Course

# VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4 – Algebra

2.1 Rational Functions
2.2 Complex Numbers

28 Lessons

In this area of study students cover the expression of simple rational functions as a sum of partial fractions; the arithmetic and algebra of complex numbers, including polar form; points and curves in the complex plane; introduction to factorisation of polynomial functions over the complex field; and an informal treatment of the fundamental theorem of algebra.

This area of study includes:

Rational functions of a real variable, including:

• definition of a rational function and expression of rational functions of low degree as sums of partial fractions.

Complex numbers, including:

• $C$, the set of numbers $z$ of the form $z = x + yi$ where $x, y$ are real numbers and $i^2 = –1$, real and imaginary parts, complex conjugates, modulus
• use of an argand diagram to represent points, lines, rays and circles in the complex plane
• equality, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of complex numbers
• polar form (modulus and argument); multiplication and division in polar form, including their geometric representation and interpretation, proof of basic identities involving modulus and argument
• De Moivre’s theorem, proof for integral powers, powers and roots of complex numbers in polar form, and their geometric representation and interpretation
• $n^{th}$ roots of unity and other complex numbers and their location in the complex plane
• factors over $C$ of polynomials with integer coefficients; and informal introduction to the fundamental theorem of algebra
• factorisation of polynomial functions of a single variable over $C$, for example, $z^8+1, z^2 –i, z^3–(2–i)z^2 + z–2 + i$
• solution over $C$ of corresponding polynomial equations by completing the square, factorisation and the conjugate root theorem.

source – VCE Mathematics Study Design

Lessons