complex variable

American  

noun

Mathematics.

1. a variable to which complex numbers may be assigned as value.

---

Etymology

Origin of complex variable

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Consider the polynomial z2, where is the complex variable x+iy.

From Scientific American • Sep. 26, 2012

The advances add one more complex variable to the equation of mutual deterrence.

From Time Magazine Archive

Monogenic Functions.—This suggests an entirely different way of formulating the fundamental parts of the theory of functions of a complex variable, which appears to be preferable to that so far followed here.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 3 "Frost" to "Fyzabad" by Various

It will be seen that as each successive aspect of geographical science is considered in its natural sequence the conditions become 638 Conclusion. more numerous, complex, variable and practically important.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 6 "Geodesy" to "Geometry" by Various

A particular case of the problem is that of the conformal representation of the interior of a closed polygon upon the upper half of the plane of a complex variable t.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 3 "Frost" to "Fyzabad" by Various