Multiplying complex numbers is just like distributing terms in algebra. We use the formula
- For two complex numbers \((a + bi)(c + di)\), the multiplication is done as:
- \(ac - bd + i(ad + bc)\).
Let's look at an example using this formula:
- For \((4 + 5i)(2 - 3i)\):
- Multiply the real parts: \(4 \times 2 = 8\).
- Multiply the imaginary parts: \(-5 \times -3 = 15\).
- For the cross terms: \((4 \times -3) + (5 \times 2) = -12 + 10\).
- Combine the results to get \(-7 + 22i\).
This is how complex numbers are multiplied. It involves distributing just like you do with variables, combining terms, and remembering that \(i^2 = -1\).
By learning these steps, you can multiply any pair of complex numbers easily.