What are complex numbers and their practical applications?
In: Mathematics
A complex number is one that can be written as a+bi, where i^(2) = -1. i is referred to as an imaginary number, as you can’t multiply anything by itself and get a negative.
Complex numbers are common in cyclic physical phenomena, like damped spring systems, AC electrical circuits, and higher-level physics. In certain situations, if you try to solve the equations that describe the motion of these systems, the square root of negative numbers will become involved, hence introducing complex numbers. Euler’s formula states that e^(ix)= cos(x) + isin(x). It is here that we get from imaginary numbers in our equations, to a real component that describes physical systems.
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