courses

• fall2004
• spring2005
• summer 2005
• fall 2005
• spring 2006
• summer 2006
• fall 2006
• spring 2007
• summer 2007
• fall 2007
• winter 2008
• spring 2008
• summer 2008
• fall 2008
• mathnotes
• resources

previous -- view my teaching portfolio here

Math Notes, Complex Numbers

This page provides links to two different descriptions of how to work with complex numbers.  The basic introduction to complex numbers is given on the first page.  There are two different methods of dealing with complex numbers, in part, because they arise in different contexts, and have different advantages and disadvantages.  A complete understanding of the polar or trigonometric properties of complex numbers can help one derive all the double angle and half angle identities, in addition to their usefulness with complex numbers.  The Cartesian form of complex numbers works pretty much just like dealing with simple algebraic variables.

Imaginary Numbers
Complex Numbers in Cartesian Form (a + bi)
Complex Numbers in Polar or Trigonometric Form and Exponential Form (rcos(t) + risin(t)) & re^it