

If we have a binomial, m + n, its conjugate will be m – n. What happens if we multiply a binomial with conjugates? There two possible cases, and in each case, we’ll apply a different method.Ĭase 1: Multiplying a binomial with its conjugate

Here’s a table showing how four binomials’ conjugates are determined: Given Binomial Once we have those, its conjugate will contain the same terms, but the middle sign is changed (from + to – or from – to +). What if we’re given one binomial, and we need to find its conjugate? We can always determine a given binomial’s conjugate by first identifying the terms and the original term’s sign. Below are a few more examples of pairs of conjugates:Ĭonsistent with the definition of conjugates, each pair have identical terms, and each only differs by the sign in the middle. Conjugate math definitionĬonjugates in math are two pairs of binomials with identical terms but sharing opposite operations in the middle. That’s exactly what conjugates in math represent. Notice how the terms are the same? Only the signs found in the middle of each binomial differ. One example of a pair of conjugates is complex numbers a + bi and a – bi.

Let’s start with the most fundamental – understanding what conjugates represent. This article will show how to find conjugates, understand why we need them, and apply them when rationalizing expressions. Two binomials are conjugates when they have the same terms but opposite signs in the middle. Conjugates in math are extremely helpful when we want to rationalize radical expressions and complex numbers. Conjugate Math – Explanation and ExamplesĮver seen two pairs of expressions that only differ by the sign in the middle? You may have encountered a pair of conjugates.
