First time here? Check out the FAQ!

Ask Your Question
1

Should I use numpy and cython for complex numbers?

asked 8 years ago

anonymous user

Anonymous

Here is the problem:

if I try this:

var('z')
z = 1+2*I
type(z)
<type 'sage.symbolic.expression.Expression'>

So, it isn't a complex number. BUT, if I do this:

I = CC.0
z = 1+2*I
type(z)

then I get a complex number

<type 'sage.rings.complex_number.ComplexNumber'>

Should I use numpy and cython for complex numbers?

Preview: (hide)

1 Answer

Sort by » oldest newest most voted
2

answered 8 years ago

tmonteil gravatar image

updated 8 years ago

It depends on what kind of complex number you want. Sage provide tons, you do not need numpy, cython or whatever. Here are some examples (these are not the only ones):

With

sage: z = 1+2*I
sage: z.parent()
Symbolic Ring

You indeed get symbolic representation of a complex number, so you can do symboloc things such as:

sage: exp(pi*z).simplify()
e^pi

WIth

sage: z = 1+2*CDF.0
sage: z.parent()
Complex Double Field

You get a fast numerical representation of your complex number (you should prefer CDF over CC since both have the same precision, but CDF takes the advantage of the CPU floating-point arithmetics, and the functions you will call from it will use optimized libraries).

With

sage: z = 1+2*ComplexIntervalField(1000).0
sage: z.parent()
Complex Interval Field with 1000 bits of precision

You get a certified numerical representation of your complex number with high precision (interval arithmetics).

With

sage: z = 1+2*QQbar.0
sage: z.parent()
Algebraic Field

You get an algebraic (hence exact) representation of your complex number (but pi does not exist here).

With

sage: z = 1+2*ZZ[i].1
sage: z.parent()
Gaussian Integers in Number Field in I with defining polynomial x^2 + 1

You get a Gaussian integer.

And so on...

Now, you just have to decide what do you want to do with z to select an appropriate representation.

Preview: (hide)
link

Your Answer

Please start posting anonymously - your entry will be published after you log in or create a new account.

Add Answer

Question Tools

1 follower

Stats

Asked: 8 years ago

Seen: 741 times

Last updated: Aug 20 '16