Multiply (2 + 3i) by (4 - i). What is the product in standard form?
A5 + 10i
B11 - 10i
C8 - 3i
D11 + 10i
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. 11 + 10i
1. Multiply the two brackets the way two binomials are multiplied, first, outer, inner and last.
2. First gives 2 times 4, which is 8.
3. Outer gives 2 times negative i, which is negative 2i.
4. Inner gives 3i times 4, which is 12i.
5. Last gives 3i times negative i, which is negative 3 times i squared.
6. Since i squared is negative 1, that last piece becomes positive 3.
7. Collecting real parts gives 8 plus 3, which is 11, and collecting imaginary parts gives 10i.
8. The answer 8 - 3i comes from treating the brackets as if only first and last mattered.
9. The answer 5 + 10i comes from forgetting that i squared turns the last product positive.
10. The answer 11 - 10i comes from a sign slip when adding negative 2i to 12i.
_Source: OpenStax Precalculus (CC BY 4.0), section 3.1 Complex Numbers_
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