Chapter 8: Problem 52
Find the following products. \((2+7 i)(2-7 i)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
(2+7i)(2-7i) = 53.
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Form
The expression \((2+7i)(2-7i)\) is in the form \((a+bi)(a-bi)\), which is known as the difference of squares.
02
Apply the Difference of Squares Identity
The difference of squares states that \((a+bi)(a-bi) = a^2 - (bi)^2\). Here, \(a=2\) and \(b=7\).
03
Calculate \(a^2\)
Calculate \(a^2 = 2^2 = 4\).
04
Calculate \((bi)^2\)
Calculate \((bi)^2 = (7i)^2 = 49i^2\). Recall that \(i^2=-1\), so \(49i^2 = 49(-1) = -49\).
05
Substitute and Simplify
Substitute the values into the difference of squares formula: \(a^2 - (bi)^2 = 4 - (-49)\). Simplify to obtain \(4 + 49 = 53\).
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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 powerful algebraic identity that can make multiplying certain expressions much easier. When we see an expression like \((a+bi)(a-bi)\), it fits perfectly into this identity.
- It is called the "difference of squares" because it involves two terms squared and their difference: \(a^2 - (bi)^2\).
- This formula works for any two numbers or expressions of this form, not just real numbers.
- It simplifies the multiplication by turning it into a subtraction problem, which is often easier to compute.
Imaginary Unit
The imaginary unit, denoted as \(i\), is a fundamental concept in complex numbers. It is defined by the property \(i^2 = -1\).
- This means that whenever we see \(i^2\) in an expression, we can replace it with \(-1\).
- This substitution is key to simplifying complex number expressions, especially when they involve powers of \(i\).
- In the difference of squares problem, we encounter \((7i)^2\). By applying the property of the imaginary unit, this becomes \(49i^2 = 49(-1) = -49\).
Complex Multiplication
Complex multiplication involves multiplying two complex numbers in the standard form \(a+bi\). This process combines both the real and imaginary parts each number has.
- Each term in the first complex number multiplies by each term in the second complex number, resulting in four products.
- These products are then combined, and any powers of \(i\) are simplified using the property \(i^2 = -1\).