Explain the meaning of absolute value of a complex number. What is the absolute value of –2 + 3i?

Question

anonymous · Answer

The absolute value of a complex number is that numbers distance from zero on a corrdinate axis...

anonymous · Answer

Okay that makes sence, how do you find it?

anonymous · Answer

using the pythagorean theorem you have sqrt( -2^2 + 3^2 ) = abs(-2+3i)

anonymous · Answer

the coordinate plane has a real component and an imaginary component, corresponding, respectivly, to the x and y axis of the more conventional version

anonymous · Answer

-2 is your "x" value and 3 is your "y" value, other wise this is a pythagorean theorem problem with a right triangle

anonymous · Answer

so the absolute value is 1?

anonymous · Answer

sqrt(-2^2 + 3^2) = sqrt(13)

anonymous · Answer

okay im confused now

anonymous · Answer

http://www.mathwarehouse.com/algebra/complex-number/absolute-value-complex-number.php

anonymous · Answer

how did you get the 13

anonymous · Answer

-2^2 = 4 and 3^2 = 9, so -2^2+3^2 = 13