Conjugates and Division

Conjugates and Division

For \(z=x+yi\), the conjugate is \(z^*=x-yi\). Thus \(z\) and \(z^*\) have equal real parts and opposite imaginary parts.

Rationalising a denominator

Multiply numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the nonzero divisor \(z_2=x_2+y_2i\).

Division

\[\frac{z_1}{z_2}=\frac{z_1z_2^*}{z_2z_2^*}=\frac{(x_1x_2+y_1y_2)+(x_2y_1-x_1y_2)i}{x_2^2+y_2^2},\qquad z_2\ne0.\]

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Answer:\((x+y\mathbf i)^*=x-y\mathbf i;\quad (-4-\mathbf i)^*=-4+\mathbf i,\quad (-\mathbf i)^*=\mathbf i,\quad 4^*=4\)

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