Topic: Radical Expressions
Subtopic: Complex Numbers
Overview
We finally get to work with imaginary numbers! So far we have been constrained in the Real realm, but today our world will open up to the Complex realm which includes imaginary numbers :) There is plenty of new terminology to learn, algebraic processes, and calculator processes.
Two cautions to take note of: (1) never leave i to a power, and (2) never leave i in the denominator of a fraction. Be sure you know how to simplify each of these cases.
Objectives
By the end of this topic you should know and be prepared to be tested on:
- 10.6.1 Evaluate expressions involving square roots of negative numbers
- 10.6.2 Plot complex numbers on the complex plane
- 10.6.3 Simplify i to a power
- 10.6.4 Operations with complex numbers (algebraically and electronically) including adding, subtracting, multiplying, foiling, and dividing
- 10.6.5 Factor a sum of squares using imaginary numbers
- 10.6.6 Solve equations involving equivalent complex number
Terminology
Define: complex number system, non-real number, imaginary number, the basic imaginary number i, real part of a complex number, imaginary part of a complex number, conjugate of a complex number
Text Notes
Text:
Intro & Inter Algebra for CS 3ed by Blitzer, sect. 10.7
- This entire section is quite important. Lots of new fun stuff to learn! See the class DB for useful mini-lectures, examples, and discussions :)
Supplementary Resources
Read
John and Betty's Journey Through Complex Numbers, an online story book about complex numbers. Particularly useful for this class are pages 14-21.