Complex Numbers - Mathematical Methods (Undergraduate Advanced)

Standard numbers cannot solve every square root. This course teaches you to use complex numbers for such problems. You will learn number systems, algebra, and how to use the Argand plane. Lessons cover polar forms, De Moivre's theorem, and finding roots. You will also study sine, cosine, and log functions through many worked examples. These methods are vital for electrical engineering, physics, and signal processing. You need these skills to calculate electricity flow and wave behaviour. Engineers use these tools to build machines and structures. Mastering this allows you to solve the difficult maths used in modern technology and research. It provides the logic needed for all advanced technical work. You will learn to add, multiply, and divide complex numbers. You will switch between rectangular, polar, and exponential forms using Taylor series. You will gain the skill to find Nth roots of unity and solve hyperbolic equations. You will also learn to draw complex equations on a graph accurately. By the end, you will handle advanced mathematical expressions without errors. This course is for university students in engineering or maths who must pass advanced modules. It also serves technical workers who need to refresh their skills. The step-by-step examples make the topics easy to follow for anyone starting out. This knowledge is a requirement for anyone pursuing a career in high-level science or technology.

Enrolment valid for 12 months
This course is also part of the following learning tracks. You may join a track to gain comprehensive knowledge across related courses.
MTH 202: Mathematical Methods II
MTH 202: Mathematical Methods II
Comprehensive treatise of advanced mathematics covering vector calculus, complex numbers, linear vector spaces, linear maps, matrices, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Curated for second-year students of engineering and physical sciences at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Students and professionals with similar learning goal will also find this learning track useful.

Comprehensive treatise of advanced mathematics covering vector calculus, complex numbers, linear vector spaces, linear maps, matrices, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Curated for second-year students of engineering and physical sciences at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Students and professionals with similar learning goal will also find this learning track useful.

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AMS 102: Basic Mathematics
AMS 102: Basic Mathematics
Management and administration require precise numerical logic for decision-making. This track follows the official NUC CCMAS syllabus for AMS 102, covering real numbers, set theory, and complex systems. You will master algebraic operations, permutations, and combinations alongside the foundations of trigonometry and calculus. It provides the mathematical tools to model financial trends, handle business data, and solve optimisation problems in corporate settings. This programme is built for first-year university students in Accounting, Business Administration, Banking, Finance, and Public Administration. It also serves secondary school leavers preparing for management degrees and professionals needing a refresher on business mathematics. It is suitable for anyone moving into roles that demand accurate quantitative analysis and logical deduction. You will gain the ability to simplify complex business formulas, calculate probabilities for risk assessment, and find the exact points where profits are highest. You will be able to handle sequences for interest calculations and use differentiation to manage production costs. Completing this track ensures success in university examinations and builds the analytical strength required for careers in financial analysis, auditing, and strategic management.

Management and administration require precise numerical logic for decision-making. This track follows the official NUC CCMAS syllabus for AMS 102, covering real numbers, set theory, and complex systems. You will master algebraic operations, permutations, and combinations alongside the foundations of trigonometry and calculus. It provides the mathematical tools to model financial trends, handle business data, and solve optimisation problems in corporate settings. This programme is built for first-year university students in Accounting, Business Administration, Banking, Finance, and Public Administration. It also serves secondary school leavers preparing for management degrees and professionals needing a refresher on business mathematics. It is suitable for anyone moving into roles that demand accurate quantitative analysis and logical deduction. You will gain the ability to simplify complex business formulas, calculate probabilities for risk assessment, and find the exact points where profits are highest. You will be able to handle sequences for interest calculations and use differentiation to manage production costs. Completing this track ensures success in university examinations and builds the analytical strength required for careers in financial analysis, auditing, and strategic management.

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DSS 103: Mathematics for Social Scientists I - Algebra and Trigonometry
DSS 103: Mathematics for Social Scientists I - Algebra and Trigonometry
Build the mathematical foundation required to excel in social science degrees and data-driven careers. This track follows the official NUC syllabus for DSS 103 to teach sets, number operations, counting methods, logical proofs, binomial expansions, complex numbers, and trigonometry. Each topic connects directly to the quantitative skills you need for statistics, research methods, and economic analysis. This programme is for first-year university students studying economics, sociology, political science, psychology, geography, or other social science disciplines. It is also for secondary school leavers preparing for university entry and professionals who must strengthen their maths for postgraduate study or analytical roles in government, NGOs, or private sector research. After completing this track, you will solve equations, handle algebraic proofs, manipulate trigonometric formulas, and apply counting principles to real-world data problems. These skills prepare you for advanced coursework in econometrics, statistical analysis, social research, and policy evaluation. You will have the confidence to tackle quantitative modules and compete for roles in banking, public service, consulting, and development work.

Build the mathematical foundation required to excel in social science degrees and data-driven careers. This track follows the official NUC syllabus for DSS 103 to teach sets, number operations, counting methods, logical proofs, binomial expansions, complex numbers, and trigonometry. Each topic connects directly to the quantitative skills you need for statistics, research methods, and economic analysis. This programme is for first-year university students studying economics, sociology, political science, psychology, geography, or other social science disciplines. It is also for secondary school leavers preparing for university entry and professionals who must strengthen their maths for postgraduate study or analytical roles in government, NGOs, or private sector research. After completing this track, you will solve equations, handle algebraic proofs, manipulate trigonometric formulas, and apply counting principles to real-world data problems. These skills prepare you for advanced coursework in econometrics, statistical analysis, social research, and policy evaluation. You will have the confidence to tackle quantitative modules and compete for roles in banking, public service, consulting, and development work.

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MTH 101: Elementary Mathematics I - Algebra and Trigonometry
MTH 101: Elementary Mathematics I - Algebra and Trigonometry
Master the foundational mathematical structures essential for success in quantitative undergraduate degrees and professional technical roles. This comprehensive learning track delivers a rigorous treatment of algebra and trigonometry, moving rapidly from fundamental set theory and real number operations to advanced topics including matrix algebra, complex numbers, and analytical trigonometry. You will establish the critical problem-solving framework required for advanced study in calculus, engineering mechanics, and data science. This programme is primarily designed for first-year university students in STEM disciplines requiring strong analytical bases, particularly engineering, physics, computer science, and economics. It also serves as an intensive, high-level refresher for professionals returning to academia or shifting into data-driven roles demanding precise numerical literacy and logical structuring. Prior competence in standard secondary school mathematics is assumed; focus is placed strictly on mastery and application of core definitions. Upon completion, you will possess the skills to construct rigorous logical arguments using set theory and mathematical induction, model complex relationships with functions and matrices, and analyze periodic systems using advanced trigonometry. You will demonstrate competence in solving diverse equation types, from quadratics to linear systems, and manipulating complex numbers in engineering applications. This track prepares you directly for the mathematical demands of second-year university studies and technical professional certification exams.

Master the foundational mathematical structures essential for success in quantitative undergraduate degrees and professional technical roles. This comprehensive learning track delivers a rigorous treatment of algebra and trigonometry, moving rapidly from fundamental set theory and real number operations to advanced topics including matrix algebra, complex numbers, and analytical trigonometry. You will establish the critical problem-solving framework required for advanced study in calculus, engineering mechanics, and data science. This programme is primarily designed for first-year university students in STEM disciplines requiring strong analytical bases, particularly engineering, physics, computer science, and economics. It also serves as an intensive, high-level refresher for professionals returning to academia or shifting into data-driven roles demanding precise numerical literacy and logical structuring. Prior competence in standard secondary school mathematics is assumed; focus is placed strictly on mastery and application of core definitions. Upon completion, you will possess the skills to construct rigorous logical arguments using set theory and mathematical induction, model complex relationships with functions and matrices, and analyze periodic systems using advanced trigonometry. You will demonstrate competence in solving diverse equation types, from quadratics to linear systems, and manipulating complex numbers in engineering applications. This track prepares you directly for the mathematical demands of second-year university studies and technical professional certification exams.

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Course Chapters

1. Introduction
4
1
Standard maths cannot solve square roots of negative numbers. This chapter reviews number systems and introduces the imaginary unit. It provides the foundation for every advanced method covered in this course. You will define natural, integer, rational, and real number sets; explain why complex numbers exist; calculate increasing powers of i; and solve fundamental introductory problems.
Concept Overviews
4 Lessons
1:23:49
Problem Walkthroughs
1 Lesson
14:45
2. Algebra
6
3
Arithmetic for complex numbers starts here. You need addition, multiplication, and division to solve engineering formulae. These rules form the foundation for every future calculation. You will master adding real and imaginary parts; multiplying scalars and complex terms; using conjugates for division; and applying identities to solve for unknowns.
Concept Overviews
6 Lessons
1:44:23
Problem Walkthroughs
3 Lessons
2:08:34
3. Use of the Argand Plane
4
2
This chapter teaches you to plot complex numbers as points on a 2D graph. Visualising numbers this way is essential for understanding phase and magnitude in engineering and physics. You will learn to represent numbers on the Argand plane; calculate the modulus and general argument; determine the unique principal argument; and apply modulus properties to solve complex geometric problems.
Concept Overviews
4 Lessons
1:44:48
Problem Walkthroughs
2 Lessons
1:29:15
4. Polar Form
5
2
This chapter introduces polar coordinates to simplify complex number calculations. Using angles and magnitudes makes multiplying, dividing, and raising numbers to powers much faster than using standard algebra. You will learn to convert numbers into polar form; multiply and divide using angles; apply De Moivre's theorem to find powers; and prove mathematical identities. This section provides the speed needed for advanced engineering problems.
Concept Overviews
5 Lessons
1:15:37
Problem Walkthroughs
2 Lessons
1:30:03
5. Roots
4
4
This chapter teaches you to find all roots and rational powers of complex numbers. These techniques are essential for solving polynomial equations and understanding symmetric patterns on the Argand plane. You will master comparing polar numbers for equality; calculating all roots of any complex value; evaluating rational powers; and identifying the properties of the Nth roots of unity through detailed worked examples.
Concept Overviews
4 Lessons
2:03:40
Problem Walkthroughs
4 Lessons
4:01:13
6. Exponential Form
3
3
Exponential form uses Euler's formula to simplify calculus and engineering maths. It links trigonometry with exponents for the most efficient way to solve complex problems. You will master Taylor series expansions; represent numbers in Eulerian form; and solve multiplication, division, and power operations using exponent rules.
Concept Overviews
3 Lessons
55:21
Problem Walkthroughs
3 Lessons
1:05:01
7. Trigonometric Functions
2
4
This chapter links complex numbers to trigonometry to simplify calculus and wave analysis. You will use polar and exponential forms to derive trigonometric identities more efficiently than using standard geometry. You will learn to express sine and cosine using Euler's formula; expand powers of trigonometric functions into multiple angles; and solve complex identities using polar representations and worked algebraic examples.
Concept Overviews
2 Lessons
38:38
Problem Walkthroughs
4 Lessons
4:06:38
8. Hyperbolic Functions
1
1
This chapter explores the relationship between complex numbers and hyperbolic functions. You need these expressions to solve advanced problems in structural engineering and heat transfer. You will learn to derive hyperbolic sine and cosine using exponential forms; convert between circular and hyperbolic functions; and solve complex algebraic identities through step-by-step worked examples.
Concept Overviews
1 Lesson
21:29
Problem Walkthroughs
1 Lesson
21:09
9. Logarithmic Functions
1
1
This chapter explains how to find the logarithm of a complex number using its exponential form. This tool is vital for solving equations where the unknown is an exponent in complex space. You will learn to derive the general logarithmic expression; identify the principal value of a complex log; and solve practical problems involving natural logarithms of imaginary and complex values.
Concept Overviews
1 Lesson
22:29
Problem Walkthroughs
1 Lesson
53:19
10. Graphing on the Complex Plane
5
7
Convert complex algebraic equations into geometric shapes on the Argand plane. This skill is critical for mapping electromagnetic fields and fluid flow boundaries in engineering design. You will master identifying equations for circles and ellipses; converting modulus expressions into coordinates; sketching loci like perpendicular bisectors and rays; and shading regions while excluding undefined points.
Concept Overviews
5 Lessons
19:11
Problem Walkthroughs
7 Lessons
1:01:16