answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Whenever a complex number (a + bi) is multiplied by it's conjugate (a - bi), the result is a real number:

(a + bi)* (a - bi) = a2 - abi + abi - (bi)2 = a2 - b2i2 = a2 - b2(-1) = a2 + b2

This is useful when dividing complex numbers, because the numerator and denominator can both be multiplied by the denominator's conjugate, to give an equivalent fraction with a real-number denominator.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why do you multiply by the complex conjugate?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Other Math

What is -4-3i divided by 4 plus i?

To divide by a complex number, write it as a fraction and then multiply the numerator and denominator by the complex conjugate of the denominator - this is formed by changing the sign of the imaginary bit of the number; when a complex number (a + bi) is multiplied by its complex conjugate the result is the real number a² + b² which can be divided into the complex number of the numerator: (-4 - 3i) ÷ (4 + i) = (-4 - 3i)/(4 + i) = ( (-4 - 3i)×(4 - i) ) / ( (4 + i)×(4 - i) ) = (-16 + 4i - 12i + 3i²) / (4² + 1²) = (-16 - 8i - 3) / (16 + 1) = (-19 - 8i)/17


How do you rationalise the denominator?

It depends on what the denominator was to start with: a surd or irrational or a complex number. You need to find the conjugate and multiply the numerator by this conjugate as well as the denominator by the conjugate. Since multiplication is by [conjugate over conjugate], which equals 1, the value is not affected. If a and b are rational numbers, then conjugate of sqrt(b) = sqrt(b) conjugate of a + sqrt(b) = a - sqrt(b), and conjugate of a + ib = a - ib where i is the imaginary square root of -1.


If a and b are any real numbers what is the conjugate of a plus b?

The concept of conjugate is usually used in complex numbers. If your complex number is a + bi, then its conjugate is a - bi.


What 2 numbers multiply to make 249 and add to 7?

The complex conjugate pair3.5 - 15.387iand3.5 + 15.387iwhere i is the imaginary square root of -1.


What is the conjugate of 11 plus 5i?

To find the complex conjugate change the sign of the imaginary part: For 11 + 5i the complex conjugate is 11 - 5i.

Related questions

How do you simplify a complex fraction?

You multiply the numerator and the denominator of the complex fraction by the complex conjugate of the denominator.The complex conjugate of a + bi is a - bi.


How do you simplify complexed fractions?

You multiply the numerator and the denominator of the complex fraction by the complex conjugate of the denominator.The complex conjugate of a + bi is a - bi.


When dividing complex numbers the first step is to multiply top and bottom by the conjugate of the denominator?

complex


How do conjugate arrive at complex number?

Complex numbers form: a + bi where a and b are real numbers. The conjugate of a + bi is a - bi If you multiply a complex number by its conjugate, the product will be a real number, such as (a + bi)(a - bi) = a2 - (bi)2 = a2 - b2i2 = a2 - b2(-1) = a2 + b2


What is the usefulness of the conjugate and its effect on other complex numbers?

The conjugate of a complex number is the same number (but the imaginary part has opposite sign). e.g.: A=[5i - 2] --> A*=[-5i - 2] Graphically, as you change the sign, you also change the direction of that vector. The conjugate it's used to solve operations with complex numbers. When a complex number is multiplied by its conjugate, the product is a real number. e.g.: 5/(2-i) --> then you multiply and divide by the complex conjugate (2+i) and get the following: 5(2+i)/(2-i)(2+i)=(10+5i)/5=2+i


Complex conjugate of 5i-4?

To get the complex conjugate, change the sign in front of the imaginary part. Thus, the complex conjugate of -4 + 5i is -4 - 5i.


What is the complex conjugate of 2-3i?

The complex conjugate of 2-3i is 2+3i.


What is -4-3i divided by 4 plus i?

To divide by a complex number, write it as a fraction and then multiply the numerator and denominator by the complex conjugate of the denominator - this is formed by changing the sign of the imaginary bit of the number; when a complex number (a + bi) is multiplied by its complex conjugate the result is the real number a² + b² which can be divided into the complex number of the numerator: (-4 - 3i) ÷ (4 + i) = (-4 - 3i)/(4 + i) = ( (-4 - 3i)×(4 - i) ) / ( (4 + i)×(4 - i) ) = (-16 + 4i - 12i + 3i²) / (4² + 1²) = (-16 - 8i - 3) / (16 + 1) = (-19 - 8i)/17


What is the complex conjugate of the following complex number 7 plus 5i?

The conjugate is 7-5i


What is the graphical relationship between a conjugate number and a complex number?

Graphically, the conjugate of a complex number is its reflection on the real axis.


What 2 numbers give you 112 when multiply them and give you -12 when you add them?

The complex conjugate pair, -6 -8.7178i and -6 +8.7178i where i is the imaginary square root of -1.The complex conjugate pair -6 -8.7178i and -6 +8.7178i where i is the imaginary square root of -1.


What can you add to get 19 and multiply to get 216?

235