Question

simplify.
3i - 8i
write your answer in the form a + bi.

Explanation:

Step1: Combine like terms

To simplify \(3i - 8i\), we combine the coefficients of the imaginary unit \(i\). The formula for combining like terms with \(i\) is \(ai+bi=(a + b)i\), where \(a = 3\) and \(b=- 8\) in this case. So we have \((3-8)i\).

Step2: Calculate the coefficient

Calculate \(3 - 8=-5\). So \(3i - 8i=-5i\). In the form \(a + bi\), \(a = 0\) and \(b=-5\), so it can be written as \(0-5i\) or simply \(-5i\).

Answer:

\(0 - 5i\) (or \(-5i\))