The complex number \(z\) is defined by \(z = \frac{9\sqrt{3} + 9i}{\sqrt{3} - i}\). Find, showing all your working,
(i) an expression for \(z\) in the form \(re^{i\theta}\), where \(r > 0\) and \(-\pi < \theta \leq \pi\),
(ii) the two square roots of \(z\), giving your answers in the form \(re^{i\theta}\), where \(r > 0\) and \(-\pi < \theta \leq \pi\).
Solution
(i) Multiply the numerator and denominator by \(\sqrt{3} + i\) to rationalize the denominator:
\(z = \frac{(9\sqrt{3} + 9i)(\sqrt{3} + i)}{(\sqrt{3} - i)(\sqrt{3} + i)}\)
\(= \frac{18 + 18\sqrt{3}i}{4}\)
\(= \frac{9}{2} + \frac{9}{2}\sqrt{3}i\)
Find the modulus \(r\) and argument \(\theta\):
\(r = \sqrt{\left(\frac{9}{2}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{9}{2}\sqrt{3}\right)^2} = 9\)
\(\theta = \arctan\left(\frac{\frac{9}{2}\sqrt{3}}{\frac{9}{2}}\right) = \frac{\pi}{3}\)
Thus, \(z = 9e^{i\frac{\pi}{3}}\).
(ii) The square roots of \(z\) are given by \(\sqrt{9}e^{i\frac{\pi}{6}}\) and \(\sqrt{9}e^{i\left(\frac{\pi}{3} - \pi\right)}\).
\(= 3e^{i\frac{\pi}{6}}\) and \(3e^{-i\frac{5\pi}{6}}\).
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