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

9662 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Integrate (4x+3)^1/2 with respect to x.


Differentiate arctan of x with respect to x.


A particle is launched from the top of a cliff of height 87.5m at time t=0 with initial velocity 14m/s at 30 deg above the horizontal, Calculate: a) maximum height reached above bottom of cliff; b)horizontal distance travelled before hitting the ground.


Solve the equation 2(Sinhx)^2 -5Coshx=5, giving your answer in terms of natural logarithm in simplest form


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