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Reduce complex number expressions
CONCEPTS
Real vs imaginary numbers
• Real #: root of a positive number (ex: ³√x)
• Imaginary number: root of a negative number (ex: ³√(–x)). An imaginary number is notated with the letter i after the number (Ex: 5i, 2i, -3i, i). Values of imaginary numbers include i = √-1, i² = -1, i³ = - √-1, i⁴ = 1
• Complex number: includes a real and imaginary number. It is in the form a + bi where a is the real number and bi is the imaginary number
Tips
• Group all real terms together & all imaginary terms together
PRACTICE PROBLEMS
Question 1 For a complex number i and an integer x, what is a possible value of iˣ?
Options: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4
-- Answer -- 4
i = √-1
i² = -1
(i²)² = 1, i⁴ = 1
ACT PRACTICE PROBLEMS
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