5.

7: Complex Numbers and Their Operations

Learning Objectives
Define the imaginary unit and complex numbers.
Add and subtract complex numbers.
Multiply and divide complex numbers.

Introduction to Complex Numbers

−
−−
Up to this point the square root of a negative number has been left undefined. For example, we know that √−9 is not a real
number.
−
−− 2
√−9 = ? or (?) = −9

There is no real number that when squared results in a negative number. We begin to resolve this issue by defining the imaginary
unit26, i, as the square root of −1.
−
−− 2
i = √−1 and i = −1

To express a square root of a negative number in terms of the imaginary unit i, we use the following property where a represents
any non-negative real number:
−
−− −−−−− −
−− −
− −
−
√−a = √−1 ⋅ a = √−1 ⋅ √a = i √a

With this we can write.

−
−− −−−−− −
−− –
√−9 = √−1 ⋅ 9 = √−1 ⋅ √9 = i ⋅ 3 = 3i

−
−−
If √−9 = 3i , then we would expect that 3i squared will equal −9:
2 2
(3i ) = 9i = 9(−1) = −9 ✓

In this way any square root of a negative real number can be written in terms of the imaginary unit. Such a number is often called
an imaginary number27.

Example 5.7.1

Rewrite in terms of the imaginary unit i.

−
−−
a. √−7
−
− −
−
b. √−25
−
− −
−
c. √−72
Solution
−
−− −−−−− −
−− – –
a. √−7 = √−1 ⋅ 7 = √−1 ⋅ √7 = i √7
−
− −
− −−− −−− −
−− − −
b. √−25 = √−1 ⋅ 25 = √−1 ⋅ √25 = i ⋅ 5 = 5i
−
− −
− −−− −−− − − −−
− −− – – –
c. √−72 = √−1 ⋅ 36 ⋅ 2 = √−1 ⋅ √36 ⋅ √2 = i ⋅ 6 ⋅ √2 = 6i √2

When an imaginary number involves a radical, we place i in front of the radical. Consider the following:
– –
6i √2 = 6 √2i

–
Since multiplication is commutative, these numbers are equivalent. However, in the form 6√2i, the imaginary unit i is often
misinterpreted to be part of the radicand. To avoid this confusion, it is a best practice to place i in front of the radical and use
–
6i √2

A complex number28 is any number of the form,

a + bi

where a and b are real numbers. Here, a is called the real part29 and b is called the imaginary part30. For example, 3 − 4i is a
complex number with a real part of 3 and an imaginary part of −4. It is important to note that any real number is also a complex

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number. For example, 5 is a real number; it can be written as 5 + 0i with a real part of 5 and an imaginary part of 0. Hence, the set
of real numbers, denoted R, is a subset of the set of complex numbers, denoted C.
C = {a + bi|a, b ∈ R}

Figure 5.7.1
Complex numbers are used in many fields including electronics, engineering, physics, and mathematics. In this textbook we will
use them to better understand solutions to equations such as x + 4 = 0 . For this reason, we next explore algebraic operations with
2

them.

Adding and Subtracting Complex Numbers

Adding or subtracting complex numbers is similar to adding and subtracting polynomials with like terms. We add or subtract the
real parts and then the imaginary parts.

Example 5.7.2

Add (5 − 2i) + (7 + 3i) .

Solution
Add the real parts and then add the imaginary parts.
(5 − 2i) + (7 + 3i) = 5 − 2i + 7 + 3i

= 5 + 7 − 2i + 3i

= 12 + i

Answer
12 + i

To subtract complex numbers, we subtract the real parts and subtract the imaginary parts. This is consistent with the use of the
distributive property.

Example 5.7.3:

Subtract (10 − 7i) − (9 + 5i) .

Solution
Distribute the negative sign and then combine like terms.
(10 − 7i) − (9 + 5i) = 10 − 7i − 9 − 5i

= 10 − 9 − 7i − 5i

= 1 − 12i

Answer:

5.7.2 https://math.libretexts.org/@go/page/6437
 1 − 12i

In general, given real numbers a , b , c , and d :

(a + bi) + (c + di) = (a + c) + (b + d)i

(a + bi) − (c + di) = (a − c) + (b − d)i

Example 5.7.4:

Simplify (5 + i) + (2 − 3i) − (4 − 7i) .

Solution
(5 + i) + (2 − 3i) − (4 − 7i) = 5 + i + 2 − 3i − 4 + 7i

= 3 + 5i

Answer:
3 + 5i

In summary, adding and subtracting complex numbers results in a complex number.

Multiplying and Dividing Complex Numbers

Multiplying complex numbers is similar to multiplying polynomials. The distributive property applies. In addition, we make use of
the fact that i = −1 to simplify the result into standard form a + bi .
2

Example 5.7.5:

Multiply −6i(2 − 3i).

Solution
We begin by applying the distributive property.
−6i(2 − 3i) = (−6i)⋅2 − (−6i) ⋅ 3i Distribute.
2 2
= −12i + 18 i Substitute i = −1.

= −12i + 18(−1) Simplif y.

= −12i − 18

= −18 − 12i

Answer:
−18 − 12i

Example 5.7.6:

Multiply (3 − 4i)(4 + 5i) .

Solution
(3 − 4i)(4 + 5i) = 3⋅4 + 3⋅5i−4i⋅4−4i⋅5i Distribute.
2 2
= 12 + 15i − 16i − 20 i Substitute i = −1.

= 12 + 15i − 16i − 20(−1)

= 12 − i + 20

= 32 − i

Answer:
32 − i

In general, given real numbers a , b , c , and d :

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 2
(a + bi)(c + di) = ac + adi + bci + bdi

= ac + adi + bci + bd(−1)

= ac + (ad + bc)i − bd

= (ac − bd) + (ad + bc)i

Exercise 5.7.1

Simplify: (3 − 2i) .2

Answer
5 − 12i

www.youtube.com/v/OVtqcB2z9v8

Given a complex number a + bi , its complex conjugate31 is a − bi .We next explore the product of complex conjugates.

Example 5.7.7:

Multiply (5 + 2i)(5 − 2i) .

Solution
(5 + 2i)(5 − 2i) = 5⋅5 − 5⋅2i + 2i⋅5 − 2i⋅2i

2
= 25 − 10i + 10i − 4i

= 25 − 4(−1)

= 25 + 4

= 29

Answer:
29

In general, the product of complex conjugates32 follows:

2 2 2
(a + bi)(a − bi) = a − a ⋅ bi + bi ⋅ a − b i
2 2
=a − abi + abi − b (−1)
2 2
=a +b

Note that the result does not involve the imaginary unit; hence, it is real. This leads us to the very useful property
2 2
(a + bi)(a − bi) = a +b

To divide complex numbers, we apply the technique used to rationalize the denominator. Multiply the numerator and denominator
by the conjugate of the denominator. The result can then be simplified into standard form a + bi .

Example 5.7.8:

Divide 1

2−3i
.
Solution
(2+3i)
In this example, the conjugate of the denominator is 2 + 3i . Therefore, we will multiply by 1 in the form (2+3i)
.

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 1 1 (2 + 3i)
= ⋅
2 − 3i (2 − 3i) (2 + 3i)

(2 + 3i)
=
2 2
2 +3

2 + 3i
=
4 +9

2 + 3i
=
13

To write this complex number in standard form, we make use of the fact that 13 is a common denominator.
2 + 3i 2 3i
= +
13 13 13
2 3
= + i
13 13

Answer
2 3
+ i
13 13

Example 5.7.9:

Divide: 1−5i

4+i
.
Solution
1 − 5i (1 − 5i) (4 − i)
= ⋅
4 +i (4 + i) (4 − i)
2
4 − i − 20i + 5i
=
2 2
4 +1

4 − 21i + 5(−1)
=
16 + 1

4 − 21i − 5
=
16 + 1

−1 − 21i
=
17

1 21
=− − i
17 17

Answer
1 21
− − i
17 17

In general, given real numbers a , b , c and d where c and d are not both 0:
(a + bi) (a + bi) (c − di)
= ⋅
(c + di) (c + di) (c − di)

2
ac − adi + bci − bdi
=
2 2
c +d

(ac + bd) + (bc − ad)i

=
2 2
c +d

ac + bd bc − ad
=( ) +( )i
2 2 2 2
c +d c +d

Example 5.7.10:
8−3i
Divide: 2i
.
Solution

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 Here we can think of 2i = 0 + 2i and thus we can see that its conjugate is −2i = 0 − 2i .
8 − 3i (8 − 3i) (−2i)
= ⋅
2i (2i) (−2i)

2
−16i + 6i
=
2
−4i

−16i + 6(−1)
=
−4(−1)

−16i − 6
=
4
−6 − 16i
=
4
−6 −16i
= −
4 4
3
=− − 4i
2

Because the denominator is a monomial, we could multiply numerator and denominator by 1 in the form of i

i
and save some
steps reducing in the end.
8 − 3i (8 − 3i) i
= ⋅
2i (2i) i

2
8i − 3i
=
2
2i

8i − 3(−1)
=
2(−1)

8i + 3
=
−2

8i 3
= +
−2 −2

3
= −4i −
2

Answer
3
− − 4i
2

Exercise 5.7.2

Divide 3+2i

1−i
.

Answer
1 5
+ i
2 2

www.youtube.com/v/4r2kolq-_T0

When multiplying and dividing complex numbers we must take care to understand that the product and quotient rules for radicals
require that both a and b are positive. In other words, if √−
−
a and √b are both real numbers then we have the following rules.
n
n

n
−−− n −
− n
P roduct rule f or radicals : √a ⋅ b = √a ⋅ √b
−
− n
a √a
Quotient rule f or radicals : √
n
= n
b √b

For example, we can demonstrate that the product rule is true when a and b are both positive as follows:
– – −−
√4 ⋅ √9 = √36

2⋅3 =6

6 =6 ✓

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However, when a and b are both negative the property is not true.
−
−− −
−− ? −−
√−4 ⋅ √−9 = √36

2i ⋅ 3i = 6
2
6i =6

−6 = 6 ✗
−
−− −
−−
Here √−4 and√−9 both are not real numbers and the product rule for radicals fails to produce a true statement. Therefore, to
avoid some common errors associated with this technicality, ensure that any complex number is written in terms of the imaginary
unit i before performing any operations.

Example 5.7.11:
−
−− −
− −
−
Multiply √−6 ⋅ √−15 .
Solution
Begin by writing the radicals in terms of the imaginary unit i.
−
−− −
− −
− – −−
√−6 ⋅ √−15 = i √6 ⋅ i √15

Now the radicands are both positive and the product rule for radicals applies.
−
−− −
− −
− – −−
√−6 ⋅ √−15 = i √6 ⋅ i √15
−−− −
= i √6 ⋅ 15
−−
= (−1)√90
−−− −
= (−1)√9 ⋅ 10
−−
= (−1) ⋅ 3 ⋅ √10
−−
= −3 √10

Answer
−−
−3 √10

Example 5.7.12:
−
− −
− −
−− −−
Multiply: √−10(√−6 − √10) .
Solution
Begin by writing the radicals in terms of the imaginary unit i and then distribute.
−
− −
− −
−− −− −− – −−
√−10(√−6 − √10) = i √10(i √6 − √10)
2 −− −−−
= i √60 − i √100
−−− − −−−
= (−1)√4 ⋅ 15 − i √100
−−
= (−1) ⋅ 2 ⋅ √15 − i ⋅ 10
−−
= −2 √15 − 10i

Answer:
−−
−2 √15 − 10i

In summary, multiplying and dividing complex numbers results in a complex number.

Exercise 5.7.3
– – 2
Simplify: (2i √2) 2
− (3 − i √5) .

Answer
–
−12 + 6i √5

www.youtube.com/v/TONiI5oqTTg

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Key Takeaways
−
−−
The imaginary unit i is defined to be the square root of negative one. In other words,i = √−1 and i = −1 .
2

Complex numbers have the form a + bi where a and b are real numbers.
The set of real numbers is a subset of the complex numbers.
The result of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing complex numbers is a complex number.
The product of complex conjugates, a + bi and a − bi , is a real number. Use this fact to divide complex numbers. Multiply the
numerator and denominator of a fraction by the complex conjugate of the denominator and then simplify.
Ensure that any complex number is written in terms of the imaginary unit i before performing any operations.

Exercise 5.7.4

Rewrite in terms of imaginary unit i.

−
− −
−
1. √−81
−
− −
−
2. √−64
−−−
3. −√−4
−−−−
4. −√−36
−
− −
−
5. √−20
−
− −
−
6. √−18
−
− −
−
7. √−50
−
− −
−
8. √−48
−−−−
9. −√−45
−−−
10. −√−8
−−−
−
11. √− 1

16
−−
−
12. √−
2

9
−−−−−
13. √−0.25
−−−−−
14. √−1.44

Answer
1. 9i
3. −2i
–
5. 2i √5
–
7. 5i √2
–
9. −3i √5
11. i

13. 0.5i

Exercise 5.7.5

Write the complex number in standard form a + bi .

−
−−
1. 5 − 2√−4
−
−−
2. 3 − 5√−9
−−−
3. −2 + 3√−8
−
− −
−
4. 4 − 2√−18
3−√−24
5. 6
2+√−75
6. 10

√−63−√5
7. −12

−√−72+√8
8. −24

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 Answer
1. 5 − 4i
–
3. −2 + 6i √2
√6
5. 1

2
−
3
i

√5 √7
7. 12
−
4
i

Exercise 5.7.6

Given that i 12
= −1 compute the following powers of i.
1. i
3

2. i
4

3. i
5

4. i
6

5. i
15

6. i
24

Answer
1. −i
3. i
5. −i

Exercise 5.7.7

Perform the operations.

1. (3 + 5i) + (7 − 4i)
2. (6 − 7i) + (−5 − 2i)
3. (−8 − 3i) + (5 + 2i)
4. (−10 + 15i) + (15 − 20i)
5. ( + i) + ( − i)
1

2
3

4
1

6
1

6. ( − i) + ( − i)
2

5
1

6 10
1 3

7. (5 + 2i) − (8 − 3i)
8. (7 − i) − (−6 − 9i)
9. (−9 − 5i) − (8 + 12i)
10. (−11 + 2i) − (13 − 7i)
11. ( + i) − ( − i)
1

14
3

2
4

7
3

12. ( − i) − ( − i)
3

8
1

3
1

2
1

13. (2 − i) + (3 + 4i) − (6 − 5i)

14. (7 + 2i) − (6 − i) − (3 − 4i)
15. ( − i) − (1 − i) − ( + i)
1

3
1

2
1

6
1

16. (1 − i) + ( + i) − ( − i)
3

4
5

2
1

4
5

17. (5 − 3i) − (2 + 7i) − (1 − 10i)

18. (6 − 11i) + (2 + 3i) − (8 − 4i)
−−−
− −−−
19. √−16 − (3 − √−1)
−−− − −
−−
20. √−100 + (√−9 + 7)
−−− −−−
21. (1 + √−1) − (1 − √−1)
−−−− −−
−
22. (3 − √−81) − (5 − 3√−9)
−− −
− −−−
23. (5 − 2√−25) − (−3 + 4√−1)
−
−− −− −
−
24. (−12 − √−1) − (3 − √−49)

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 Answer
1. 10 + i
3. −3 − i
5. 2

3
+
5

8
i

7. −3 + 5i
9. −17 − 17i
11. − 1

2
+
9

4
i

13. −1 + 8i
15. − 5

6
−
2

3
i

17. 2
19. −3 + 5i
21. 2i
23. 8 − 14i

Exercise 5.7.8

Perform the operations.

1. i(1 − i)
2. i(1 + i)
3. 2i(7 − 4i)
4. 6i(1 − 2i)
5. −2i(3 − 4i)
6. −5i(2 − i)
7. (2 + i)(2 − 3i)
8. (3 − 5i)(1 − 2i)
9. (1 − i)(8 − 9i)
10. (1 + 5i)(5 + 2i)
11. (4 + 3i) 2

12. (−1 + 2i) 2

13. (2 − 5i) 2

14. (5 − i) 2

15. (1 + i)(1 − i)
16. (2 − i)(2 + i)
17. (4 − 2i)(4 + 2i)
18. (6 + 5i)(6 − 5i)
19. ( + i) ( − i)
1

2
2

3
1

3
1

20. ( − i) ( − i)
2

3
1

3
1

2
3

21. (2 − i) 3

22. (1 − 3i) 3

−−− −
−− –
23. √−2(√−2 − √6)
−−− −
−− –
24. √−1(√−1 + √8)
−−− −− −−−
25. √−6(√10 − √−6)
−−−− – −−−−
26. √−15(√3 − √−10)
−
−− −−−
27. (2 − 3√−2)(2 + 3√−2)
−−− −
−−
28. (1 + √−5)(1 − √−5)
−
−− −−
−
29. (1 − 3√−4)(2 + √−9)
−
−− −−−−
30. (2 − 3√−1)(1 + 2√−16)

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 – –
31. (2 − 3i √2)(3 + i √2)
– –
32. (−1 + i √3)(2 − 2i √3)

33. −3

34. 5

35. 5+4i
1

36. 3−4i
1

37. 1−2i
15

38. 5+2i
29

39. 20i

1−3i

40. 10i

1+2i
10−5i
41. 3−i

42. 5−2i

1−2i

43. 5+10i

3+4i

44. 2−4i

5+3i

45. 26+13i

2−3i
¯
¯¯

46. 4+2i

1+i

47. 3−i

2i

48. −5+2i

4i

49. a−bi
1

50. a+bi
1

1−√−1
51. 1+√−1

1+√−9
52.
1−√−9

−√−6
53.
√18+√−4

√−12
54.
√2−√−27

Answer
1. 1 + i
3. 8 + 14i
5. −8 − 6i
7. 7 − 4i
9. −1 − 17i
11. 7 + 24i
13. −21 − 20i
15. 2
17. 20
19. 1

2
−
1

36
i

21. 2 − 11i
–
23. −2 − 2i √3
−−
25. 6 + 2i √15
27. 22
29. 20 − 9i
–
31. 12 − 7i √2

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 33. 3i
35. 5

41
−
41
4
i

37. 3 + 6i
39. −6 + 2i
41. 7

2
−
1

2
i

43. 11

5
−
2

5
i

45. 1 + 8i
47. − 1

2
−
3

2
i

49. 2
a
2
+
2
b
2
i
a +b a +b

51. −i
√6 3 √3
53. − 11
−
11
i

Exercise 5.7.9

Given that i −n
=
i
1
n
compute the following powers of i.
1. i −1

2. i −2

3. i −3

4. i −4

Answer
1. −i
3. i

Exercise 5.7.10

Perform the operations and simplify.

1. 2i(2 − i) − i(3 − 4i)
2. i(5 − i) − 3i(1 − 6i)
3. 5 − 3(1 − i) 2

4. 2(1 − 2i ) + 3i 2

5. (1 − i ) − 2(1 − i) + 2
2

6. (1 + i ) − 2(1 + i) + 2
2

–
7. (2i √2) + 5 2

– –
8. (3i √5) − (i √3) 2 2

– –
9. (√2 − i ) − (√2 + i ) 2 2

– –
10. (i √3 + 1) − (4i √2) 2 2

11. ( 1

1+i
)

12. (
1

1+i
)

13. (a − bi ) − (a + bi ) 2 2

14. (a + ai + 1) (a − ai + 1)
2 2

15. Show that both −2i and 2i satisfy x + 4 = 0 . 2

16. Show that both −i and i satisfy x + 1 = 0 . 2

17. Show that both 3 − 2i and 3 + 2i satisfy x − 6x + 13 = 0 . 2

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 18. Show that both 5 − i and 5 + i satisfy x − 10x + 26 = 0 .
2

19. Show that 3, −2i, and 2i are all solutions to x − 3x + 4x − 12 = 0 .

3 2

20. Show that −2, 1, −i, and 1 + i are all solutions to x − 2x + 4 = 0 .

3

Answer
1. −2 + i
3. 5 + 6i
5. 0
7. −3
–
9. −4i √2
11. − i

13. −4abi
15. Proof
17. Proof
19. Proof

Exercise 5.7.11

1. Research and discuss the history of the imaginary unit and complex numbers.
2. How would you define i and why?
0

3. Research what it means to calculate the absolute value of a complex number |a + bi| . Illustrate your finding with an
example.
4. Explore the powers of i. Look for a pattern and share your findings.

Answer
1. Answer may vary
3. Answer may vary

Footnotes
26 −
−−
Defined as i = √−1 where i 2
= −1 .
27
A square root of any negative real number.
28
A number of the form a + bi , where a and b are real numbers.
29
The real number a of a complex number a + bi .
30The real number b of a complex number a + bi .
31
Two complex numbers whose real parts are the same and imaginary parts are opposite. If given a + bi , then its complex
conjugate is a − bi .
32
The real number that results from multiplying complex conjugates: (a + bi)(a − bi) = a 2
+b
2
.

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