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STEP Support Programme

STEP 2 Complex Numbers

Introduction

Complex numbers are a new addition to the 2019 STEP specification for papers 2. This module introduces you to the complex number topics included in the STEP 2 specification. This STEP 2 module consists of 4 STEP questions, some topic notes and useful formulae, a "hints" sheet and a "solutions" booklet.

STEP questions are challenging, so don't worry if you get stuck. These STEP 2 modules assume that you have already begun to develop your problem-solving skills and approach to STEP questions by working on the Foundation modules.

About this assignment

Complex numbers have been on the STEP specifications since 1987, but in recent years were only on STEP III. For 2019 onwards some of the complex number work might be tested on STEP 2.

If you are using the STEP database to find other complex number questions just be aware that many of these use de Moivre's theorem, which is not on the 2019 STEP 2 specification (it is on the STEP 3 specification).

Useful Links

Underground Mathematics: Selected worked STEP questions

STEP Question database

University of Cambridge Mathematics Faculty: What do we look for?

University of Cambridge Mathematics Faculty: Information about STEP

University of Cambridge Admissions Office: Undergraduate course information for Mathematics

Stephen Siklos' "Advanced Problems in Mathematics" book (external link)

MEI: Worked solutions to STEP questions (external link)

OCR: Exam board information about STEP (external link)

AMSP (Advanced Maths Support programme): Support for University Admission Tests (external link)