Complex Number Arithmetic
Complex numbers a+bi extend the reals with i²=−1. Add and subtract by combining parts; multiply using (a+bi)(c+di)=(ac−bd)+(ad+bc)i. Polar form z=r·e^(iθ) simplifies powers and roots.
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Euler's formula: e^(iθ)=cos θ+i sin θ connects exponentials to trig. De Moivre: (re^(iθ))ⁿ=rⁿ·e^(inθ) for integer n. nth roots of z are equally spaced on a circle of radius |z|^(1/n).
Ready to run the numbers?
Why: Complex numbers unify algebra (polynomial roots), trigonometry (Euler's formula), and physics (quantum states, AC circuits). Every polynomial has roots in ℂ.
How: Rectangular: add parts, multiply with i²=−1. Division: multiply by conjugate. Polar: z=r(cos θ+i sin θ)=re^(iθ). Powers: zⁿ=rⁿ·e^(inθ). Roots: n values at angles θ/n + 2πk/n.
Run the calculator when you are ready.
📌 Example Scenarios — Click to Load
First Complex Number z₁
Second Complex Number z₂
Component Comparison
Result: Real vs Imaginary
📐 Calculation Steps
For educational and informational purposes only. Verify with a qualified professional.
🧮 Fascinating Math Facts
e^(iπ)+1=0 links five fundamental constants.
— Euler
AC circuits: impedance Z=R+jX, voltage V=I·Z.
— EE
📋 Key Takeaways
- • Add/subtract: combine real and imaginary parts separately
- • Multiply: use (a+bi)(c+di) = (ac−bd) + (ad+bc)i, with i² = −1
- • Divide: multiply numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator
- • Polar form: z = r(cos θ + i sin θ) = re^(iθ) where r = |z|, θ = arg(z)
- • Euler's formula: e^(iθ) = cos θ + i sin θ — connects exponentials to trigonometry
💡 Did You Know?
📖 How Complex Arithmetic Works
Complex numbers extend the real numbers with i = √(−1). They form a field: you can add, subtract, multiply, and divide (except by zero).
Rectangular vs Polar
Rectangular: z = a + bi. Good for addition and subtraction.
Polar: z = r(cos θ + i sin θ) = re^(iθ). Good for multiplication and powers: |z₁z₂| = |z₁||z₂|, arg(z₁z₂) = arg(z₁)+arg(z₂).
Euler's Formula
e^(iπ) + 1 = 0 connects five fundamental constants. More generally, e^(iθ) = cos θ + i sin θ.
🎯 Expert Tips
💡 Addition
Add like terms: (3+2i)+(1+4i) = (3+1)+(2+4)i = 4+6i.
💡 Multiplication
FOIL and use i²=−1. Or use polar: multiply moduli, add arguments.
💡 Division
Multiply top and bottom by conjugate of denominator to get real denominator.
💡 Powers
De Moivre: (re^(iθ))^n = r^n e^(inθ). Convert to polar first.
📊 Reference: i^n Cycle
| n mod 4 | i^n | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | i⁴, i⁸, i¹² |
| 1 | i | i¹, i⁵, i⁹ |
| 2 | −1 | i², i⁶, i¹⁰ |
| 3 | −i | i³, i⁷, i¹¹ |
❓ FAQ
How do I add two complex numbers?
Add the real parts and the imaginary parts separately: (a+bi)+(c+di) = (a+c)+(b+d)i.
How do I multiply complex numbers?
Use FOIL: (a+bi)(c+di) = ac + adi + bci + bdi² = (ac−bd) + (ad+bc)i, since i² = −1.
What is the polar form of a complex number?
z = r(cos θ + i sin θ) = re^(iθ), where r = |z| = √(a²+b²) and θ = atan2(b,a).
What is Euler's formula?
e^(iθ) = cos θ + i sin θ. The special case e^(iπ) = −1 is famous.
How many nth roots does a complex number have?
Exactly n distinct roots, equally spaced around a circle in the complex plane.
Why are complex numbers used in electrical engineering?
AC circuits use phasors (complex numbers) to represent voltage and current. Impedance Z = R + jX combines resistance and reactance.
📈 Quick Reference
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes. For critical engineering or scientific work, verify with specialized software. Angles in degrees.
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