MATLAB: Error in Vector Multiplication of Complex Numbers

complex multiplicationMATLAB

Hello,
I am running into a strange error in vector multiplication. Let's say I have the two variables, a = 2i and b = 1. It is clear that a^2+b^2 = -4+1 = -3.
However, when I write them in vector form, [a,b]*[a,b]', Matlab gives me an wrong answer, that is, [a,b]*[a,b]' = 5.
Does anyone know what's happening here, or do I miss some logics behind?
Thank you!

Best Answer

>> [a,b]*[a;b]
ans =
    -3
>> [a,b]*[a,b].'
ans =
    -3
>> [a,b]*transpose([a,b])
ans =
    -3
>> [a,b].'
ans =
            0 +          2i
            1 +          0i
>> [a,b]'
ans =
            0 -          2i
            1 +          0i
>> transpose([a,b])
ans =
            0 +          2i
            1 +          0i
>> ctranspose([a,b])
ans =
            0 -          2i
            1 +          0i
>>
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