Appendix B: Technical Reference 937
Entering Complex NumbersEntering Complex NumbersEntering Complex NumbersEntering Complex Numbers

You can enter complex numbers in the polar form (rù, q), where r is the magnitude and q

is the angle, or polar form re

i q. You can also enter complex numbers in rectangular form

a+bi .

Overview of Complex Numbers

A complex number has real and imaginary components that identify a point in the

complex plane. These components are measured along the real and imaginary axes,

which are similar to the x and y axes in the real plane.

As shown below, the form that you can enter depends on the current Angle mode.

Use the following methods to enter a complex number.

The point can be expressed
in rectangular form or in
either of two polar
The i symbol represents the
imaginary numberÁ-1 .
You can use the form: When the Angle mode setting is:
a+b
i
ii
i
Radian, Degree or Gradian
r e
i
ii
i
qRadian only
(In Degree or Gradian angle mode, this form
causes a Domain error.)
(r,ùq) Radian, Degree or Gradian
To enter the: Do this:
Rectangular form
a+b
i
ii
i
Substitute the applicable values or variable
names for a and b.
a «Ç b 2 )
Note: To get the i symbol, press 2 ), do
not simply type an alphabetic i.
For example:
To enter the: Do this:
r
θ
b
a
Imaginary Espressed as
a+bi , re
i q,
or (rù, q).

Real