Re: [MATHEDCC] Standard form, et. al
Wayne Mackey (wmackey@comp.uark.edu)
Wed, 4 Jun 1997 10:33:00 -0600
>>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
>
I also learned the same thing and have taught it that way for many years.
If you get really technical, a + 0i is not really equal to a but it is
close enough for government work so we usually agree to write it in the
simpler form. Thus 0 + 0i is a complex number almost equal to 0 which is a
real number so I also can't go along with calling 0 an imaginary number
although I would be comfortable calling 0 a complex number. Are we trying
to consider the curvature of the pinhead to decide how many angels can
dance ....? O well its summer and I'm sure we all deserve a little
stimulating conversation for a change.
wayne
Wayne F. Mackey
University of Arkansas
P.O. Box 2441
Fayetteville, AR 72702
wmackey@comp.uark.edu
http://comp.uark.edu/~wmackey
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