Simplifying Rational Expressions with Imaginary Denominators

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Taught by mrbrianmclogan
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Meets NCTM Standards:
Lesson Summary:

In this lesson, we learn how to add rational expressions with imaginary denominators. The key is to multiply one denominator by the other and then simplify using the difference of two squares. Remember that i represents the square root of negative one, and when adding complex numbers, you can only add the real parts with the real parts and the imaginary parts with the imaginary parts. Finally, we can put the answer in standard form, which is a plus bi.

Lesson Description:

Adding rational expressions with imaginary conjugates

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Questions answered by this video:
  • 2/(3+i) + 3/(2+i)=
  • Simplify (2+i)(3-4i)