Complex numbers, step by step
A complex number has two parts and they never mix.
The question
Work out (3 + 3i) − (2 + 3i)
(3 + 3i) − (2 + 3i)
3 − 2 = 1
3 − 3 = 0
(3 + 3i) − (2 + 3i) = 1
- Subtract the two REAL parts, and leave the i alone. The real parts are 3 and 2.
- Now the two imaginary parts, the same way — this works because i is a number like any other here, so 3 of them minus 3 of them is what it sounds like.
- Put the two parts back together: 1.
How it works.
- 01
Subtract the two REAL parts, and leave the i alone. The real parts are 3 and 2.
- 02
Now the two imaginary parts, the same way — this works because i is a number like any other here, so 3 of them minus 3 of them is what it sounds like.
- 03
Put the two parts back together: 1.