How to graph complex number fractions

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies how to graph the complex number fraction (3+4i)/25 on the complex plane. The correct representation involves identifying the x-coordinate as 3/25 and the y-coordinate as 4/25, emphasizing that the y-coordinate must be a real number, not an imaginary one. Participants agree that the intersection of the vertical line at 3/25 and the horizontal line at 4/25 accurately depicts the complex number.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex numbers and their representation
  • Familiarity with the complex plane
  • Basic knowledge of graphing coordinates
  • Ability to differentiate between real and imaginary numbers
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of complex numbers and their graphical representation
  • Learn how to plot complex numbers using software tools like Desmos or GeoGebra
  • Explore the concept of complex conjugates and their significance in graphing
  • Investigate the use of polar coordinates for representing complex numbers
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying complex analysis, educators teaching graphing techniques, and anyone interested in visualizing complex numbers.

Raerin
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If I'm graphing (3+4i)/25, would the x-point be 3/25 and the y-point be 4i/25?
 
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Raerin said:
If I'm graphing (3+4i)/25, would the x-point be 3/25 and the y-point be 4i/25?

Hi Raerin, :)

If you are marking the complex number \(\frac{3}{25}+i\frac{4}{25}\) on a complex plane you will have your real numbers on the x-axis and your imaginary numbers on your y-axis. First you will have to find \(\frac{3}{25}\) on the x-axis, draw a vertical line through that point. Then find \(\frac{4}{25}\) on the y-axis and draw a horizontal line through that point. The point where these two lines intersect would represent the complex number \(\frac{3}{25}+i \frac{4}{25}\).
 
Raerin said:
If I'm graphing (3+4i)/25, would the x-point be 3/25 and the y-point be 4i/25?
No quite but almost. You are just saying it wrong. It not "x point" and "y point" but "x coordinate" and "y coordinate" of the single point representing the complex number.

The x coordinate is 3/25 and the y coordinate is 4/25 (NOT "4i/25": numbers on the graph, being distances on a line, are real, not imaginary).

In general, the point representing a+ bi is (a, b), with x coordinate a and y coordinate b.
 

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