SOLUTION: If a and b are real numbers, then the product of a+bi and a-bi is (1) always imaginary (2) always a real number (3) sometimes,but not always, a real number (4) sometimes,but no

Algebra ->  Complex Numbers Imaginary Numbers Solvers and Lesson -> SOLUTION: If a and b are real numbers, then the product of a+bi and a-bi is (1) always imaginary (2) always a real number (3) sometimes,but not always, a real number (4) sometimes,but no      Log On


   



Question 233417: If a and b are real numbers, then the product of a+bi and a-bi is
(1) always imaginary
(2) always a real number
(3) sometimes,but not always, a real number
(4) sometimes,but not always, imaginary
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Please help choose the correct answer choice and please explain how to get the answer Thank you

Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If a and b are real numbers, then the product of a+bi and a-bi is
(1) always imaginary
(2) always a real number
(3) sometimes,but not always, a real number
(4) sometimes,but not always, imaginary
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(a+bi)(a-bi) = a^2 +abi -abi -(bi)^2
= a^2 + b^2
and this is always a Real Number because
a and b are always Real Numbers.
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Cheers,
Stan H.