Why is it that if you multiply a negative imaginary number (-i) by a positive imaginary number (i), it equals to positive 1? Shouldn’t it be a negative 1? -(-1) • (-1) = -1 This is the right equation, right?
Accepted Solution
A:
Hi there!
Unfortunately, that's not the right equation. I'll help show you the proper steps.
So, first, let's define i.
i = √(-1)
Now, let's multiply -i and i
(-i)(i)
Substitute the value of i
- √(-1) * √(-1)
Let's add a parenthesis using the associative property of multiplication
- [ √(-1) * √(-1) ]
Multiplying two same square roots eliminates the square root symbol.
- (-1)
A negative of a negative is positive
= 1
Thus, a negative imaginary number multiplied with a positive imaginary number equals positive 1.