COMPLEX NUMBERS Polar Form Conversions (Page 1 of 11)

There are a number of ways on the TI-83/84 to convert complex numbers from rectangular form to polar form, and vice versa. We will begin with some alternatives for converting from rectangular to polar form.

To find the modulus, r, of a complex number, we can use the abs command found in the MATH CPX submenu. This is the same command that is found in the NUM submenu for calculating absolute values of real number expressions.

Let's begin by finding the modulus for the complex number -1-sqrt(3)*i (the i is not inside the radical symbol).

 2nd QUIT key. CLEAR key.

 MATH key. Right arrow key. Right arrow key. 5: menu selection. Negation key. 1 Minus key. 2nd Square root key. 3 Right parenthesis key. 2nd i key.
 Right parenthesis key. ENTER key.

 Calculator screen image.
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