Re: [MATHEDCC] Standard form, et. al

Roberta S. Lacefield (RSLace@mail.way.peachnet.edu)
Tue, 03 Jun 1997 07:10:26

>What is the difference between a complex number, an imaginary number and a
>pure imaginary number. Somewhere I learned (but apparently in error) that
> a + bi is a complex number. If a = 0 then the number is imaginary.
>If b = 0 then it is a Real number.
>
>

I learned basically the same thing. Every number is a complex number and
the complex numbers can be split into two categories, Real and Imaginary
(just as the Reals are either Rational or Irrational). However, I don't
buy the "0 is Imaginary" argument. It is on the Complex Plane but it
should be since the Reals are Complex.

If I'm wrong, please set me straight since I teach this def. every quarter!

Roberta

____________________________________________________________
Roberta S. Lacefield RSLace@mail.way.peachnet.edu
Waycross College http://members.tripod.com/~Roberta/index.html
2001 S. Georgia Pkwy (912) 285 - 6027
Waycross, GA 31503 fax: (912) 287-4909

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