complex number

noun

a mathematical expression (a + bi) in which a and b are real numbers and i2 = −1.

Origin of complex number

First recorded in 1825–35

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British Dictionary definitions for complex number

complex number

noun

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

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complex number in Science

complex number

[kŏm′plĕks′]

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 + 5i.