Can complex numbers store multiple values, such as position and velocity?

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SUMMARY

Complex numbers can store two real values, such as position and velocity, by using the format z = x + iy, where x represents position and y represents velocity. However, the exponential form, such as xe^{i\dot{x}}, is not suitable for this purpose due to the limited range of the imaginary part. For representing both position and velocity as vectors, quaternions are recommended over complex numbers, as they can accommodate multi-dimensional data more effectively.

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Horv
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Hello all!
I'm new in the forum, and in complex numbers so I sorry for my mistakes. I have some questions about complex numbers.

So can I store two values in complex number for e.g. a particle position and velocity, like xe^{i\dot{x}}? And if this works, after I get the complex number how can I get back the information of I stored in it? In the e.g. I want back the position of the particle?

Thanks for the answers.
 
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Welcome to PF, Horv! :)

You can store 2 real numbers x and y in a complex number by setting z=x+iy.
Or in your example ##z=x+i\dot x##.

The exponential form won't work for you, since the imaginary part of the exponent only has the range [0,2pi).

Position and velocity are usually vectors however.
And that won't fit in a complex number.
Then you would need an quaternion number.
 
Thank you! :)
 

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