Complex Number Multiplication as Vector Rotation and Scaling

Complex Number Multiplication as Vector Rotation and Scaling
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2012-06-02 17:10
This GeoGebra example demonstrates the geometric meaning of multiplying two complex numbers in the complex plane. It shows how the product is obtained by combining modulus scaling and argument addition, using complex vectors and labeled points. The construction uses ComplexVector to represent z_1 and z_2 as vectors u and v, ComplexMultiplication to compute the product w, and Point to mark key locations such as A, B, and C. It is suitable for high school mathematics, precalculus, linear algebra, or introductory complex analysis, and helps students connect algebraic multiplication with coordinate geometry, polar form, rotation, and scaling.

GeoGebra Commands & Parameters

  1. ComplexVector(z_2) → u
  2. ComplexVector(z_1) → v
  3. ComplexMultiplication(z_1, z_2) → A
  4. ComplexVector(A) → w
  5. Point(xAxis) → C