Chapter 2: Problem 27
If \(n\) is a positive integer not a multiple of 3 , then \(1+\omega^{n}+\omega^{2 n}=\) (a) 3 (b) 1 (c) 0 (d) none of these
Short Answer
Expert verified
The expression evaluates to \(0\) when \(n\) is not a multiple of 3.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Roots of Unity
The cubic roots of unity are 1, \( \omega \), and \( \omega^2 \), where \( \omega = e^{\frac{2\pi i}{3}} \) and \( \omega^2 = e^{\frac{4\pi i}{3}} \). These satisfy the equation \( \omega^3 = 1 \), and \( 1 + \omega + \omega^2 = 0 \). Using these properties, we'll find an expression for \( 1 + \omega^n + \omega^{2n} \).
02
Replace and Simplify Using Roots of Unity
Since \( n \) is not a multiple of 3, consider modulo operations on \( n \):- If \( n \equiv 1 \pmod{3} \), then \( \omega^n = \omega \) and \( \omega^{2n} = \omega^2 \).- If \( n \equiv 2 \pmod{3} \), then \( \omega^n = \omega^2 \) and \( \omega^{2n} = \omega \).In both cases,\[1 + \omega^n + \omega^{2n} = 1 + \omega + \omega^2 = 0.\]
03
Verify With Known Identity
We know from the identity of the cube roots of unity that:\[1 + \omega + \omega^2 = 0.\]Given that for \(n\) not a multiple of 3, the exponents \(n\) and \(2n\) cycle through \(\omega\), \(\omega^2\), and 1, ensuring the equation always sums to zero.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Roots of Unity
Roots of unity are special solutions to the equation \(x^n = 1\), where \(n\) is a positive integer. They are complex numbers that, when raised to the \(n\)-th power, result in one. For cubic roots of unity, \(n = 3\), so we have the roots: 1, \(\omega = e^{\frac{2\pi i}{3}}\), and \(\omega^2 = e^{\frac{4\pi i}{3}}\). These roots lie on the complex plane, forming the vertices of an equilateral triangle with its centroid at the origin.
- \(\omega\) is a primitive root, meaning it cycles through the other roots with successive powers.
- The main property of cubic roots is \(\omega^3 = 1\) and the sum of the roots, \(1 + \omega + \omega^2 = 0\).
Complex Numbers
Complex numbers extend the idea of the one-dimensional number line to the complex plane using a two-dimensional layout. A complex number has both a real part and an imaginary part, represented as \(a + bi\), where \(a\) and \(b\) are real numbers and \(i\) is the imaginary unit with the property \(i^2 = -1\).Complex numbers are essential when dealing with roots of unity. Key characteristics of complex numbers include:
- They can be represented visually on the complex plane, aiding in intuitive understanding of operations like addition and multiplication.
- The modulus (or magnitude) of a complex number \(z = a + bi\) is \(|z| = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2}\), representing the distance from the origin in the complex plane.
- The argument of a complex number is the angle it makes with the positive x-axis, which is especially useful for polar representation.
Modular Arithmetic
Modular arithmetic focuses on the properties and relationships of numbers within a specific modulus. It involves finding the remainder of division, often expressed as \(a \equiv b \pmod{n}\).Within our problem, modular arithmetic is crucial for simplifying exponents in expressions involving roots of unity. Here's why it matters:
- When \(n\) is not a multiple of 3, it can be \(n \equiv 1 \pmod{3}\) or \(n \equiv 2 \pmod{3}\). This simplifies \(\omega^n\) and \(\omega^{2n}\).
- Modulo 3 ensures that the exponents of \(\omega\) cycle predictably, which helps verify identities like \(1 + \omega^n + \omega^{2n} = 0\).
- It simplifies computation by reducing potentially large numbers into smaller, more manageable expressions.