Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Complex numbers are mathematical entities that consist of both real and imaginary parts. They are often used in scientific and engineering calculations.
Related terms
Real Numbers: Numbers that represent quantities on the number line, including integers, fractions, and irrational numbers.
Imaginary Numbers: Numbers that involve the square root of -1 (denoted by "i"). They don't exist on the number line but are essential in complex number calculations.
Polar Form: An alternative way to represent complex numbers using magnitude (distance from origin) and angle (direction).