◦ When solving for the sum or product of the roots, you can also use these formulas:
◦ sum of the roots: –
◦ product of the roots:
◦ The imaginary number i = , and there is a repeating pattern when you raise i to a power: i, –1,
- i, 1. When doing algebra with i, treat it as a variable, unless you are able to substitute –1 for i^2
when appropriate.
◦ A complex number is a number with a real and an imaginary component joined by addition or
subtraction. In order to rationalize a complex number, you need to multiply it by its conjugate, or the
same complex number with the addition or subtraction sign switched to the opposite sign.
◦ The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero; distances are always positive. When
working inside the | |, remember to consider both the positive and the negative values of the
expression. Also remember that | | work like ( ); you need to complete all the operations inside the | |
before you can make the value positive.