To graph the complex number a + bi, re-write 'a' and 'b' as an ordered pair (a, b).
Do not include the variable 'i' when writing 'bi' as an ordered pair. Only include the coefficient.
Then plot the ordered pair on the coordinate plane. Since this coordinate plane is dealing with the plotting of an imaginary number, 'bi', it is now referred to as a Complex Plane instead of the coordinate plane, even though they work the same way.
The x-axis is renamed as the "Real Number" axis while the y-axis is renamed the "Imaginary Number" axis.
Example: Plot the complex number 3 + 2i
a = 3, b = 2
Ordered Pair (a, b) = (3, 2)
Plot the point (3, 2) by moving three spaces to the right of the origin and two spaces up.
Then put a point at that location on the Complex Plane.
Example: Plot the complex number 5 - 4i
a = 5, b = -4
Ordered Pair (a, b) = (5, -4)
Plot the point (5, -4) by moving five spaces to the right of the origin and four spaces down.
Then put a point at that location on the Complex Plane.
Caution: If the complex number is not in Standard Form a + bi, then you must re-write the expression before assigning values to the ordered pair (a, b).
Example: Plot the complex number 3i + 6
Re-write it as: 6 + 3i
a = 6, b = 3
Ordered Pair (a, b) = (6, 3)
Plot the point (6, 3) by moving six spaces to the right of the origin and three spaces up.
Then put a point at that location on the Complex Plane.
