Understanding complex numbers can make multiplication much easier. Let’s break it down step by step:

1. Seeing Complex Numbers: Imagine each complex number, like $a + bi$, as a point or arrow on a special graph called the complex plane.

2. Multiplying as Turning and Stretching: When you multiply two complex numbers, it’s like doing two things at once—turning and stretching. For instance, if you multiply by $i$, it turns the number 90 degrees!

3. Breaking it Down: You can make multiplication simpler using a method called the distributive property. Here’s how it looks:

   $(a + bi)(c + di) = ac + adi + bci + bdi^2$

   Remember, $i^2$ equals -1, which helps make things easier.

When you visualize what’s happening, the whole process becomes clearer and less intimidating!