The Python complex() method returns a complex number object. You can either pass a string argument to convert the string to a complex number, or you provide the real and imaginary parts to create a new complex number from those.
This article shows you how to use Python’s built-in complex() constructor. You’ll not only learn how to use it—but also why it is useless and what you should do instead in newer Python versions.
Usage
Learn by example! Here are some examples of how to use the complex() built-in function:
>>> complex(1, -2)
(1-2j)
>>> complex(2, -1)
(2-1j)
>>> complex(2, 2)
(2+2j)
>>> complex(1)
(1+0j)
>>> complex(2)
(2+0j)
>>> complex('42-21j')
(42-21j)Syntax Complex()
You can use the complex() method with three different argument lists.
Syntax:complex(real) # Imaginary Part is 0jcomplex(real, img) # Both real and imaginary part are givencomplex(string) # String has format 'x+yj' for real part x and imaginary part y.
| Arguments | real | The real part of the complex number |
img | The imaginary part of the complex number | |
string | A string defining the real and imaginary part in the form 'x+yj' or 'x+yJ' where x and y are integers for the real and imaginary parts. | |
| Return Value | complex | Returns a complex number. |
Video Complex()
Interactive Shell Exercise: Understanding Complex()
Consider the following interactive code:
Exercise: Guess the output before running the code.
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How to Create Complex Number Without complex()
Interestingly, you don’t need the complex() constructor to create a complex number! Instead, newer version of Python have built-in complex number support—just use the the syntax x+yj for real part x and imaginary part y to obtain a complex number.
a = 1+1j
b = 4+42j
c = 0+0j
print('Complex Numbers:')
print(a, b, c)
print('Types:')
print(type(a), type(b), type(c))
The output is:
Complex Numbers: (1+1j) (4+42j) 0j Types: <class 'complex'> <class 'complex'> <class 'complex'>
Summary
The Python complex() method returns a complex number object. To create a complex number:
- Pass a string argument to convert the string to a complex number, or
- Provide the real and imaginary parts to create a new complex number from those.
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