Complex Conjugate Calculator

Complex Conjugate Calculator

Find the complex conjugate of any complex number by reflecting it across the real axis. Perfect for simplifying complex expressions, solving polynomial equations, and electrical engineering calculations.

Last updated: 2026-05-24T22:58:31.818Z | By ForgeCalc Engineering

Complex Number Input

The real component of your complex number

The imaginary component (coefficient of i)

Original Complex Number

3 + 4i

Complex Conjugate

3 - 4i

Enter real and imaginary components; the conjugate flips the sign of the imaginary component.

What is a Complex Conjugate?

Definition

The complex conjugate of a complex number is found by changing the sign of its imaginary part. If z = a + bi, then its conjugate z̄ = a - bi. Geometrically, this represents a reflection across the real axis on the complex plane.

Key Property

When a complex number is multiplied by its conjugate, the result is always a real number equal to the square of its magnitude: z · z̄ = (a + bi)(a - bi) = a² + b².

Applications & Examples

Original Complex Number

3 + 4i

Conjugate

3 - 4i

Product: 25

Original Complex Number

5 - 2i

Conjugate

5 + 2i

Product: 29

Original Complex Number

-1 + i

Conjugate

-1 - i

Product: 2

Original Complex Number

2i

Conjugate

-2i

Product: 4

Properties of Complex Conjugates

Sum Property

(z₁ + z₂)̄ = z̄₁ + z̄₂

The conjugate of a sum equals the sum of conjugates

Product Property

(z₁ · z₂)̄ = z̄₁ · z̄₂

The conjugate of a product equals the product of conjugates

Quotient Property

(z₁ / z₂)̄ = z̄₁ / z̄₂

The conjugate of a quotient equals the quotient of conjugates

Double Conjugate

(z̄)̄ = z

The conjugate of a conjugate returns the original number

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when you multiply a complex number by its conjugate?

The result is always a real number equal to the square of its magnitude: (a + bi)(a - bi) = a² + b². For example, (3 + 4i)(3 - 4i) = 9 + 16 = 25.

Is the conjugate of a real number the same?

Yes! Real numbers have no imaginary part (b = 0), so the conjugate of a real number is itself. For example, the conjugate of 5 is 5.

How are conjugates used to divide complex numbers?

To divide complex numbers, multiply both numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator. This eliminates the imaginary part from the denominator.

Why are complex conjugates important in engineering?

They're essential in electrical engineering for AC circuits, signal processing, and control systems. Conjugates help simplify calculations involving impedance and frequency responses.

How do I find the conjugate geometrically?

On the complex plane (Argand diagram), the conjugate of a point is its reflection across the real (horizontal) axis. The real part stays the same, the imaginary part's sign flips.

What's the relationship between a number and its conjugate's magnitude?

A complex number and its conjugate have the same magnitude (distance from origin). If z has magnitude r, then its conjugate z̄ also has magnitude r.

Key Formulas & Concepts

Complex Conjugate Formula

z = a + bi → z̄ = a - bi

Multiplication by Conjugate

z · z̄ = (a + bi)(a - bi) = a² + b² = |z|²

Division Using Conjugates

z₁ / z₂ = (z₁ · z̄₂) / (z₂ · z̄₂) = (z₁ · z̄₂) / |z₂|²

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