How do you simplify # (4+2i)/(4-2i)#?
1 Answer
May 23, 2016
Explanation:
When dividing complex numbers , to simplify we rationalise the denominator. This means changing it into a rational number instead of a complex number.
This is achieved by multiplying the numerator and denominator by the
#color(blue)" conjugate of the denominator"# Given a complex number a + bi , conjugate is a - bi
Note that a and b remain unchanged whist the sign changes.
In general conjugate of a ± bi is a ∓ bi
here the conjugate of 4 - 2i is 4 + 2i
#rArr(4+2i)/(4-2i)xx(4+2i)/(4+2i)=((4+2i)(4+2i))/((4-2i)(4+2i))# expanding numerator and denominator.
#=(16+16i+4i^2)/(16-4i^2)# Using
#( i^2=-1)# this now becomes
#(16+16i-4)/(16+4)=(12+16i)/20=12/20+16/20i=3/5+4/5i#
