Math Problem Statement

Divide the following two complex numbers.

fraction numerator 6 minus 2 i over denominator 4 plus i end fraction

A.) 22 over 17 minus 14 over 17 i

B.) 22 over 15 minus 14 over 15 i

C.) 26 over 15 minus 14 over 15 i

D.) 26 over 17 minus 14 over 17 i

Solution

To divide the complex numbers 62i4+i\frac{6 - 2i}{4 + i}, follow these steps:

Step 1: Multiply by the Conjugate

Multiply the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator 4i4 - i:

(62i)(4i)(4+i)(4i)\frac{(6 - 2i)(4 - i)}{(4 + i)(4 - i)}

Step 2: Expand the Denominator

Using the difference of squares formula:

(4+i)(4i)=42i2=16(1)=17(4 + i)(4 - i) = 4^2 - i^2 = 16 - (-1) = 17

Step 3: Expand the Numerator

Using the distributive property:

(62i)(4i)=6(4)+6(i)+(2i)(4)+(2i)(i)(6 - 2i)(4 - i) = 6(4) + 6(-i) + (-2i)(4) + (-2i)(-i)

=246i8i+2i2= 24 - 6i - 8i + 2i^2

Since i2=1i^2 = -1, we get:

=2414i+2(1)= 24 - 14i + 2(-1)

=2414i2= 24 - 14i - 2

=2214i= 22 - 14i

Step 4: Write the Final Answer

2214i17=22171417i\frac{22 - 14i}{17} = \frac{22}{17} - \frac{14}{17}i

Thus, the correct answer is:

A.)22171417i\boxed{A.) \frac{22}{17} - \frac{14}{17}i}


Would you like a step-by-step breakdown of any part?

Related Questions:

  1. How do you find the conjugate of a complex number?
  2. Why does multiplying by the conjugate remove the imaginary part in the denominator?
  3. What is the general formula for dividing complex numbers?
  4. How do you represent complex numbers in polar form?
  5. How does complex number division relate to vector rotation?

Tip:

Always multiply the numerator and denominator by the conjugate when dividing complex numbers to eliminate the imaginary part from the denominator.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Complex Numbers
Algebra
Division of Complex Numbers

Formulas

Multiplication by the conjugate: (a + bi)(a - bi) = a^2 - b^2 i^2
i^2 = -1
Distributive property: (x + y)(a + b) = xa + xb + ya + yb

Theorems

Complex Number Conjugate Theorem
Difference of Squares

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12