Plot Complex Numbers Game

Plot Complex Numbers Game
A complex number is written in the form z = a + bi. To plot it, you treat it as a coordinate pair (a, b).
The Real Axis (Horizontal): This replaces the x-axis. It represents the “real” part of the number (a).
The Imaginary Axis (Vertical): This replaces the y-axis. It represents the “imaginary” part of the number (b).
Scroll down the page for a more detailed explanation.
 
Check out these other Complex Numbers games:
Powers of i
Plot Complex Numbers

Add & Subtract Complex Numbers
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Magnitude of Complex Numbers
Distance between 2 Complex Numbers
Midpoint between 2 Complex Numbers
 

 

How to play the “Plot Complex Numbers Game”
Starting the Game
When you first open the game, you are presented with a Difficulty Menu:
Easy Mode (Small Grid): Grid is from -5 to +5.
Hard Mode (Large Grid): Grid is from -10 to +10

The Core Objective
You are given a complex number in the form z = a + bi. Your goal is to click the exact intersection on the Argand Plane where that number lives.
The Horizontal Axis (Real): Represents the a value.
The Vertical Axis (Imaginary): Represents the b value.

How to Plot Step-by-Step
Think of the complex number as a set of GPS coordinates (Real, Imaginary).
Read the Real Part (a):
Look at the first number. Start at the center (the origin) and move left (if negative) or right (if positive) along the horizontal line.
Read the Imaginary Part (bi):
Look at the number attached to the i. Move up (if positive) or down (if negative) along the vertical line.
The “Click”: Where those two paths meet is your target.

Example:
Plot z = 3 - 2i
Move 3 units to the right on the Real axis.
Move 2 units down on the Imaginary axis.
Click!

Progression
Score Tracking: Your current score (Correct/Total) is displayed in the top right corner.
Next Problem: After a selection is made, the “Next Problem” button appears to generate a fresh equation.
Main Menu: You can return to the menu at any time to switch difficulties.

Understanding the Feedback
This game uses visual cues to help you learn from mistakes:
Green Dot: This appears where the number actually belongs.
Red Dot: If you miss, this shows where you clicked, allowing you to see if you accidentally swapped the axes or messed up a negative sign.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid
The “i” Confusion:
Remember that the i is just a label for the vertical axis. If the problem says 5i, you move to 5 on the vertical line; you don’t need to do any math with i itself.
Purely Real/Imaginary:
If the number is just 5, the imaginary part is 0. Stay on the horizontal line.
If the number is just -3i, the real part is 0. Stay on the vertical line.

 

This video gives a clear, step-by-step approach to how to plot complex numbers.

• Show Video

 

Try out our new and fun Fraction Concoction Game.

Add and subtract fractions to make exciting fraction concoctions following a recipe. There are four levels of difficulty: Easy, medium, hard and insane. Practice the basics of fraction addition and subtraction or challenge yourself with the insane level.

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