AoPSWiki
Looking for a challenging algebra text? Preparing for MATHCOUNTS or the AMC exams?
Check out Art of Problem Solving's Introduction to Algebra by Richard Rusczyk.
Personal tools

Real part

From AoPSWiki

Any complex number z can be written in the form z = a + bi where i = \sqrt{-1} is the imaginary unit and a and b are real numbers. Then the real part of z, usually denoted \Re (z) or \mathrm{Re} (z), is just the value a.

Geometrically, if a complex number is plotted in the complex plane, its real part is its x-coordinate (abscissa).

A complex number z is real exactly when z = \mathrm{Re}(z).

The function \mathrm{Re} can also be defined in terms of the complex conjugate \overline z of z: \mathrm{Re}(z) = \frac{z + \overline z}2. (Recall that if z = a + bi, \overline z = a - bi).

Examples

  • \mathrm{Re}(3 + 4i) = 3
  • \mathrm{Re}(4(\cos \frac \pi6 + i \sin \frac\pi 6)) = 4 \cos \frac \pi 6 = 2\sqrt 3
  • \mathrm{Re}(4e^{\frac {\pi i}6}) = \mathrm{Re}(4(\cos \frac \pi6 + i \sin \frac\pi 6)) = 2\sqrt 3

Practice Problem 1

Find the conditions on w and z so that \mathrm{Re}(w\cdot z) = \mathrm{Re}(w) \cdot \mathrm{Re}(z).

Solution


See Also

Want to learn how to tackle those tough AMC/AIME/Olympiad algebra problems? Check out Art of Problem Solving's Intermediate Algebra by Richard Rusczyk and Mathew Crawford. Over 1600 problems!
© Copyright 2008 AoPS Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. • FoundationPrivacyContact Us