phase 
returns the phase 
of number (the angle part of its polar representation)
in radians, in the range 
- pi  (exclusive) if minus zero is not supported, or 
- pi  (inclusive) if minus zero is supported, 
to  pi  (inclusive).  The phase of a positive 
real
number
is zero; that of a negative 
real
number is  pi .
The phase of zero is defined to be zero.
If number is a complex float,  
the result is a float of the same type 
as the components of number.
If number is a float, the result is a
float of the same type.
If number is a rational or a complex rational,
the result is a single float.  
The branch cut for phase lies along the negative real
axis, continuous with quadrant II.  The range consists of that portion of
the real axis between - pi  (exclusive) and  pi  (inclusive).
The mathematical definition of phase is as follows:
(phase x) = (atan (imagpart x) (realpart x))