Multiply Complex Numbers Game
The Multiply Complex Numbers Game is an interactive math trainer designed to help students master the FOIL method and the unique property of the imaginary unit: i2 = -1.
Scroll down the page for a more detailed explanation.
Check out these other Complex Numbers games:
Powers of i
Add & Subtract Complex Numbers
Multiply Complex Numbers
Divide Complex Numbers
How to play the “Multiply Complex Numbers Game”
- Starting the Game
When you first open the game, you are presented with a Difficulty Menu:
Easy Mode: Uses coefficients between 1 and 4. This is best for beginners to practice the FOIL steps without getting overwhelmed by large multiplication tables.
Hard Mode: Uses coefficients up to 10. This challenges your ability to track negative signs and larger sums simultaneously.
- Solving a Problem
Once the game starts, a multiplication problem like (3 + 2i) × (1 - 4i) appears at the top. To find the correct answer, you follow these steps:
Distribute (FOIL): Multiply the terms.
First: 3 × 1 = 3
Outer: 3 × -4i = -12i
Inner: 2i × 1 = 2i
Last: 2i × -4i = -8i2
Simplify i2: Remember that i2 = -1, so the “Last” term becomes: -8 × -1 = +8.
Combine: Group the real parts (3 + 8 = 11) and the imaginary parts (-12i + 2i = -10i).
- Making Your Choice
You will see four possible answers in a grid.
Select the match: Click the button you believe is correct.
Instant Feedback: If you are right, the button turns Orange and a high-pitched chord plays. If you are wrong, the button turns Red and a low-pitched tone sounds.
The Blank Space: Once you click, the correct answer fills in the “blue line” space to confirm the result.
- Using the “Show Steps” 🔍 Button
If you get a problem wrong (or even if you got it right but aren’t sure why), click the Show Steps button. A breakdown will appear showing:
The result of each FOIL letter (F, O, I, L).
The explicit conversion of the i2 term.
How those numbers summed up to the final result.
- Progression
Score Tracking: Your current score (Correct/Total) is displayed in the top right corner.
Next Problem: After a selection is made, the “Next Problem” button appears to generate a fresh equation.
Main Menu: You can return to the menu at any time to switch difficulties.
This video gives a clear, step-by-step approach to how to multiply complex numbers.
Try out our new and fun Fraction Concoction Game.
Add and subtract fractions to make exciting fraction concoctions following a recipe.
There are four levels of difficulty: Easy, medium, hard and insane. Practice the basics
of fraction addition and subtraction or challenge yourself with the insane level.
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