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Using Complex Numbers

Problem

You wish to manipulate complex numbers (i.e., numbers with both a real and imaginary component.) This is commonly needed in engineering, science, and mathematics.

Solution

Use the built in complex number type

> (define a 15e7+3i)
> a
150000000.0+3.0i
> (+ 1 a)
150000001.0+3.0i
> (complex? a)
#t
> (define b 14e-4+157.2i)
> b
0.0014+157.2i
> (* a b)
209528.4+23580000000.0042i
> 

Discussion

Complex numbers are completely supported in Scheme. Just about all mathematical functions will properly process these data types.

> (sqrt 2095.4+23.042i)
45.776231203995906+0.25168083297766786i
> (tan 15-172i)
0.0-1.0i

See Also