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

We had observed that, in such a scenario, which physicists call a quantum network, the Pál-Vértesi-McKague-Mosca-Gisin method could not reproduce the experimental outcomes predicted by complex number quantum theory.

From Scientific American • Apr. 24, 2023

Let’s consider the number The real part of the complex number is and the imaginary part is We plot the ordered pair to represent the complex number as shown in Figure 1.

From Textbooks • Dec. 1, 2021

Before multiplying, each square root of a negative number must be written as a complex number.

From Textbooks • May 6, 2020

The complex number system includes the real numbers and the imaginary numbers.

From Textbooks • May 6, 2020

Take any complex number and measure its angle.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife