Complex Numbers Part Imaginary, but Really Simple

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Published 2015-03-12

In this BLOSSOMS lesson, Professor Gilbert Strang introduces complex numbers in his inimitably crystal clear style. The class can go from no exposure to complex numbers all the way to Euler’s famous formula and even the Mandelbrot set, all in one lesson that is likely to require two 50-minute class sessions. Complex numbers have the form x + iy with a "real part" x and an "imaginary part" y and that famous imaginary number i, where i is the unreal square root of -1. Professor Strang shows that we should not worry about i, just work with the rule i^2 = -1. Professor Strang can hardly control his excitement as he presents these results to the class. That enthusiasm is bound to transfer over to the students. The breaks between video segments challenge the students to work through examples, assuring that they have captured the essence of the previous discussion of complex numbers. The lesson sets the foundation for the students to move further in their understanding and working with complex numbers.

All Comments (21)

@nostalgia.haneen9421 6 years ago

thank you I really feel happy with your lessons teacher I am a Muslim girl and in my country if we loved some one we pray for him by saying " may god give you more healthy life full of happiness without sadness "
@cyberlightbeing 8 years ago

This man is such a brilliant teacher! I wish I had access to his teachings 40 years ago, thank you!
@IntelligentDiscussion 7 years ago

I had to pause the video because I was so distracted at how much respect and love I have for this professor. Odd how you can tell when someone is a great human being, I know he'd never judge me for who I am, possibly except for my math skills, and even then he'd probably merely try to help me.
@powersoffour8152 4 years ago

Honestly, this man is a true inspiration - so clear and elegant with his explanations.
@neurolife77 4 years ago

I was watching Prof Strang's lectures on Linear Algebra from MIT opencourseware and was puzzled with the reference to imaginary numbers. I don't have any background on them, so I decided to pause on it and try to get info about that. Imagine how happy I was to find this video sitting first on a youtube search for: "complex numbers mit opencourseware" ! I love math, but this guy makes it awsome! Great teacher, thank you!
@s9300097 6 years ago

This lecturer wrote many books I used throughout my study of mathematics. Wish he tutored me at the universities I attended. Great teacher and a huge thank you.
@SciHeartJourney 3 years ago

Thank you Professor Strang! You really changed my life. I've had so much career success following your lectures online.
@damnson1356 3 years ago

best teacher i could have ever had . much respect. wish you all the best and only health and blessings may come your way. Only happy times. Stay safe professor.
@georgesadler7830 2 years ago

Professor Strang, thank you for another beautiful lecture on complex numbers, Euler's famous formulas and the Mandelbrot set. In science and engineering ,Euler's famous formula is king.
@mathsmaths3127 3 years ago

You are humble ,down to earth and a teacher of superb understanding . Thank you so much Sir for teaching us in such a wonderful way. Thankyou so much Sir
@madhushreebhagwat7877 4 years ago

i think we have lot of videos in youtube also from India not only about this concept but also for many other concept. but difference is that in our country we focus more on showoff which only helps for the companies to grow and not the students, students need these type of classes and lecture which have less showoff and provide a wonderful platform to learn the required concept more than a platform to waste their data. thank you sir for your wonderful lecture
@se2702 2 years ago

What an amazing thing to be able to have a math lesson from this brilliant - world renowned professor. Absolutely wonderful man!!
@epakal 5 years ago

Prof. Strang, awesome as always. Best!
@Matchless_gift 5 years ago

Sir you are God gifted teacher for us.we are lucky to have you as professor
@tapologomabotho4366 3 years ago

This is amazing!! I just love maths. Thanks prof. You're the best! I wish I had a prof like you back in college
@j_adam9071 2 years ago

Thanks very much professor your contribution to science and knowledge is 100% certified phenomenal. Thanks 🙏
@VeraPastaEthiopia 4 years ago

Real nice & to the point introduction to imaginary numbers, i wish you would say something as to why people started to bother about complex numbers, what are their applications ?? Love you Sir, Thank you!!
@2002budokan 7 years ago

Gil has enchanted us again. Amazing lecture, thank you!
@muhammmadkashif6784 3 years ago

The GOAT 🐐 of professors.
@teddygraham7599 4 years ago

Thank you professor, you have taught me so much.