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

AI Thread 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, using the exponential form, such as xe^{i\dot{x}}, is not suitable because the imaginary part of the exponent is limited to a range of [0, 2π). It's important to note that position and velocity are typically treated as vectors, which cannot be adequately represented by complex numbers. For more complex representations, quaternions may be a better choice. Understanding these limitations is crucial for effectively utilizing complex numbers in physics.
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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