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

9237 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Use De Moivre's Theorem to show that if z = cos(q)+isin(q), then (z^n)+(z^-n) = 2cos(nq) and (z^n)-(z^-n)=2isin(nq).


Find the general solution of: y'' + 4y' + 13y = sin(x)


Find, without using a calculator, integral of 1/sqrt(15+2x-x^2) dx, between 3 and 5, giving your answer as a multiple of pi


A 1kg ball is dropped of a 20m tall bridge onto tarmac. The ball experiences 2N of drag throughout its motion. The ground has a coefficient of restitution of 0.5. What is the maximum height the ball will reach after one bounce


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