Algebraic form
In algebraic form (or rectangular form), a complex number is represented as
Explanation
A complex number corresponds with a point in the complex plane. It consists of the real numbers a and b, and is written as
where a is a real number and bi is an imaginary number. They can normally be used in calculations.
Every real number is also a complex number, because x = x + 0i. Also i itself is a complex number, because i = 0 + 1i. The real numbers are then a = 0 and b = 1. The imaginary unit i has only an imaginary part, and has therefore no real value.