Microsoft/calculator

Add support for imaginary numbers

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#613 opened on Aug 2, 2019

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EnhancementPri: 2help wantedneeds spec

Description

Problem Statement Windows Calculator currently does not support imaginary numbers. Instead, we show "Invalid input":

image

Evidence or User Insights The complex number system is part of US high school common core curriculum. According to some reports in the Math Educators Stack Exchange, complex numbers are taught in at least some high school level math and science courses in China, Norway, Italy, India, Israel, and the UK.

Proposal Add support for imaginary numbers in Scientific mode of Windows Calculator.

Goals

  • Add support for output that includes imaginary numbers (e.g., √(-16) = 4 i)
  • Add support for inputting expressions with imaginary numbers (e.g., i2 = -1)
  • Add i to the keyboard

Non-Goals

  • Support for imaginary numbers outside of Scientific mode

Low-Fidelity Concept image

Requested Assignment I'm just suggesting this idea. I don't want to implement it.

Contributor guide

Tech stack
cpp
Domain
desktop
Issue type
feature
DifficultyEstimated implementation difficulty for a new contributor, from 1 for very small changes to 5 for expert-level work.
3
Estimated timeA rough time range for an experienced contributor to investigate, implement, test, and prepare a pull request.
3-5 days
Activity statusHow available the issue appears right now: fresh, active, stale, blocked, or waiting on maintainer input.
stale
ClarityHow clearly the issue explains the expected change, acceptance criteria, and next step.
clear
Prerequisites
C++ programmingComplex number mathematicsWindows Calculator codebase
Newbie friendlinessA 1-100 score estimating how approachable this issue is for first-time contributors.
60
Research direction
Examine the Windows Calculator source code, particularly the scientific mode computation engine. Identify where currently invalid inputs like √( 16) are handled and how to extend to support complex numbers. Look at existing number representation and display logic. No linked PRs or maintainer questions visible.