complex number

noun

a mathematical expression (a + bi) in which a and b are real numbers and i ² = −1.

Origin

1825-35

British Dictionary definitions for complex numbers

complex number

noun

any number of the form a + ib, where a and b are real numbers and i = √–1 See number (sense 1)

complex numbers in Science

complex number

(kŏm'plěks')
A number that can be expressed in terms of i (the square root of -1). Mathematically, such a number can be written a + bi, where a and b are real numbers. An example is 4 + 5i.