How Do You Simplify Conjugate Expressions?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying conjugate expressions, specifically focusing on the multiplication and division of complex numbers. Participants are addressing two main problems involving complex multiplication and division.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the FOIL method for multiplication and the process of simplifying complex fractions. There are questions about the correctness of their simplifications and the steps involved in handling imaginary numbers.

Discussion Status

Some participants confirm the correctness of each other's results, while others express uncertainty about specific steps in the division of complex numbers. Guidance is offered regarding the properties of imaginary numbers, and there is a general exploration of methods to simplify the expressions.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need to multiply by the conjugate in division problems and express some confusion about the division process involving imaginary numbers. There is also a reference to the use of LaTeX for formatting mathematical expressions.

aisha
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1) (-7+20)(-10-3i)

2) (-2-5i)/(3+4i)

I don't think I did these two questions right does anyone know how?
 
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Multiply with 1, written in terms of the conjugate expressions of the denominators.
 
I simplified (-7+2i)(-10-3i) and got 76+i is this correct?
 
yes, that is correct.
 
1) (-7+20)(-10-3i)

Step 1.) FOIL the Problem
Step 2.) Simplify from there (Do addition Subtraction etc.)

2) (-2-5i)/(3+4i)

I forgot how to do division with imaginary numbers :eek: I'll try to look it back up and give you some help
 
All you need to know to solve these sort of problems is that:
[tex]i=\sqrt{-1}[/tex]
[tex]i^2 = -1[/tex]
[tex]i^3 = -i[/tex]
[tex]i^4 = 1[/tex] and the cycle repeats

so to take your question:
[tex](-7+2i)(-10-3i)[/tex]
[tex]70+21i-20i-6i^2[/tex]
[tex]76+i[/tex]

you did in fact do it correctly.
 
hey, for that latex all i have 2 do is put [-code-] the code and end. Correct?
let me try.
seems i have 2 put latex
[tex]\theta[/tex]
 
Last edited:
HawKMX2004 said:
1) (-7+20)(-10-3i)

Step 1.) FOIL the Problem
Step 2.) Simplify from there (Do addition Subtraction etc.)

2) (-2-5i)/(3+4i)

I forgot how to do division with imaginary numbers :eek: I'll try to look it back up and give you some help

Thanks for taking the time to look it up, and thanks everyone who told me the first one is right what a relief! :eek: For simplifying (-2-5i) / by (3+4i) I got (-26-7i)/25 as my final answer can someone tell me is this right? :frown:
 
Last edited:
yes you are right again
(-2-5i)/(3+4i) does equal (-26-7i)/25
 
  • #10
Yay!

vladimir69 said:
yes you are right again
(-2-5i)/(3+4i) does equal (-26-7i)/25

Thanks sooo much! :-p If anyone has any objections they may still speak :smile:
 

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