To simplify the expression \(-17 + 5 + 3i - 8\) and express it in the form \(a + bi\), we follow these steps:
-
Combine the real parts: \[ -17 + 5 - 8 = -20 \]
-
The imaginary part remains as is: \[ 3i \]
Putting it all together, we get: \[ -20 + 3i \]
Thus, the expression \(-17 + 5 + 3i - 8\) simplifies to \(-20 + 3i\) in the form \(a + bi\), where \(a = -20\) and \(b = 3\).