Complex Numbers from A to ...Z

It is impossible to imagine modern mathematics without complex numbers. Complex Numbers from A to . . . Z introduces the reader to this fascinating subject that, from the time of L. Euler, has become one of the most utilized ideas in mathematics.


The exposition concentrates on key concepts and then elementary results concerning these numbers. The reader learns how complex numbers can be used to solve algebraic equations and to understand the geometric interpretation of complex numbers and the operations involving them.


The theoretical parts of the book are augmented with rich exercises and problems at various levels of difficulty. A special feature of the book is the last chapter, a selection of outstanding Olympiad and other important mathematical contest problems solved by employing the methods already presented.


The book reflects the unique experience of the authors. It distills a vast mathematical literature, most of which is unknown to the western public, and captures the essence of an abundant problem culture. The target audience includes undergraduates, high school students and their teachers, mathematical contestants (such as those training for Olympiads or the W. L. Putnam Mathematical Competition) and their coaches, as well as anyone interested in essential mathematics.

From the reviews:

"The book is a real treasure trove of nontrivial elementary key concepts and applications of complex numbers developed in a systematic manner with a focus on problem-solving techniques. Much of the book goes to geometric applications, of course, but there are also sections on polynomial equations, trigonometry, combinatorics.... Problems constitute an integral part of the book alongside theorems, lemmas and examples. The problems are embedded in the text throughout the book, partly as illustrations to the discussed concepts, partly as the testing grounds for the techniques just studied, but mostly I believe to emphasize the centrality of problem solving in the authors' world view.... The book is really about solving problems and developing tools that exploit properties of complex numbers.... The reader will find a good deal of elegant and simple sample problems and even a greater quantity of technically taxing ones. The book supplies many great tools to helpsolve those problems. As the techniques go, the book is truly From 'A to Z'."   —MAA

“It is for the readers who seek to harness new techniques and to polish their mastery of the old ones. It is for somebody who made it their business to be solving problems on a regular basis. These readers will appreciate the scope of the methodological detail the authors of the book bring to their attention, they will appreciate the power of the methods and theintricacy of the problems.”(MAA REVIEWS)

"This book is devoted to key concepts and elementary results concerning complex numbers. … It contains numerous exercises with hints and solutions. … The book will serve as a useful source for exercises for an introductory course on complex analysis." (F. Haslinger, Monatshefte für Mathematik, Vol. 149 (3), 2006)

"Both of the authors are well-known for their capacity of an integral point of view about mathematics: from the level of the school, through the university level, to the scientific results. The theory appears strictly connected with the problems, the hardest world contest included. Both of them have a very rich experience in preparing Olympic teams in Romania and in the United States.

"… A significant list of references and two indexes complete the book. I strongly recommend the book for pupils, students and teachers." —Dan Brânzei, Analele Stiintifice

"The main purpose of this book is to stimulate young people to become interested in mathematics … . This book is a very well written introduction to the theory of complex numbers and it contains a fine collection of excellent exercises … . the targeted audience is not standard and it ‘includes high school students and their teachers, undergraduates, mathematics contestants such as those training for Olympiads or the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition, their coaches, and any person interested in essential mathematics." (Vicentiu D. Radulescu, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1127 (4), 2008)

NA