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Subtracting complex numbers

To subtract complex numbers, you simply subtract the real parts and subtract the imaginary parts separately, then add the parts to form a complex number.

Let z=a+biz=a+bi and let w=c+diw=c+di.
z−w=(a−c)+(b−d)iz-w=(a-c)+(b-d)i

Examples of subtracting complex numbers​

Evaluate (8+6i)−(2+4i)(8+6i)-(2+4i)​

  • 8−2=68-2=6
  • (6−4)i=2i(6-4)i=2i
  • Answer: 6+2i6+2i

Evaluate (5+4i)−(6−2i)(5+4i)-(6-2i)​

  • 5−6=−15-6=-1
  • (4−−2)i=6i(4--2)i=6i
  • Answer: −1+6i-1+6i