Complex Arithmetic

Background

Complex numbers are binomials of the form

a + bi

where a and b are real numbers and i² = -1. Complex numbers were developed so all quadratic equations would have solutions.

The number a is the real part of a + bi.

The number b is the imaginary part of a + bi.

We consider two approaches to the arithmetic of complex numbers.

Complex arithmetic: algebraic approach

Complex arithmetic: geometric approach

Return to Complex Arithmetic Lab.