How do you simplify #(5i)(-8i)#?

1 Answer
May 14, 2018

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#color(blue)((5i)*(-8i)=40#

Explanation:

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A Complex Number is a combination of a Real Number and an Imaginary Number.

Standard Form of a Complex Number is : #color(red)(a+bi#, where

#color(red)(a# is the Real Part and #color(red)(b# is the Imaginary Part.

In the problem given, the Real Part is unavailable.

You have just the Imaginary Part for both the complex numbers.

Multiply the complex numbers #color(blue)((5i)*(-8i)# :

#(5i)*(-8i)#

Multiply the numerical constants first with the sign:

#5*(-8)#

#rArr color(red)((-40)#

You need this intermediate result in the final step.

Next, multiply #i# by #i#.

In complex numbers, #color(blue)(i = sqrt(-1)#

Hence,

#i*i = sqrt(-1)*sqrt(-1)#

#rArr i^2=[sqrt(-1)]^2#

In radicals arithmetic, #color(red)(sqrt(a^2)=sqrt(a*a)=a#

#rArr i^2=(-1)#

Hence,

#color(blue)((5i)(-8i)=[-40*(-1)]=40#

Hope it helps.