Complex Numbers
Complex Number
nta_pyq_2025_jan
Grade 11

Question:

The number of complex numbers $z$, satisfying $|z|=1$ and $\left|\dfrac{z}{\bar z}+\dfrac{\bar z}{z}\right|=1$, is:
4
8
10
6

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept: With $|z|=1$ we have $\bar z = 1/z$, so $\dfrac{z}{\bar z}+\dfrac{\bar z}{z}=z^{2}+\bar z^{2}=2(x^{2}-y^{2})$ where $z=x+iy$. Combine with $x^{2}+y^{2}=1$.
Let $z=x+iy$ with $x^{2}+y^{2}=1$. Then $$\frac{z}{\bar z}+\frac{\bar z}{z} = z^{2}+\bar z^{2} = (x+iy)^{2}+(x-iy)^{2} = 2(x^{2}-y^{2}).$$ So $|2(x^{2}-y^{2})|=1 \Longrightarrow |x^{2}-y^{2}|=\tfrac{1}{2}.$ \textbf{Case A: } $x^{2}-y^{2}=\tfrac{1}{2}$ together with $x^{2}+y^{2}=1$ gives $x^{2}=\tfrac{3}{4},\ y^{2}=\tfrac{1}{4}$, i.e. $4$ solutions. \textbf{Case B: } $x^{2}-y^{2}=-\tfrac{1}{2}$ gives $x^{2}=\tfrac{1}{4},\ y^{2}=\tfrac{3}{4}$, another $4$ solutions. Total: $\boxed{8}$.
Correct Answer: 2

Master Complex Numbers with Mathbee

Practice this topic under real exam conditions with strict timers, or ask our AI Mentor to explain the concepts step-by-step.

Start Practicing for Free