Adding Complex Numbers: (5 - 2i) + (-7 + 8i)
In mathematics, complex numbers are numbers that can be expressed in the form a + bi, where 'a' and 'b' are real numbers and 'i' is the imaginary unit, defined as the square root of -1. To add complex numbers, we simply combine the real and imaginary components separately.
Let's break down the addition of (5 - 2i) + (-7 + 8i):
1. Identify the Real and Imaginary Components:
- (5 - 2i): The real component is 5 and the imaginary component is -2i.
- (-7 + 8i): The real component is -7 and the imaginary component is 8i.
2. Combine Real Components:
- 5 + (-7) = -2
3. Combine Imaginary Components:
- -2i + 8i = 6i
4. Express the Result:
- Combining the results from steps 2 and 3, we get -2 + 6i.
Therefore, (5 - 2i) + (-7 + 8i) = -2 + 6i