key term - Complex Numbers

Definition

Complex numbers consist of both real and imaginary parts represented by a+bi form (where "a" is the real part and "bi" is the imaginary part). They extend our number system beyond just real numbers.

Related terms

Imaginary Numbers: Imaginary numbers are complex numbers where the real part is zero, represented as bi. They are crucial in solving equations that involve square roots of negative numbers.

Real Numbers: Real numbers include all rational and irrational numbers, such as whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and even irrational constants like π (pi) and e.

Complex Plane: The complex plane is a two-dimensional graph where the horizontal axis represents the real part of a complex number and the vertical axis represents its imaginary part.