Division in Polar Form
In Cartesian form, dividing complex numbers requires multiplying by the conjugate and chasing a denominator $a^2 + b^2$. In polar form, division is the mirror image of multiplication: divide the moduli, subtract the arguments. Behind that one-line rule sits the elegant idea that dividing by $z$ is the same as multiplying by $\tfrac{1}{z}$ — and $\tfrac{1}{z}$ is just a reflection and rescaling in the Argand plane.
Simplify $\dfrac{1 + i\sqrt 3}{1 + i}$ in Cartesian form using the conjugate trick. Then write each of $1 + i\sqrt 3$ and $1 + i$ in polar form and compute $\left|\tfrac{1 + i\sqrt 3}{1 + i}\right|$ and $\arg\left(\tfrac{1 + i\sqrt 3}{1 + i}\right)$. Do moduli divide or subtract? Do arguments divide or subtract?
To divide two complex numbers given in polar form, two habits do all the work: divide the moduli and subtract the arguments. That is the entire rule — the mirror image of the multiplication rule from L07. Watch the order of subtraction: $\arg(z_1/z_2) = \arg z_1 - \arg z_2$ (numerator minus denominator).
The shrink-then-counter-rotate reading: dividing $z_1$ by $z_2$ (1) shrinks the length of $z_1$ by the factor $|z_2|$, and (2) rotates $z_1$ clockwise about $O$ by the angle $\arg z_2$.
$\dfrac{z_1}{z_2} = \dfrac{r_1}{r_2}\,[\cos(\alpha-\beta) + i\sin(\alpha-\beta)]$
Key facts
- $\dfrac{z_1}{z_2} = \dfrac{r_1}{r_2}[\cos(\alpha-\beta) + i\sin(\alpha-\beta)]$
- $\left|\tfrac{z_1}{z_2}\right| = \tfrac{|z_1|}{|z_2|}$ (moduli divide)
- $\arg\!\left(\tfrac{z_1}{z_2}\right) = \arg z_1 - \arg z_2$ (arguments subtract, mod $2\pi$)
- $\tfrac{1}{z} = \tfrac{1}{r}\,\text{cis}(-\theta)$ for $z = r\,\text{cis}\,\theta$
Concepts
- Why dividing by $z$ is the same as multiplying by $\tfrac{1}{z}$, and why this gives the subtraction rule
- Why $\tfrac{1}{z}$ has modulus $\tfrac{1}{|z|}$ and argument $-\arg z$
- How polar division avoids the conjugate-trick mess of Cartesian division
Skills
- Divide two complex numbers given in polar form quickly and reliably
- Compute $\tfrac{1}{z}$ in polar form and confirm it equals $\bar z / |z|^2$ in Cartesian form
- Use polar division to evaluate Cartesian quotients without the conjugate trick
Let $z_1 = r_1(\cos\alpha + i\sin\alpha)$ and $z_2 = r_2(\cos\beta + i\sin\beta)$ with $z_2 \neq 0$. Then
Proof (via the reciprocal). Use $\tfrac{z_1}{z_2} = z_1 \cdot \tfrac{1}{z_2}$ and find $\tfrac{1}{z_2}$ first:
- $\dfrac{1}{z_2} = \dfrac{1}{r_2(\cos\beta + i\sin\beta)} \cdot \dfrac{\cos\beta - i\sin\beta}{\cos\beta - i\sin\beta} = \dfrac{\cos\beta - i\sin\beta}{r_2(\cos^2\beta + \sin^2\beta)} = \dfrac{1}{r_2}(\cos\beta - i\sin\beta)$.
- Using $\cos(-\beta) = \cos\beta$ and $\sin(-\beta) = -\sin\beta$: $\dfrac{1}{z_2} = \dfrac{1}{r_2}\big[\cos(-\beta) + i\sin(-\beta)\big]$.
- So $\tfrac{1}{z_2}$ has modulus $\tfrac{1}{r_2}$ and argument $-\beta$.
- By the polar product rule from L07: $\dfrac{z_1}{z_2} = z_1 \cdot \tfrac{1}{z_2}$ has modulus $r_1 \cdot \tfrac{1}{r_2} = \tfrac{r_1}{r_2}$ and argument $\alpha + (-\beta) = \alpha - \beta$.
- $\therefore \dfrac{z_1}{z_2} = \dfrac{r_1}{r_2}\big[\cos(\alpha-\beta) + i\sin(\alpha-\beta)\big]$. $\blacksquare$
Reading off: $\left|\tfrac{z_1}{z_2}\right| = \tfrac{r_1}{r_2} = \tfrac{|z_1|}{|z_2|}$ and $\arg\!\left(\tfrac{z_1}{z_2}\right) = \alpha - \beta = \arg z_1 - \arg z_2$ (reduce mod $2\pi$ to the principal value if needed).
Polar quotient rule: $\tfrac{z_1}{z_2} = \tfrac{r_1}{r_2}\,\text{cis}(\alpha-\beta)$ · Moduli divide: $\left|\tfrac{z_1}{z_2}\right| = \tfrac{|z_1|}{|z_2|}$ · Arguments subtract: $\arg\!\left(\tfrac{z_1}{z_2}\right) = \arg z_1 - \arg z_2$ (mod $2\pi$) · Reciprocal: $\tfrac{1}{r\,\text{cis}\,\theta} = \tfrac{1}{r}\,\text{cis}(-\theta)$
Pause — copy the quotient rule $z_1/z_2 = (r_1/r_2)\,\text{cis}(\alpha-\beta)$, the law $|z_1/z_2| = |z_1|/|z_2|$, and the reciprocal $1/(r\,\text{cis}\theta) = (1/r)\,\text{cis}(-\theta)$ into your book.
Quick check: If $z_1 = 20\,\text{cis}\tfrac{5\pi}{6}$ and $z_2 = 4\,\text{cis}\tfrac{\pi}{3}$, what is $\dfrac{z_1}{z_2}$ in polar form?
We just saw the polar quotient rule $z_1/z_2 = (r_1/r_2)\,\text{cis}(\alpha-\beta)$ — moduli divide, arguments subtract. That raises a question: how does the reciprocal $1/z$ fit into this framework, and what is its connection to the conjugate formula? This card answers it → $1/(r\,\text{cis}\theta) = (1/r)\,\text{cis}(-\theta)$, which is the same as $\bar{z}/|z|^2$ in Cartesian form.
The neatest way to think about polar division is to realise it is the product rule applied to $z_1 \cdot \tfrac{1}{z_2}$. The reciprocal $\tfrac{1}{z}$ has a clean polar form:
Geometric reading of $\tfrac{1}{z}$: reflect $z$ in the real axis (giving $\bar z$ with argument $-\theta$), then scale by $\tfrac{1}{|z|^2}$. In one step: modulus inverts, argument negates.
Special cases worth knowing by heart:
- $\tfrac{1}{i} = \text{cis}(-\tfrac{\pi}{2}) = -i$ (and indeed $\tfrac{1}{i} = \tfrac{-i}{i \cdot -i} = \tfrac{-i}{1} = -i$).
- $\tfrac{1}{\text{cis}\,\theta} = \text{cis}(-\theta)$ — pure clockwise rotation when modulus is 1.
- $\tfrac{1}{z} = \tfrac{\bar z}{|z|^2}$ — the polar identity rewritten in Cartesian terms.
- Dividing by $\text{cis}\,\theta$ is the same as multiplying by $\text{cis}(-\theta)$ — i.e., rotating clockwise by $\theta$.
Division = multiplication by reciprocal: $\tfrac{z_1}{z_2} = z_1 \cdot \tfrac{1}{z_2}$ · $\tfrac{1}{r\,\text{cis}\,\theta} = \tfrac{1}{r}\,\text{cis}(-\theta)$ · $\tfrac{1}{i} = -i$ · $\tfrac{1}{z} = \tfrac{\bar z}{|z|^2}$ — same idea, Cartesian dress · Argument: numerator minus denominator (order matters)
Pause — copy $z_1/z_2 = z_1 \cdot (1/z_2)$, the Cartesian form $1/z = \bar{z}/|z|^2$, the special case $1/i = -i$, and the argument rule (numerator minus denominator) into your book.
Did you get this? True or false: for any non-zero complex number $z = r\,\text{cis}\,\theta$, the reciprocal $\tfrac{1}{z}$ satisfies $\left|\tfrac{1}{z}\right| = \tfrac{1}{r}$ and $\arg\!\left(\tfrac{1}{z}\right) = -\theta$.
Worked examples · 3 in a row, reveal as you go
Given $z_1 = 10\,\text{cis}\tfrac{3\pi}{4}$ and $z_2 = 2\,\text{cis}\tfrac{\pi}{6}$, find $\dfrac{z_1}{z_2}$ in polar form (principal argument) and in Cartesian form.
Compute $\dfrac{1 + i\sqrt 3}{1 + i}$ by first converting numerator and denominator to polar form. Give the answer in polar form, then in Cartesian form.
Let $z = 3 + 4i$. Find $\tfrac{1}{z}$ in (a) polar form and (b) Cartesian form. Describe the geometric transformation that takes $z$ to $\tfrac{1}{z}$.
Fill the gap: If $z_1 = r_1\,\text{cis}\,\alpha$ and $z_2 = r_2\,\text{cis}\,\beta$ with $z_2 \neq 0$, then $\dfrac{z_1}{z_2} = $ $\,\text{cis}\,($ $)$. Moduli divide, arguments subtract.
Misconceptions to fix · the 3 traps that cost marks
Did you get this? True or false: if $z_1 = 6\,\text{cis}(-\tfrac{3\pi}{4})$ and $z_2 = 2\,\text{cis}\tfrac{3\pi}{4}$, then $\dfrac{z_1}{z_2} = 3\,\text{cis}(-\tfrac{3\pi}{2})$, and this argument is in principal form.
Activities · practice with the ideas
Compute $\dfrac{15\,\text{cis}\tfrac{2\pi}{3}}{3\,\text{cis}\tfrac{\pi}{4}}$ in polar form with principal argument.
Find $\tfrac{1}{z}$ in both polar and Cartesian form for $z = 1 - i$. Verify using the identity $\tfrac{1}{z} = \tfrac{\bar z}{|z|^2}$.
Use polar form to simplify $\dfrac{\sqrt 3 - i}{1 + i}$.
Let $z_1 = 4\,\text{cis}\tfrac{\pi}{6}$ and $z_2 = 2\,\text{cis}(-\tfrac{5\pi}{6})$. Find $\tfrac{z_1}{z_2}$ in polar form with principal argument.
Prove using the polar quotient rule and the product rule: $\left|\dfrac{z_1 z_2}{z_3}\right| = \dfrac{|z_1||z_2|}{|z_3|}$ and $\arg\!\left(\dfrac{z_1 z_2}{z_3}\right) = \arg z_1 + \arg z_2 - \arg z_3$ (mod $2\pi$), for $z_3 \neq 0$.
Odd one out: Three of the following statements about $\dfrac{z_1}{z_2}$ (with $z_1 = r_1\,\text{cis}\,\alpha$, $z_2 = r_2\,\text{cis}\,\beta$, $z_2 \neq 0$) are correct. Which one is NOT?
Earlier you predicted $\left|\tfrac{z_1}{z_2}\right|$ and $\arg\!\left(\tfrac{z_1}{z_2}\right)$ for $z_1 = 12\,\text{cis}\,80^\circ$ and $z_2 = 3\,\text{cis}\,20^\circ$.
By the polar quotient rule: $\left|\tfrac{z_1}{z_2}\right| = \tfrac{12}{3} = 4$ and $\arg\!\left(\tfrac{z_1}{z_2}\right) = 80^\circ - 20^\circ = 60^\circ$, so $\tfrac{z_1}{z_2} = 4\,\text{cis}\,60^\circ$. Geometrically, dividing by $z_2$ shrinks the vector $\overrightarrow{Oz_1}$ by factor 3 and rotates it $20^\circ$ clockwise — the exact mirror of multiplying by $z_2$, which would scale by 3 and rotate $20^\circ$ anticlockwise. Reading every quotient as "shrink then counter-rotate" is the cleanest way to handle Cartesian division in Module 12.
Pick your answer, then rate your confidence — that tells the system what to drill next. Each retry pulls a fresh mix from the bank.
Q1. Find the quotient $\dfrac{8\,\text{cis}\tfrac{5\pi}{12}}{2\,\text{cis}\tfrac{\pi}{4}}$ in polar form, with argument in $(-\pi, \pi]$. (2 marks)
Q2. Express $z = -\sqrt 3 + i$ in polar form. Hence find $\tfrac{1}{z}$ in polar form and in Cartesian form. (3 marks)
Q3. Let $z_1 = 2\,\text{cis}\tfrac{\pi}{3}$ and $z_2 = 4\,\text{cis}(-\tfrac{2\pi}{3})$. Find $\dfrac{z_1}{z_2}$ in polar form with principal argument. Then describe geometrically what division by $z_2$ does to any non-zero complex number $z$, justifying with reference to $|z_2|$ and $\arg z_2$. (3 marks)
Comprehensive answers (click to reveal)
Activity answers:
1. Modulus $\tfrac{15}{3} = 5$; argument $\tfrac{2\pi}{3} - \tfrac{\pi}{4} = \tfrac{8\pi}{12} - \tfrac{3\pi}{12} = \tfrac{5\pi}{12}$. Answer: $5\,\text{cis}\tfrac{5\pi}{12}$.
2. $z = 1 - i$: $|z| = \sqrt 2$, $\arg z = -\tfrac{\pi}{4}$. Polar: $\tfrac{1}{z} = \tfrac{1}{\sqrt 2}\,\text{cis}\tfrac{\pi}{4} = \tfrac{1}{\sqrt 2}\!\left(\tfrac{1}{\sqrt 2} + i\tfrac{1}{\sqrt 2}\right) = \tfrac{1}{2} + \tfrac{1}{2}i$. Check $\tfrac{\bar z}{|z|^2} = \tfrac{1 + i}{2} = \tfrac{1}{2} + \tfrac{1}{2}i$. $\checkmark$
3. $\sqrt 3 - i = 2\,\text{cis}(-\tfrac{\pi}{6})$; $1 + i = \sqrt 2\,\text{cis}\tfrac{\pi}{4}$. Quotient: $\tfrac{2}{\sqrt 2}\,\text{cis}(-\tfrac{\pi}{6} - \tfrac{\pi}{4}) = \sqrt 2\,\text{cis}(-\tfrac{5\pi}{12})$.
4. Modulus $\tfrac{4}{2} = 2$; argument $\tfrac{\pi}{6} - (-\tfrac{5\pi}{6}) = \tfrac{\pi}{6} + \tfrac{5\pi}{6} = \pi$. Answer: $2\,\text{cis}\,\pi = -2$.
5. By the product rule, $|z_1 z_2| = |z_1||z_2|$ and $\arg(z_1 z_2) = \arg z_1 + \arg z_2$. Then by the quotient rule applied to $(z_1 z_2)/z_3$: modulus $= \tfrac{|z_1 z_2|}{|z_3|} = \tfrac{|z_1||z_2|}{|z_3|}$; argument $= \arg(z_1 z_2) - \arg z_3 = \arg z_1 + \arg z_2 - \arg z_3$ (mod $2\pi$). $\blacksquare$
Q1 (2 marks): Moduli divide: $\tfrac{8}{2} = 4$ [1]. Arguments subtract: $\tfrac{5\pi}{12} - \tfrac{\pi}{4} = \tfrac{5\pi}{12} - \tfrac{3\pi}{12} = \tfrac{\pi}{6}$. Answer: $4\,\text{cis}\tfrac{\pi}{6}$ [1].
Q2 (3 marks): $|z| = \sqrt{(-\sqrt 3)^2 + 1^2} = 2$; $z$ is in the second quadrant ($a < 0, b > 0$). Reference angle $\tan^{-1}\tfrac{1}{\sqrt 3} = \tfrac{\pi}{6}$, so $\arg z = \pi - \tfrac{\pi}{6} = \tfrac{5\pi}{6}$. Hence $z = 2\,\text{cis}\tfrac{5\pi}{6}$ [1]. Reciprocal: $\tfrac{1}{z} = \tfrac{1}{2}\,\text{cis}(-\tfrac{5\pi}{6})$, in principal range [1]. Cartesian: $\tfrac{1}{2}\!\left(\cos(-\tfrac{5\pi}{6}) + i\sin(-\tfrac{5\pi}{6})\right) = \tfrac{1}{2}\!\left(-\tfrac{\sqrt 3}{2} - \tfrac{i}{2}\right) = -\tfrac{\sqrt 3}{4} - \tfrac{i}{4}$ [1].
Q3 (3 marks): Quotient: modulus $\tfrac{2}{4} = \tfrac{1}{2}$; argument $\tfrac{\pi}{3} - (-\tfrac{2\pi}{3}) = \pi$. Answer: $\tfrac{1}{2}\,\text{cis}\,\pi = -\tfrac{1}{2}$ [1]. Geometric effect of $z \mapsto \tfrac{z}{z_2}$: shrink $z$ by the factor $|z_2| = 4$ (giving $\tfrac{|z|}{4}$) and rotate by $-\arg z_2 = \tfrac{2\pi}{3}$, i.e., anticlockwise by $\tfrac{2\pi}{3}$ [1]. Justification: $\tfrac{z}{z_2} = z \cdot \tfrac{1}{z_2}$ and $\tfrac{1}{z_2} = \tfrac{1}{4}\,\text{cis}\tfrac{2\pi}{3}$, so multiplication by $\tfrac{1}{z_2}$ scales by $\tfrac{1}{4}$ and rotates by $\tfrac{2\pi}{3}$ [1].
Five timed questions on polar division, the reciprocal rule, and the shrink-counter-rotate interpretation. Beat the boss to bank a tier — gold (90% + speed), silver (75%), or bronze (50%). Replays welcome.
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