complex number

American  

noun

1. a mathematical expression (a +bi ) in which a and b are real numbers and i 2 = −1.

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complex number British  

noun

1. any number of the form a + i b , where a and b are real numbers and i = √–1 See number

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complex number Scientific  

/ kŏm′plĕks′ /

1. A number that can be expressed in terms of i (the square root of −1). Mathematically, such a number can be written a + bi, where a and b are real numbers. An example is 4 + 5 i.

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Etymology

Origin of complex number

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Before the 20th century all such operations with complex numbers were simply considered a mathematical trick.

From Scientific American

Lines connected the dots to represent the gates, with each gate encoded in a tensor—a 2D or 4D grid of complex numbers.

From Science Magazine

Emphasizing problem-based learning, the course covers topics students need in sophomore engineering classes, including linear equations, quadratic equations, 2-D vectors and complex numbers.

From Scientific American

In societies with complex number systems, there were clues to how those systems developed.

From Scientific American

Infinite-Degree Maps Start with a function, or f, defined in terms of a complex number, or z.

From Scientific American