Complex numbers

Definition

Complex numbers are numbers that consist of both real and imaginary parts. They are written in the form a + bi, where 'a' represents the real component and 'bi' represents the imaginary component.

Analogy

Think of complex numbers as superheroes with dual identities. The real part (a) represents their alter ego living among regular people, while the imaginary part (bi) represents their superpowers that exist only in their imagination.

Related terms

Imaginary numbers: Imaginary numbers are multiples of i (the square root of -1). They have no real part but contribute to complex numbers when combined with real numbers.

Real numbers: Real numbers include all rational and irrational numbers. They do not have any imaginary components.

Complex plane: Also known as Argand plane or Gauss plane, it is a two-dimensional graph where complex numbers are represented by points, with the real part on the x-axis and the imaginary part on the y-axis.