Chapter 1: Problem 14
Write the expression in the form \(a+b i,\) where \(a\) and \(b\) are real numbers. $$(4+9 i)(4-9 i)$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The expression simplifies to 97.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Form
The given expression is in the form \( (a+bi)(a-bi) \), where \( a = 4 \) and \( b = 9 \). This matches the formula for the difference of squares of complex numbers.
02
Apply the Difference of Squares Formula
Use the identity \((a+bi)(a-bi) = a^2 - (bi)^2\). Here, \( a = 4 \) and \( b = 9 \).
03
Calculate \(a^2\)
Find the square of the real part: \( a^2 = 4^2 = 16 \).
04
Calculate \((bi)^2\)
Compute the square of the imaginary part: \((bi)^2 = (9i)^2 = 81i^2\). Recall that \( i^2 = -1 \), so \( 81i^2 = 81(-1) = -81 \).
05
Combine the Results
Subtract the result of the imaginary square from the real square: \( 16 - (-81) = 16 + 81 = 97. \)The expression in the form \( a + bi \) is \( 97 + 0i \), which simplifies to \( 97 \) since the imaginary part is zero.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Difference of Squares
The difference of squares is a mathematical technique used to simplify expressions by utilizing the identity \( (a+b)(a-b) = a^2 - b^2 \). In the context of complex numbers, this identity also applies when dealing with expressions like \((a+bi)(a-bi)\), where the portions \(bi\) and \(-bi\) represent the imaginary components.
- The formula transforms into \(a^2 - (bi)^2\).
- This can further simplify complex expressions into a form that reveals their real and imaginary parts clearly.
Imaginary Unit
The imaginary unit, denoted by \(i\), is a fundamental concept in complex numbers. It is defined by the property \(i^2 = -1\). This unique characteristic allows us to work with numbers that aren't purely real.
- It helps in converting negative squares, a concept that doesn't exist in the realm of real numbers, into meaningful quantities.
- When squaring an imaginary number, \((bi)^2\), it transforms through \(b^2i^2 = b^2(-1)\), ultimately turning a negative imaginary squared value into a real one.
Real and Imaginary Parts
In complex numbers, every number is expressed in the form \(a + bi\), where \(a\) is the real part and \(bi\) is the imaginary part. Identifying and separating these parts help in simplifying and working with complex expressions.
- The real part represents the position of the number along the horizontal axis in the complex plane.
- The imaginary part influences the vertical axis, showcasing the number's imaginary magnitude.