SOLUTION: Select any imaginary number (of the form "a + bi" where a and b are non-zero real numbers), and turn it into a real number by using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division

Algebra ->  Trigonometry-basics -> SOLUTION: Select any imaginary number (of the form "a + bi" where a and b are non-zero real numbers), and turn it into a real number by using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division       Log On


   

Question 202580: Select any imaginary number (of the form "a + bi" where a and b are non-zero real numbers), and turn it into a real number by using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division or exponentiation?
Did I do this correct: 2i = 2i * 2i = 2; (2i)^2 = 2i * 2i = 2 * 2 * i^2 = 4(-1) = -4
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The second equation is correct. %282i%29%5E2+=+2i+%2A+2i+=+2+%2A+2+%2A+i%5E2+=+4%28-1%29+=+-4


So for any number ai, %28ai%29%5E2=-a%5E2