To find the combined score of Melissa and Tomas, we need to add their respective complex numbers.
Melissa's score is [tex]\( 5 - 4i \)[/tex].
Tomas's score is [tex]\( 3 + 2i \)[/tex].
To add complex numbers, we simply add their real parts and their imaginary parts separately:
1. Add the real parts:
- Melissa's real part: [tex]\( 5 \)[/tex]
- Tomas's real part: [tex]\( 3 \)[/tex]
- Sum of the real parts: [tex]\( 5 + 3 = 8 \)[/tex]
2. Add the imaginary parts:
- Melissa's imaginary part: [tex]\( -4i \)[/tex]
- Tomas's imaginary part: [tex]\( 2i \)[/tex]
- Sum of the imaginary parts: [tex]\( -4i + 2i = -2i \)[/tex]
So, combining the sums of the real parts and the imaginary parts, we get the total score:
[tex]\[ 8 - 2i \][/tex]
Thus, the correct total score of Melissa and Tomas is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{8 - 2i} \][/tex]
