How do you add or subtract complex numbers?

A complex number has the form a+bi. We call a the 'real' bit (ie. the bit on a regular number line) and b is the 'imaginary' bit.
To add or subtract complex numbers you just add the real bits of both together and the imaginary bits of both together. (You CAN'T add a real part to an imaginary part).
For example: what is (3+2i) + (5+4i)?
Real bits: 3+5=8
Imaginary bits: 2i+4i=6i
So the answer is 8+6i

CB
Answered by Chloe B. Maths tutor

5642 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Separate (9x^2 + 8x + 10)/(x^2 + 1)(x + 2) into partial fractions.


A curve has the equation y = x^4 - 8x^2 + 60x + 7. What is the gradient of the curve when x = 6?


Differentiate and then integrate: x^2 + 3x


Sketch the graph of f(x) = sin(x). On the same set of axes, draw the graph of f(x)+2, f(2x) and f(-x). By observing your graphs of f(x) and f(x), if f(a)=1, what is the value of f(-a)?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning