Geometric representation of the sum of complex numbers

the set of complex numbers is formed by all z numbers that can be written in the following form:

z = a + bi

In this form, i = √(– 1). In these numbers, a is called real part and b is called imaginary part. To represent the numberscomplexes geometrically, we will use vectors on the plan.

Geometric representation of complex numbers

You numberscomplexes can be geometrically represented in a flat built similarly to Cartesian plane: two perpendicular axes which, in turn, are number lines. Furthermore, these two lines are found at its origins.

The difference between this plan and the flatCartesian it's just the interpretation: the x-axis of this plane is called the real axis, and the y axis is called the imaginary axis. So, to represent a complex number in this plane, known as plan of Argand-Gauss, we must turn this number into an ordered pair, where the x coordinate is the partreal of the complex number and the y coordinate is yours. partimaginary.

After that, the vector that represents a numbercomplex

is always the straight segment oriented that starts at the origin of the plan of Argand-Gauss and ends at point (a, b), where a is a partreal of the complex number and b is its imaginary part.

In other words, the biggest difference between these plans is that, in the flatCartesian, we score points and, in the plan of Argand-Gauss, we use the real and imaginary part of complex numbers to mark vectors.

The following image shows the representationgeometric of numbercomplex z = 2 + 3i.

Geometric representation of complex number addition

Given the complexes z = a + bi and u = c + di, we have the following algebraic addition:

a + u = a + bi + c + di

a + u = a + c + (b + d) i

Note that from the point of view geometric, what is done when adding numberscomplexes is the sum of their coordinates on the same axis.

Geometrically, the sum between the complexes z = a + bi and u = c + di can be done as follows:

1 – Draw vectors z and u in the plane of Argand-Gauss;

2 – Download a copy of the vector u for the endpoint of vector z. In other words, draw a vector the same length as vector u and parallel to it from point (a, b).

3 – Download a z’ copy of vector z for the endpoint of vector u;

4 – Note that the vectors u, u’, z and z’ form a parallelogram, and construct a vector v that starts from the origin and ends at the meeting between the vectors u’ and z’.

5 - v = z + u

Note this construction in the image below:

O vector v is just the diagonal of this parallelogram formed by the vectors u, u’, z and z’.

Example

Consider vector a = 1 + 7i and vector b = 3 – 2i. See the construction of the parallelogram from these two vectors:

Thus, it is possible to determine the result of the sum between these two vectors observing the coordinates of the vector v = (4, 5). Therefore, the complex number v = 4 + 5i.


By Luiz Paulo Moreira
Graduated in Mathematics

Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/matematica/representacao-geometrica-soma-numeros-complexos.htm

Ethnic groups and population of Rio Grande do Sul

The state of Rio Grande do Sul is influenced by Europeans in many ways, ranging from customs to a...

read more

Linked twins, Siamese, united, bonded, linked.

Identical twins are formed from a single egg and sperm that, a few days after fertilization, rand...

read more

Solubility of salts. Determination of the solubility of salts

The solubility of salts is related to the ability of these compounds to dissolve in water. Whenev...

read more