Add and subtract complex numbers
Just as with real numbers, we can perform arithmetic operations on complex numbers. To add or subtract complex numbers, we combine the real parts and combine the imaginary parts.
A General Note: Addition and Subtraction of Complex Numbers
Adding complex numbers:
[latex]\left(a+bi\right)+\left(c+di\right)=\left(a+c\right)+\left(b+d\right)i\\[/latex]
Subtracting complex numbers:
[latex]\left(a+bi\right)-\left(c+di\right)=\left(a-c\right)+\left(b-d\right)i\\[/latex]
How To: Given two complex numbers, find the sum or difference.
- Identify the real and imaginary parts of each number.
- Add or subtract the real parts.
- Add or subtract the imaginary parts.
Example 3: Adding Complex Numbers
Add [latex]3 - 4i\\[/latex] and [latex]2+5i\\[/latex].
Solution
We add the real parts and add the imaginary parts.
[latex]\begin{cases}\left(a+bi\right)+\left(c+di\right)=\left(a+c\right)+\left(b+d\right)i\hfill \\ \left(3 - 4i\right)+\left(2+5i\right)=\left(3+2\right)+\left(-4+5\right)i\hfill \\ \text{ }=5+i\hfill \end{cases}\\[/latex]
Try It 3
Subtract [latex]2+5i\\[/latex] from [latex]3 - 4i\\[/latex].
SolutionLicenses & Attributions
CC licensed content, Shared previously
- Ex 1: Adding and Subtracting Complex Numbers. Authored by: Mathispower4u. License: All Rights Reserved. License terms: Standard YouTube License.
CC licensed content, Specific attribution
- College Algebra. Provided by: OpenStax Authored by: OpenStax College Algebra. Located at: https://cnx.org/contents/[email protected]:1/Preface. License: CC BY: Attribution.
