Complex Numbers on the SAT

SAT Math · Axiom Academy

Master i, Operations, and Powers of i The imaginary unit is defined as the solution to Why Do We Need Imaginary Numbers? Real numbers can't give us a solution to . We needed to expand our number system! Complex Numbers: Real + Imaginary where a and b are real numbers Adding & Subtracting Complex Numbers Treat real and imaginary parts separately, like combining like terms. Complex Conjugates (Important!) Why this matters: is always real! Example: Multiply by Conjugate Powers of i follow a repeating cycle. Memorize this! The Pattern Repeats Every 4 Powers! Divide the exponent by 4. The remainder tells you which power you have: The pattern of powers of i is one of the most commonly tested complex number topics. Memorize it and you'll crush these problems!

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