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+bi and let w=c+di.
z-w=(a-c)+(b-d)i

Examples of subtracting complex numbers

Evaluate (8+6i)-(2+4i)

Evaluate (5+4i)-(6-2i)

flashcards

QuestionAnswer
(8+6i)-(2+4i)Subtract real parts: 8-2=6; subtract imaginary parts: (6-4)i=2i; answer is 6+2i
(5+4i)-(6-2i)Subtract real parts: 5-6=-1; subtract imaginary parts: (4-(-2))i=6i; answer is -1+6i
General subtraction rule for z=a+bi and w=c+diz-w=(a-c)+(b-d)i
How is subtraction of complex numbers performed?Subtract the real parts separately, subtract the imaginary parts separately, then combine the results to form a complex number