Chapter 3: Problem 65
Multiply as indicated. Write each product in standard form. $$(\sqrt{6}+i)(\sqrt{6}-i)$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The product is 7.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Structure
The expression \((\sqrt{6} + i)(\sqrt{6} - i)\) is in the form of a conjugate pair, \((a + bi)(a - bi)\), where \(a = \sqrt{6}\) and \(b = 1\). This is a special product called the difference of squares.
02
Apply the Difference of Squares Formula
The difference of squares formula is \((a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2\). For complex numbers, when multiplying a conjugate pair, the result is \(a^2 + b^2\) when considering \(i^2 = -1\).
03
Calculate \(a^2\)
Calculate \(a^2\) where \(a = \sqrt{6}\). So, \(a^2 = (\sqrt{6})^2 = 6\).
04
Calculate \(b^2\)
Calculate \(b^2\) where \(b = 1\). So, \(b^2 = (1)^2 = 1\).
05
Combine Results
According to the modified difference of squares for complex numbers, the product is \(a^2 + b^2\). Substitute \(a^2 = 6\) and \(b^2 = 1\) to get the result: \(6 + 1 = 7\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Conjugate Pairs
Complex numbers often come in pairs, known as conjugate pairs. When a complex number is expressed in the form \(a + bi\), its conjugate pair is \(a - bi\). These pairs have a special property that makes them very interesting.
- When multiplied together, the imaginary components \((bi)\) cancel each other out.
- This results in a simplified expression that is purely real.
Difference of Squares
The difference of squares is a powerful algebraic identity, expressed as \((a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2\). However, when dealing with complex numbers, there is a slight twist.
- For complex conjugate pairs \((a + bi)(a - bi)\), the identity modifies to \(a^2 + b^2\) because \(i^2 = -1\).
- This means the imaginary contribution becomes positive when squaring the imaginary part.
Standard Form
The standard form for a complex number is expressed as \(a + bi\), where \(a\) and \(b\) are real numbers. This is the typical way to present complex numbers, making it easy to understand both their real and imaginary components.
- Even after performing operations like multiplication, results are typically returned to standard form.
- This ensures clarity and uniformity in the way complex numbers are reported.