Cluster 1: Perform arithmetic operations with complex numbers. (Algebra 2 - Additional Cluster)Archived

This lesson unit is intended to help you assess how well students are able to:

• Use the properties of exponents, including rational exponents, and manipulate algebraic statements involving radicals.
• Discriminate between equations and identities.

There is also an opportunity to consider the role of the imaginary number , but this is optional.

Type: Lesson Plan

Students always ask, “What’s the point of complex numbers?” One application of complex numbers is cell phone signals and their wavelengths. This lesson introduces division of complex numbers by hooking students in with the topic of cell phones. Students will attempt to calculate a cell phone signal wavelength involving complex numbers and discover the use of complex conjugates. Then, students will practice with complex number division using a Kagan strategy called Rally Coach.  To conclude, students will use white boards and dry erase markers to review the concepts covered in class.

Type: Lesson Plan

This resource involves simplifying algebraic expressions that involve complex numbers and various algebraic operations.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

This video demonstrates how to multiply complex numbers using distributive property and FOIL method.

Type: Tutorial

This video will demonstrate how to subtract complex numbers.

Type: Tutorial

This video will demonstrate how to add complex numbers.

Type: Tutorial

This video gives an introduction to 'i' and imaginary numbers. From this tutorial, students will learn the rules of imaginary numbers.

Type: Tutorial

This learning video introduces students to the world of Fractal Geometry through the use of difference equations. As a prerequisite to this lesson, students would need two years of high school algebra (comfort with single variable equations) and motivation to learn basic complex arithmetic. Ms. Zager has included a complete introductory tutorial on complex arithmetic with homework assignments downloadable here. Also downloadable are some supplemental challenge problems. Time required to complete the core lesson is approximately one hour, and materials needed include a blackboard/whiteboard as well as space for students to work in small groups. During the in-class portions of this interactive lesson, students will brainstorm on the outcome of the chaos game and practice calculating trajectories of difference equations.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation