Algebra 101, and some about complex numbers

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Keba
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Homework Statement


I was looking up complex numbers and the guy on YouTube made something similar to this equation:
i=-1
c^2-(d^2*i^2) = c^2+d^2

( - 2:55)

Homework Equations


I do not understand why it is "c^2+d^2" and not "c^2-d^2"
I would like a detailed explanation, as I might have misunderstood algebra somehow

The Attempt at a Solution


I would do this to find a solution
c^2-(d^2*i^2)
c^2-(d^2*(-1)^2)
c^2-(d^2*1)
c^2-d^2
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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The general form of a complex nr is ;a+bi, where i is the imaginary.

it is the square root of negative one, that is:

[tex]\sqrt{-1}=i=>i^2=-1[/tex] now going back to what u have there

[tex]c^2-(d^2i^2)=c^2-(d^2(-1))=c^2+d^2[/tex]
 
I see, so my problem wasn't with algebra but with my understanding of complex numbers.
Then it makes perfect sense! I thank you good sir =P
 
Keba said:

Homework Statement


I was looking up complex numbers and the guy on YouTube made something similar to this equation:
i=-1
Here was your error. i is NOT -1. Its square is -1: i2= -1.

c^2-(d^2*i^2) = c^2+d^2

( - 2:55)

Homework Equations


I do not understand why it is "c^2+d^2" and not "c^2-d^2"
I would like a detailed explanation, as I might have misunderstood algebra somehow

The Attempt at a Solution


I would do this to find a solution
c^2-(d^2*i^2)
c^2-(d^2*(-1)^2)
c^2-(d^2*1)
c^2-d^2
 
Last edited by a moderator: