Python complex() - Create Complex Number

Introduction

The complex() function in Python is essential for creating complex numbers, which are numbers with both a real and an imaginary component. Typically used in various fields such as engineering, physics, and applied mathematics, complex numbers are crucial for performing calculations that involve square roots of negative numbers and other complex mathematical operations.

In this article, you will learn how to use the complex() function to create complex numbers in Python. Discover different ways to define complex numbers and understand how to manipulate these numbers using Python's built-in capabilities.

Creating Complex Numbers with complex()

Initialize a Simple Complex Number

1. Specify the real and imaginary parts directly within the complex() function.

   python Copy

   z = complex(2, 3)
   print(z)
   

   This code initializes a complex number z with a real part of 2 and an imaginary part of 3. When printed, Python outputs 2+3j, where j denotes the imaginary part.

Create a Complex Number from a String

1. Pass a string representation of the complex number to the complex() function.

   python Copy

   z = complex('2+3j')
   print(z)
   

   Here, complex() parses the string '2+3j' to create the complex number 2+3j. This approach is handy when the complex numbers are dynamically generated or fetched from a text source.

Manipulating Complex Numbers

Access Real and Imaginary Parts

1. Use the .real and .imag attributes to access specific parts of the complex number.

   python Copy

   z = complex(2, 3)
   print("Real part:", z.real)
   print("Imaginary part:", z.imag)
   

   From the complex number z, the .real attribute fetches the real component 2, and the .imag attribute fetches the imaginary component 3.

Perform Arithmetic Operations

1. Combine complex numbers using basic arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

   python Copy

   z1 = complex(2, 3)
   z2 = complex(1, -1)
   print("Addition:", z1 + z2)
   print("Multiplication:", z1 * z2)
   

   Addition and multiplication are demonstrated here with two complex numbers, z1 and z2. The output shows the results of these operations, illustrating how the components are combined mathematically.

Conclusion

The complex() function in Python simplifies the creation and manipulation of complex numbers. By understanding how to initiate and operate on complex numbers, you enable precise and efficient mathematical computations in your programs. Utilize this functionality to handle complex algebraic operations seamlessly and enhance the capabilities of your Python scripts. Whether for simulations, scientific calculations, or algorithm development, mastering complex numbers in Python is a valuable skill.