How do you divide (2+5i)/(5+2i)?

2 Answers
Jan 13, 2016

20/ 29 + 21/29 i

Explanation:

To divide (2+5i)/(5+2i), you need to find the complex conjugate of the denominator and extend the fraction with it.

This way, you will be able to "get rid" of the i in the denominator.

Let me walk you through the process:

Your denominator is 5 + 2i, thus the complex conjugate is 5 - 2i.

To extend the fraction, you need to multiply both the numerator and the denominator with 5 - 2i:

(2+5i)/(5+2i) = ((2 + 5i) * (5-2i)) / ((5+2i) * (5 - 2i)) = (10 + 25 i - 4 i - 10 i ^2) / (5^2 - (2i)^2) = (10 + 21 i - 10 i^2) / (25 - 4i^2)

...remember that i^2 = -1 ...

= (10 + 21i + 10) / (25 + 4) = (20 + 21i) / 29 = 20/ 29 + 21/29 i

Jan 13, 2016

20/29 +21/29 i

Explanation:

Multiply the numerator and denominator by the complex conjugate of 5 + 2i . This ensures that the denominator is real.

The complex conjugate of a complex number a + bi is a - bi.

note that (a + bi )(a - bi ) = a^2 + abi - abi - bi^2 = a^2 + b^2 which is real.

( i = sqrt- 1 rArri^2 = (sqrt- 1 )^2 = - 1 )

rArr ((2 +5i )(5 - 2i))/((5 + 2i)(5 - 2i)

=( 10 + 25i -4i - 10i^2)/(25 -4i^2) =( 10 + 21i + 10)/29

=( 20 + 21i)/29

rArr( 2 + 5i)/(5 + 2i ) = 20/29 + 21/29 i