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ERIC Number: EJ1043747
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1744-2710
EISSN: N/A
Visualizing the Arithmetic of Complex Numbers
Soto-Johnson, Hortensia
International Journal for Technology in Mathematics Education, v21 n3 p103-114 2014
The Common Core State Standards Initiative stresses the importance of developing a geometric and algebraic understanding of complex numbers in their different forms (i.e., Cartesian, polar and exponential). Unfortunately, most high school textbooks do not offer such explanations much less exercises that encourage students to bridge geometric and algebraic representations. The purpose of this article is to share Geometer's Sketchpad labs, where students can unearth a geometric interpretation of the arithmetic of complex numbers and their relationship to transformations. With dynamic technologies, students can discover that (1) addition and subtraction of complex numbers corresponds to a translation of the complex plane, (2) multiplication corresponds to a rotation and dilation of the complex plane, and (3) division of complex numbers corresponds to the composition of a reflection about the real axis and dilation of the complex plane. Furthermore, I illustrate how such activities may potentially enrich classroom dialogue.
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A