Chapter 7: Problem 1
Find the absolute value. $$|3-4 i|$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The absolute value is 5.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Absolute Value of a Complex Number
The absolute value (or modulus) of a complex number \( a + bi \) is given by the formula: \( \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} \). In the expression \( |3 - 4i| \), \( a = 3 \) and \( b = -4 \).
02
Calculating the Real Component Squared
Square the real component \( a \): \( 3^2 = 9 \).
03
Calculating the Imaginary Component Squared
Square the imaginary component \( b \): \( (-4)^2 = 16 \).
04
Adding the Squares of the Components
Add the squares of the real and imaginary components: \( 9 + 16 = 25 \).
05
Taking the Square Root
Take the square root of the sum obtained in the previous step: \( \sqrt{25} = 5 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
absolute value
The absolute value of a complex number is a way to express its size or magnitude. It is similar to the absolute value of real numbers, which shows the distance from zero on the number line.
However, for a complex number, it indicates the distance from the origin on the complex plane.
To find the absolute value of a complex number like (3 - 4i), we use the formula: \( \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} \). Here, \(a\) and \(b\) are the real and imaginary parts, respectively.
Thus, the absolute value of the complex number \(3 - 4i\) is 5.
However, for a complex number, it indicates the distance from the origin on the complex plane.
To find the absolute value of a complex number like (3 - 4i), we use the formula: \( \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} \). Here, \(a\) and \(b\) are the real and imaginary parts, respectively.
- For the real part, \(a = 3\).
- For the imaginary part, \(b = -4\).
Thus, the absolute value of the complex number \(3 - 4i\) is 5.
complex plane
The complex plane is a two-dimensional plane that helps us visualize complex numbers. Each point on this plane represents a complex number. The horizontal axis is the real axis, while the vertical axis represents the imaginary part.
Visualizing our complex number \(3 - 4i\), we can plot it by moving 3 units along the real axis (horizontal) and then 4 units downwards, as the imaginary component is negative.
In this graphical representation:
Visualizing our complex number \(3 - 4i\), we can plot it by moving 3 units along the real axis (horizontal) and then 4 units downwards, as the imaginary component is negative.
In this graphical representation:
- The x-axis (horizontal line) indicates real numbers.
- The y-axis (vertical line) represents imaginary numbers.
- The origin corresponds to complex number \(0 + 0i\), or zero.
modulus of a complex number
The modulus of a complex number is essentially another term for its absolute value. It represents the same concept: the distance from the origin on the complex plane.
To determine the modulus, we use the formula \( \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} \), just as with absolute values. For the complex number \(3 - 4i\), we have:
This consistency highlights the interchangeable use of these terms in complex number analysis.
To determine the modulus, we use the formula \( \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} \), just as with absolute values. For the complex number \(3 - 4i\), we have:
- Real part \( (a) = 3 \)
- Imaginary part \( (b) = -4 \)
This consistency highlights the interchangeable use of these terms in complex number analysis.