How do I find the square root of a complex number?

Say you want to find the square root of the complex number 3+2i.
We can assume that the answer we want will be in the form a+bi.
It follows then, that you can also write 3+2i as (a+bi)2.
Expanding this gives us 3+2i = a2+2abi-b2
Then all we need to do is compare the coefficients of the imaginary and real parts: i.e. 3 = a2-b2 and 2 = 2ab.
Solve these 2 simultaneous equations to get a =1.8 and b = 0.56 (ignore any imaginary solutions for a and b - they have to be real).
Therefore the square root of 3+2i is 1.8+0.56i. You can check this by squaring our solution and you'll get back to 3+2i (or near enough due to rounding).


DC
Answered by Dan C. Further Mathematics tutor

9947 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the determinant of matrix M. [3]


Find a vector that is normal to lines L1 and L2 and passes through their common point of intersection where L1 is the line r = (3,1,1) + u(1,-2,-1) and L2 is the line r = (0,-2,3) + v(-5,1,4) where u and v are scalar values.


How to multiply and divide by complex numbers


Using mathematical induction, prove that n^3+2n is divisible by 3 for all integers n


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning