Complex Numbers

A complex number is a number with a real and an imaginary part, usually expressed in
cartesian form

a + jb = +j
Index
Complex numbers can also be expressed in polar form
Complex
numbers

A= ,θ= radians = °

The polar form can also be expressed in terms of trigonometric functions using the Euler
relationship

Go Back
HyperPhysics****HyperMath*****Algebra R Nave
 Euler Relationship
The trigonometric functions are related to a complex exponential by the Euler relationship

From these relationships the trig functions can be expressed in terms of the complex Index
exponential:
Complex
numbers

This relationship is useful for expressing complex numbers in polar form, as well as many
other applications.

Applications:
Traveling waves

Go Back
HyperPhysics****HyperMath*****Algebra R Nave
 Polar Form, Complex Numbers
The standard form of a complex number is

but this can be shown to be equivalent to the form

Index

Complex
numbers
which is called the polar form of a complex number. The equivalence can be shown by using
the Euler relationship for complex exponentials.

Go Back
HyperPhysics****HyperMath*****Algebra R Nave