| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Hex Value | $2C |
| Categories | |
| Localizations |
|
𝑖
Overview
Returns the complex number i.
Comment:Complex i
Availability: Token available everywhere.
Syntax
i
Location
2nd, 𝑖
Description
The 𝑖 symbol is short for √(-1), and is used for complex numbers in algebra and complex analysis. On the calculator, entering 𝑖 will not cause an error, even in Real mode, but operations that result in a complex number (such as taking the square root of a negative number) will. If you're dealing with complex numbers, then, it's best to switch to a+b𝑖 or r𝑒^θ𝑖 mode.
Advanced Uses
By using 𝑖 in a calculation, the calculator switches to complex number mode to do it, even if in Real mode. So √(-1) will throw an ERR:NONREAL ANS, but √(0𝑖-1) will not (even though it's the same number). This can be used to force calculations to be done using complex numbers regardless of the mode setting — usually by adding or subtracting 0𝑖, although more clever ways can be found.
A good example of this technique is our Quadratic Formula routine.
Related Commands
See Also
Source: parts of this page were written by the following TI|BD contributors: burr, CloudVariable, DarkerLine, GoVegan.
History
| Calculator | OS Version | Description |
|---|---|---|
| TI-82 | 1.0 | Added |