You are here:

Advanced Math/intermediate algebra

Advertisement

Expert: Robi Bhattacharjee - 1/20/2009


Question
I have no idea on how to answer the following question.  Please help.  
Select any imaginary number(of the form"a+bi"where a and b are non zero numbers) and turn it into real numbers by using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division or exponentiation.

Answer
Hi Linda,

Well, let's just pick a complex number to start with. Let's pick 1+i since that is one of the more simple ones. So they want you to transform it into a real number by arithmatic.

For addition:

For these, you simply add the conjugate. So 1+i + 1-i = 2

For subtraction:

Just subtract it from itself. 1+i - (1+i) = 0

For multiplication:

Multiply by its conjugate. (1+i)(1-i) = 2

For division:

Divide by itself. (1+i)/(1+i) = 1

I hope this helps,
Robi

Advanced Math

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Robi Bhattacharjee

Expertise

I can answer a variety of questions on mathematics. Questions on trigonometry, calculus(preferably single variable), algebra, geometry, and number theory will be answered. I cannot answer questions on abstract branches of mathematics such as group theory. I also cannot answer questions on statistics. In number theory, I can answer questions on congruences, prime numbers, units, functions, and the riemann-zeta function.

Experience

I have studied advanced math my entire life. I started calculus in sixth grade. I have attended numerous math competitions and I am attending math organizations such as the San-Diego math circle. Also, this year I have been invited to the USAMO which is a prestigious math competition (Every year the USAMO invites 500 students from across the USA to participate in this competition. The top 6 go to represent the USA in the International Math Olympiad).

Organizations
I am in the San Diego Math Circle

Education/Credentials
I am entering high school and have received a perfect score and the STAR test 5 times in a row. I also have gotten recognitions in the AMC 10, AIME, Math Counts, and ARML. Additionally, I have won the San Diego Math Olimpiad twice in a row.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.