Python complex() Function

This article covers the use of the Python complex Function.

This article covers the use of the python complex function and it’s uses complete with examples.

A complex number is a number that can be expressed in the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers, and i is a solution of the equation x² = −1. Because no real number satisfies this equation, i is called an imaginary number.

The complex function takes integers or strings as inputs and returns an appropriate complex number. Attempting to pass a inappropriate value will possibly result in a ValueError.

Syntax

complex(real, imag)

The complex() takes two parameters, real and imag.

real, The real part of the number. If left empty, will take the default value of 0.
imag, The imaginary part of the number. If left empty will take the default of 0.

You can also choose to pass a single string instead of two numbers. See the examples below for clarification.

Example 1

>>> complex(3)
(3+0j)

>>> complex(0,7)
7j

>>> complex(3,4)
(3+4j)

>>> complex(-3,-2)
(-3-2j)

Example 2

>>> complex('3+4j')
(3+4j)

>>> complex('5-2j')
(5-2j)

Conjugates

The conjugate of a complex number can be thought of it’s opposite. The conjugate of a complex number is found by multiplying the imaginary part by the - sign. Any complex number returned from the complex() function can have the conjugate() function applied to it.

>>> a = complex(3+4j)
>>> a.conjugate()
(3-4j)

>>> b = complex(5-1j)
>>> b.conjugate()
(5+1j)

This marks the end of the Python complex Function. Any suggestions or contributions for CodersLegacy are more than welcome. Questions can be asked in the comment section below.

Here’s a link back to the main Python Built-in Functions page.