Complex Numbers and Standard Form Operations

This page provides a detailed exploration of complex number operations and their standard form representations. The content covers fundamental operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and working with complex conjugates.

Definition: A complex number is expressed in standard form as a + bi, where a represents the real part and b represents the imaginary coefficient.

Example: When adding complex numbers (-11 + 3i) + (9 + 2i), combine like terms:

• Real parts: -11 + 9 = -2
• Imaginary parts: 3i + 2i = 5i
• Result: -2 + 5i

Highlight: When multiplying complex numbers, use the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last) and remember that i² = -1.

Example: For multiplying (7 + i)(4 - i):

• First: 7 × 4 = 28
• Outer: 7 × (-i) = -7i
• Inner: i × 4 = 4i
• Last: i × (-i) = -i²
• Combine terms: 28 - 7i + 4i + 1 = 29 - 3i

Vocabulary: Complex conjugates are pairs of complex numbers where the imaginary parts are opposites, such as (8 + i) and (8 - i).