Complex

Variables &
Transforms
MATH- 232

Instructor: Dr. Naila Amir

Email: naila.amir@seecs.edu.pk
What is Complex
Variables &
Transforms???
And the Answer is……
▪ The course of complex variables and transform (CVT) is
a vital course in engineering where the understanding
of several advanced courses at both UG and PG level
entirely depends on the core concepts of CVT.
Needless to say research in these disciplines also rely
on the understanding of basic concepts of a student in
CVT.

▪ This course provides sound knowledge of calculus in

the complex domain with a detailed discussion on
complex algebra, complex functions, analyticity and
contour integration. It also covers Fourier Series,
Fourier Integrals and Fourier Transforms. Besides Z-
transform is also part of this course.
 ▪ For most human tasks, real numbers (or even
rational numbers) offer an adequate description of
data.

Complex ▪ Fractions such as 2/3 and 1/8 are meaningless to a

person counting stones, but essential to a person

Variables comparing the sizes of different collections of

stones. Negative numbers such as −3 and −5 are
meaningless when measuring the mass of an
& object, but essential when keeping track of
monetary debits and credits.

Transforms ▪ Similarly, imaginary numbers have essential

concrete applications in a variety of sciences and
related areas such as signal processing, control
theory, electromagnetism, communication systems,
broadband technologies, quantum mechanics,
cartography, vibration analysis, and many others.
 ▪ The Fourier Transform and Series and their analytic
properties are very commonly used in
telecommunications, digital image processing,

Complex ▪
electronics design, and more.

Dispersion is the phenomenon of different

Variables frequencies traveling at different speeds down a wire

or other transmission line, and it can prevent signals
in a circuit from being properly sent, if proper
& attention is not paid to it. Fourier (and thus complex)
analysis is critical to understanding dispersion and

Transforms ▪
being able to correct for it.

Along with the concept of Fourier transformations,

we have the Laplace and 𝑍-transforms. These
transforms are useful in circuit analysis and control
theory to build increasingly complex electronics.
 ▪ Knowing how to deal with the various challenges in
signal theory, such as the locations of poles (places
Complex where a function goes to infinity) and zeros of a
function which represents a circuit allows us to build

Variables ▪
appropriate filters and amplifiers.

It also helps us to build digital filters, use anti-

& aliasing, or sample data if we’re doing digital signal
processing. Again, it’s important to know not just

Transforms what complex variables and functions look like, but

how to properly apply analysis to these variables
and functions to turn them into usable forms.
Complex Variables & Transforms:
▪ Fourier transforms are a fundamental part of
signal processing and in order to properly
understand, and employ Fourier transforms,
one must have a background in complex
analysis.

▪ In addition, some of the computation in

circuit analysis involves complex numbers
and phase shifts can be dealt with in the
complex plane.
 Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs): PLO BT Level*

[CLO - 1] Describe Complex functions, derivatives, contour integrals. 2 C-2

[CLO - 2] Compute Fourier series and Fourier integral of a given function. 2 C-3

[CLO - 3] Evaluate Fourier and 𝑍 −transforms of a given function. 2 C-6

* BT= Bloom’s Taxonomy, C=Cognitive domain, P=Psychomotor domain, A= Affective domain

Knowledge (C-1), Comprehension (C-2), Application (C-3), Analysis (C-4), Synthesis (C-5), Evaluation (C-6)
Perception (P-1), Set (P-2), Guided Response (P-3), Mechanism (P-4), Complete Overt Response (P-5), Adaption (P-6) , Organization (P-7)
 • Complex Algebra. Complex functions,
Real and imaginary components of a
complex function
• Limit and Continuity of Complex
Functions
• Derivative, Cauchy Riemann Equations,
Properties of UV- function, Analytic
Complex Functions, Harmonic functions.

Main Topics Variables

(CLO-1)
Derivatives of analytic functions
• Line integral in complex plane.
Contour Integration. Residue
integration method, Evaluation of real
integrals
• Sequences and Series, Power series,
Taylor series. Laurent series.
• Concept of mapping, Complex
mapping functions, Conformal
mapping and its applications.
 • Periodic functions.
• Trigonometric Fourier series,
• Even and Odd functions, Half
range expansions
• Amplitude phase form of Fourier
Fourier Series (Compact Fourier Series)

Main Topics Series • Complex Fourier series

• Discrete Frequency Spectrum,
(CLO-2) Power Spectrum and Filtering
• Multiplication and Parseval’s
theorem
• Fourier integral
 • Fourier Transform, Inverse Fourier
Transform and properties
• Continuous Frequency Spectra
• Fourier Transform of Some
Transforms important functions
Main Topics (CLO-3)
• Frequency response of
continuous LTI systems
• Introduction, Definition, examples
and properties of Z-transform.
• Inverse of Z-transform
• Solution of Difference equation
Course Objectives:
▪ First objective of the course is that on its
successful completion students should
develop understanding of complex
functions, analyticity and contour
integration. The applications will be
covered from potential theory of harmonic
functions.

▪ The other objective is to learn solution

techniques of Fourier series and Fourier
transform approach is dealt rigorously.
 ❖ Quizzes (10%)

❖ Assignments, Class Participation &

Assessments Presentation Skills (10%)

❖ Mid Semester Exam (30%)

❖ End Semester Exam (50%)

 ▪ Advanced Engineering Mathematics
(9th Edition) by Ervin Kreyszig.

Text ▪ Applied Complex Variables for Scientists

and Engineers by Yue Kuen Kwok.

Books ▪ A first course in complex analysis with

applications by Dennis G. Zill.
 ▪ Real and Complex Analysis by Walter
Rudin.

▪ Complex Variables & Applications by

James Ward Brown, Ruel V.Churchill.

Reference ▪ Advanced Engineering Mathematics by

Peter V. O’Neil.

Books ▪ Advanced Modern

Mathematics by Glyn James
Engineering

▪ Complex Analysis with applications in

Science and Engineering by Harold
Cohen.
Complex Numbers
 Complex Numbers
Book: A First Course in Complex Analysis with Applications by
Dennis G. Zill and Patrick D. Shanahan.

• Chapter: 1

• Sections: 1.1
Complex numbers
▪ Complex Numbers and Their Properties
▪ Complex Plane
▪ Polar Form of Complex Numbers
▪ Powers and Roots
▪ Sets of Points in the Complex Plane
▪ Applications
Complex Numbers
In order to define a complex number, we first need to see where it shows up. Consider the
following:

1. 𝑥 2 − 81 = 0
⟹ 𝑥 2 = 81
⟹ 𝑥 = ±9.

2. 𝑥 2 + 81 = 0
⟹ 𝑥 2 = −81
⟹ 𝑥 = ± −81
Complex Numbers
• 𝑥 = ± − 8 1 does not have a real solution.

• It has an “imaginary” solution.

• In order to define a complex number, we need to create a new variable.

• This new variable is “𝑖”, known as iota.

What is iota?
• "𝑖" is an imaginary number.

• Or a complex number.

• Or an unreal number.

• The terms are inter-changeable.

What is iota?
• It is a tool to solve an equation.

• It is defined as: 𝑖 = −1
Note that 𝑖 is representation of −1. It is not simplification of −1.

• So, following this definition we have:

𝑖 2 = −1, 𝑖3 = − 𝑖 and 𝑖 4 = 1.
What is a complex number?
• A complex number is a combination of imaginary and real
numbers.
• A complex number is a number that can be expressed in the form:
−1

𝒂 + 𝒃 𝒊,
Real part Imaginary part

where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real numbers, and 𝑖 represents the “imaginary

number”, satisfying the equation: 𝑖 2 = −1.
Observation
▪ All real numbers are
complex:

3 = 3 + 0𝑖.

▪ All imaginary numbers

are complex:
7𝑖 = 0 + 7𝑖.
Complex number
• A number such as 3𝑖 is a purely imaginary number.
• A number such as 6 is a purely real number.
• 6 + 3𝑖 is a complex number.
• 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 is the general form of a complex number.
• The real part of a complex number 𝑧 is denoted by Re(𝑧) or ℜ(𝑧)
and the imaginary part of 𝑧 is denoted by Im(𝑧) or ℑ(𝑧).
• If 𝑧 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖 = 6 – 4𝑖 then ℜ(𝑧) = 𝑎 = 6 and ℑ(𝑧) = 𝑏 = −4.
Complex Numbers and Their Properties