of quadratics 16
Consider the quadratic equation \(z^2-4z+13=0\) over \(\mathbb{C}\). a) Find the two complex solutions \(z_1\) and \(z_2\). b) Verify that \(z_1+z_2=4\) and \(z_1z_2=13\). c) Explain how the relationship between \(z_1\) and \(z_2\) is consistent with the equation having real coefficients.

Hints

- Use the quadratic formula and interpret a negative discriminant with the imaginary unit. - Compare the sum and product of the roots with the coefficients of the quadratic. - For part c, focus on how the real and imaginary parts of the two roots are related.

Solution

1. The quadratic formula gives \(z=\frac{4\pm\sqrt{16-52}}{2}=\frac{4\pm6i}{2}=2\pm3i\). 2. The sum is \((2+3i)+(2-3i)=4\). 3. The product is \((2+3i)(2-3i)=4+9=13\). 4. The two nonreal roots are complex conjugates: they have the same real part and opposite imaginary parts. Their sum and product are therefore real, consistent with the real coefficients of the quadratic.

Answer

a) \(z_1=2+3i\) and \(z_2=2-3i\) b) \(z_1+z_2=4\) and \(z_1z_2=13\) c) The roots are complex conjugates. Their imaginary parts cancel in the sum, and their product is real, which is consistent with a quadratic having real coefficients.
Complex solutions of quadratics 17
The graph shows a quadratic function \(f\). a) Use the graph to state whether \(f(x)=0\) has any real solutions. b) Read the vertex and y-intercept from the graph. Use those values to write \(f(x)\) in vertex form. c) Solve \(f(x)=0\) over \(\mathbb{C}\).
Figure for problem 551920

Hints

- For part a, compare the curve with the x-axis. - For part b, start with vertex form using an unknown vertical scale factor. - Use the graph's y-intercept to determine that factor. - For part c, isolate the squared expression before interpreting the negative square root over \(\mathbb{C}\).

Solution

1. The graph has no x-intercepts, so \(f(x)=0\) has no real solutions. 2. The graph shows vertex \((2,4)\) and y-intercept \((0,8)\). Write \(f(x)=a(x-2)^2+4\). 3. Use the y-intercept: \(8=a(0-2)^2+4\), so \(4a=4\) and \(a=1\). Thus, \(f(x)=(x-2)^2+4\). 4. Solve \((x-2)^2+4=0\): \((x-2)^2=-4\), so \(x-2=\pm2i\). 5. Therefore, \(x=2\pm2i\).

Answer

a) No real solutions b) Vertex \((2,4)\), y-intercept \((0,8)\), and \(f(x)=(x-2)^2+4\) c) \(x=2+2i\) and \(x=2-2i\)
Complex solutions of quadratics 18
For the quadratic equation \(x^2-6x+(m+10)=0\), where \(m\) is real: a) Find all values of \(m\) for which the equation has two nonreal complex solutions. b) Describe what happens when \(m=-1\).

Hints

- The sign of the discriminant determines whether a real-coefficient quadratic has real or nonreal solutions. - Write the discriminant as an expression in \(m\) before solving an inequality. - The boundary between two nonreal solutions and real solutions occurs when the discriminant is zero.

Solution

1. The discriminant is \(D=(-6)^2-4(1)(m+10)=36-4m-40=-4m-4\). 2. Two nonreal complex solutions occur when \(D<0\). Thus, \(-4m-4<0\), which gives \(m>-1\). 3. When \(m=-1\), the discriminant is \(0\), so the equation has one repeated real solution. 4. Substituting \(m=-1\) gives \(x^2-6x+9=0=(x-3)^2\), so the repeated solution is \(x=3\).

Answer

a) \(m>-1\) b) When \(m=-1\), the equation has the repeated real solution \(x=3\).
Complex solutions of quadratics 19
Akosua solves \(3x^2+6x+11=0\) and writes: “The discriminant is \(-96\), so the equation has no solutions.” Explain the error in Akosua's conclusion and find all solutions over \(\mathbb{C}\).

Hints

- Distinguish between “no real solutions” and “no solutions over \(\mathbb{C}\).” - Rewrite the square root of a negative number using \(i\), and simplify the positive radical separately. - After applying the quadratic formula, simplify both the real and imaginary parts of each solution.

Solution

1. A negative discriminant means there are no real solutions, but complex solutions still exist. 2. The quadratic formula gives \(x=\frac{-6\pm\sqrt{-96}}{6}\). 3. Since \(\sqrt{-96}=4\sqrt{6}i\), \(x=\frac{-6\pm4\sqrt{6}i}{6}\). 4. Simplifying gives \(x=-1\pm\frac{2\sqrt{6}}{3}i\).

Answer

The error is concluding that a negative discriminant means no solutions at all; it means no real solutions. Over \(\mathbb{C}\), the solutions are \(x=-1+\frac{2\sqrt{6}}{3}i\) and \(x=-1-\frac{2\sqrt{6}}{3}i\).
Complex solutions of quadratics 20
For the three equations below, use each method exactly once: direct square-root reasoning, completing the square, and the quadratic formula. Match each equation to the method that fits its current form most naturally, then solve over the complex numbers. a) \((x-4)^2=-9\) b) \(x^2-8x+20=0\) c) \(3x^2+2x+5=0\)

Hints

- Look first at the form in which each equation is already written. - One equation already has a squared expression isolated. - Another has leading coefficient \(1\) and can be turned into a square with little rewriting. - Save the general formula for the equation whose structure offers no simpler direct route.

Solution

1. For a), the squared expression is already isolated, so direct square-root reasoning is most natural: \(x-4=\pm3i\), giving \(x=4\pm3i\). 2. For b), completing the square is efficient: \(x^2-8x=-20\), so \((x-4)^2=-4\), giving \(x=4\pm2i\). 3. For c), the quadratic formula is the most direct general method. The discriminant is \(2^2-4\cdot3\cdot5=-56\), so \(x=\frac{-2\pm i\sqrt{56}}{6}=\frac{-1\pm i\sqrt{14}}{3}\).

Answer

a) Direct square-root reasoning; \(x=4\pm3i\) b) Completing the square; \(x=4\pm2i\) c) Quadratic formula; \(x=\frac{-1\pm i\sqrt{14}}{3}\)
Complex solutions of quadratics 21
Luc says that \(3+2i\) is a solution of \(x^2-6x+13=0\). a) Verify the claim by substitution. b) Without solving the quadratic again, determine the other solution and explain why it must occur.

Hints

- Substitute the proposed value into the entire polynomial and simplify carefully. - Keep real and imaginary parts separate while checking whether the result is zero. - After verifying one nonreal root, use the structure of polynomials with real coefficients.

Solution

1. Substitute \(3+2i\): \((3+2i)^2-6(3+2i)+13\). 2. Since \((3+2i)^2=5+12i\), the expression becomes \(5+12i-18-12i+13=0\). Thus, \(3+2i\) is a solution. 3. The polynomial has real coefficients, so nonreal roots occur in conjugate pairs. 4. Therefore, the other solution is \(3-2i\).

Answer

a) Substitution gives \(0\), so \(3+2i\) is a solution. b) The other solution is \(3-2i\) because a real-coefficient quadratic has nonreal roots in conjugate pairs.
Complex solutions of quadratics 22
Ana says \(2-i\) is a zero of \(f(x)=x^2-4x+5\). a) Check her claim by substituting \(2-i\). b) Without solving the equation again, use the conjugate of your calculation in part a to explain why \(2+i\) must also be a zero.

Hints

- When you square \(2-i\), which cross terms appear? - Group real and imaginary terms separately after substituting. - When the coefficients are real, what changes if you replace \(i\) with \(-i\) throughout an expression? - What happens when you take the conjugate of \(0\)?

Solution

1. \((2-i)^2=3-4i\), and \(-4(2-i)=-8+4i\). 2. Therefore, \(f(2-i)=(3-4i)+(-8+4i)+5=0\), so Ana's claim is correct. 3. All coefficients are real, so \(f(\overline{z})=\overline{f(z)}\). In particular, \(f(2+i)=\overline{f(2-i)}=\overline{0}=0\). 4. Therefore, \(2+i\) is also a zero. This uses the conjugate property rather than the sum of roots.

Answer

a) \(f(2-i)=0\), so the claim is correct. b) \(f(2+i)=\overline{f(2-i)}=\overline{0}=0\), so \(2+i\) is also a zero.
Complex solutions of quadratics 23
A quadratic function has real coefficients, one zero at \(2+i\), and y-intercept \((0,10)\). Find the function in standard form.

Hints

- What second zero is forced by the real coefficients? - Write both factors before expanding. - Use the y-intercept to find the multiplier.

Solution

1. Since the coefficients are real, the other zero is \(2-i\). 2. The function has the form \(f(x)=a(x-(2+i))(x-(2-i))=a((x-2)^2+1)\). 3. At \(x=0\), \(10=a(4+1)=5a\), so \(a=2\). 4. Therefore, \(f(x)=2(x^2-4x+5)=2x^2-8x+10\).

Answer

\(f(x)=2x^2-8x+10\)
Complex solutions of quadratics 24
A worked solution claims, “\(x^2-4x+8=0\) has no solutions because its discriminant is negative.” Explain the mistake and find all complex solutions.

Hints

- What exactly does a negative discriminant tell you about real roots? - Rewrite the equation to make one square visible. - Include both complex square roots.

Solution

1. The discriminant is \(D=(-4)^2-4\cdot1\cdot8=-16\), so there are no real solutions, but nonreal complex solutions are possible. 2. Completing the square gives \((x-2)^2+4=0\), or \((x-2)^2=-4\). 3. Thus \(x-2=\pm2i\), so \(x=2\pm2i\).

Answer

The negative discriminant rules out real solutions, not complex ones. The solutions are \(x=2+2i\) and \(x=2-2i\).
Complex solutions of quadratics 25
Find all complex solutions of \((z+1)^4-2(z+1)^2-8=0\).

Hints

- Substitute for the repeated expression \((z+1)^2\). - Solve the resulting quadratic equation first. - Substitute back to find \(z\). - Negative values have square roots in \(\mathbb{C}\).

Solution

1. Let \(u=(z+1)^2\). Then \(u^2-2u-8=0\). 2. Factor: \((u-4)(u+2)=0\), so \(u=4\) or \(u=-2\). 3. If \((z+1)^2=4\), then \(z+1=\pm2\), giving \(z=1\) or \(z=-3\). 4. If \((z+1)^2=-2\), then \(z+1=\pm i\sqrt{2}\), giving \(z=-1\pm i\sqrt{2}\).

Answer

\(z\in\{1, -3, -1+i\sqrt{2}, -1-i\sqrt{2}\}\)
Complex solutions of quadratics 26
For each real value of \(k\), consider \(x^2-6x+k^2+5=0\). a) Find the values of \(k\) giving two different real solutions, one repeated real solution, or two nonreal complex solutions. b) Find all \(k\) for which the solutions have imaginary parts \(2\) and \(-2\). Give those solutions.

Hints

- Express the discriminant in terms of \(k\). - Compare when that expression is positive, zero, or negative. - For nonreal roots, use the quadratic formula to identify the magnitude of each imaginary part. - Work backward from the requested imaginary parts.

Solution

1. The discriminant is \(D=(-6)^2-4(k^2+5)=16-4k^2\). 2. When \(-2<k<2\), \(D>0\) and there are two distinct real solutions. When \(k=\pm2\), \(D=0\) and there is one repeated real solution. When \(k<-2\) or \(k>2\), \(D<0\) and there are two nonreal complex solutions. 3. For \(|k|>2\), the quadratic formula gives \(x=3\pm i\sqrt{k^2-4}\). 4. Imaginary parts \(2\) and \(-2\) require \(\sqrt{k^2-4}=2\), so \(k^2=8\) and \(k=\pm2\sqrt{2}\). 5. In both cases the two solutions are \(3+2i\) and \(3-2i\).

Answer

a) Two distinct real: \(-2<k<2\); one repeated real: \(k=-2\) or \(k=2\); two nonreal complex: \(k<-2\) or \(k>2\). b) \(k=\pm2\sqrt{2}\); solutions \(3+2i\) and \(3-2i\).

All problems may be used, copied and printed free of charge for school and tutoring, including paid tutoring. Commercial adaptations as well as publication or redistribution on the internet are not permitted.