Chapter 10: Problem 17
Perform the following operations and express your answer in the form \(a+b i\). $$\left(\frac{2}{3}-\frac{1}{2} i\right) \div\left(\frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{2} i\right)$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplest form is \(-\frac{1}{13} - \frac{18}{13} i\).
Step by step solution
01
Write the Division as a Multiplication
To simplify the expression, consider dividing two complex numbers as multiplying by the reciprocal. So we have:\[\left(\frac{2}{3}-\frac{1}{2} i\right) \div \left(\frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{2} i\right) = \left(\frac{2}{3}-\frac{1}{2} i\right) \times \left(\frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{2} i\right)^{-1}\]
02
Find the Reciprocal of the Denominator
To find the reciprocal of the denominator \(\frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{2} i\), multiply it by its conjugate \(\frac{1}{3}-\frac{1}{2} i\) over itself:\[\left(\frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{2} i\right)^{-1} = \frac{\frac{1}{3}-\frac{1}{2} i}{\left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2}\]The denominator here simplifies by using the formula \(a^2 + b^2\) to \(\frac{1}{9} + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{4}{36} + \frac{9}{36} = \frac{13}{36}\).Thus, the reciprocal becomes:\[\left(\frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{2} i\right)^{-1} = \frac{\frac{1}{3}-\frac{1}{2} i}{\frac{13}{36}} = \frac{36}{13} \left(\frac{1}{3}-\frac{1}{2} i\right)\]
03
Multiply by the Reciprocal
Now multiply the two complex numbers:\[\left(\frac{2}{3}-\frac{1}{2} i\right) \times \frac{36}{13} \left(\frac{1}{3}-\frac{1}{2} i\right)\]Distribute the multiplication:\[= \frac{36}{13} \left(\left(\frac{2}{3}\right) \cdot \frac{1}{3} - \left(\frac{2}{3}\right) \cdot \frac{1}{2} i - \left(\frac{1}{2} i\right) \cdot \frac{1}{3} + \left(\frac{1}{2} i\right) \cdot \frac{1}{2} i\right)\]Simplify each part:\[= \frac{36}{13} \left(\frac{2}{9} - \frac{i}{3} - \frac{i}{6} - \frac{1}{4}\right)\]
04
Simplify the Expression
Combine like terms:- Real part: \(\frac{2}{9} - \frac{1}{4}\)- Imaginary part: \(-\frac{i}{3} - \frac{i}{6}\)Calculate the real part:\[\frac{2}{9} - \frac{1}{4} = \frac{8}{36} - \frac{9}{36} = -\frac{1}{36}\]Calculate the imaginary part:\[-\frac{i}{3} - \frac{i}{6} = -\frac{2i}{6} - \frac{i}{6} = -\frac{3i}{6} = -\frac{i}{2}\]Thus, the expression becomes:\[\frac{36}{13} \left(-\frac{1}{36} - \frac{i}{2}\right) = -\frac{1}{13} - \frac{18i}{13}\]
05
Present the Final Answer
The solution in the standard form \(a + bi\) is achieved by distributing the scalar \(\frac{36}{13}\) to each part of the simplified expression from Step 4, resulting in:\[-\frac{1}{13} - \frac{18i}{13}\]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Complex Division
When dividing complex numbers, we follow a process that turns division into multiplication by using the reciprocal of the denominator. This approach simplifies our computations and helps us express complex numbers in the standard form. Consider a complex number division task:
- Begin by rewriting the division as a multiplication with the reciprocal of the denominator.
- Understand that the reciprocal of a complex number involves both real and imaginary parts.
- By performing conjugate multiplication, we prepare the denominator for simplification.
Conjugate Multiplication
Conjugate multiplication is a clever technique used in complex number division. It's all about transforming the denominator by using the conjugate, which helps eliminate the imaginary part. Here's how it works:
- The conjugate of a complex number \(a + bi\) is \(a - bi\).
- Multiplying a complex number by its conjugate results in a real number, making it easier to divide.
- This simplifies the division because the imaginary parts cancel each other out.
Real and Imaginary Parts
In any complex number, there are two components to consider: the real part and the imaginary part. Understanding these parts is crucial in working with complex numbers:
- The real part is the non-imaginary component, represented as \(a\) in \(a + bi\).
- The imaginary part involves the imaginary unit \(i\), represented as \(bi\).
- Each operation we perform, whether addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division, must account for these two parts separately.
Standard Form \(a+bi\)
Expressing complex numbers in the standard form \(a + bi\) is essential for clarity and simplicity. This form clearly communicates both the real and imaginary parts:
- After performing operations on complex numbers, like division, ensure the result is expressed in this format.
- This involves simplifying and combining like terms from each part: \(a\) and \(bi\).
- Presenting the solution in \(a + bi\) makes interpretation straightforward, allowing others to easily identify the real and imaginary components.