How do you find the product of the complex number: (5-2i)(5+2i)?

1 Answer
Feb 13, 2016

29

Explanation:

distribute the brackets using FOIL( or any method you use)

#(5 - 2i )(5 + 2i ) = 25 + 10i - 10i -4i^2 #

[ this process is useful in complex numbers as the product produces a real number - the 2nd bracket is the complex conjugate of the 1st and vice-versa.]

[ note : # i^2 = (sqrt-1)^2 = -1 #]

#rArr(5-2i)(5+2i) = 25 + 10i - 10i +4 = 29color(black)(" a real number")#