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Complex numbers can be viewed in several ways: as an element in a field, as a point in the plane, and as a two-dimensional vector. Examined properly, each perspective provides crucial insight into the interrelations between the complex number system and its parent, the real number system. It explore these relationships by adopting both generalization and specialization methods to move from real variables to complex variables, and vice versa, while simultaneously examining their analytic and geometric characteristics, using geometry to illustrate analytic concepts and employing analysis to unravel geometric notions. The engaging exposition is replete with discussions, remarks, questions, and exercises, motivating not only understanding on the part of the reader, but also developing the tools needed to think critically about mathematical problems. This focus involves a careful examination of the methods and assumptions underlying various alternative routes that lead to the same destination.