Chapter 7: Problem 44
Find the indicated powers of complex numbers. $$i^{31}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The value of \( i^{31} \) is \(-i\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Power of i
The imaginary unit, denoted as \( i \), is defined such that \( i^2 = -1 \). Higher powers of \( i \) can be simplified by recognizing the pattern in the powers of \( i \). The powers of \( i \) cycle every four exponents as follows: \( i^1 = i \), \( i^2 = -1 \), \( i^3 = -i \), and \( i^4 = 1 \).
02
Use the Pattern to Simplify Higher Powers
Since the powers of \( i \) repeat every four exponents, any power of \( i \) can be reduced by finding the remainder when the exponent is divided by 4. For example, \( i^{31} \) can be simplified by calculating \( 31 \mod 4 \).
03
Divide the Exponent by 4
Divide 31 by 4 to find the remainder: \(31 \div 4 = 7 \text{ remainder } 3\). This means \( 31 \mod 4 = 3 \).
04
Relate the Result to the Power Pattern
Since the remainder is 3, \( i^{31} = i^3 \). From the pattern in Step 1, we know that \( i^3 = -i \).
05
State the Final Answer
Thus, \( i^{31} = -i \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Powers of i
The imaginary unit, represented as \( i \), follows an interesting pattern when raised to different powers. The key is understanding that these powers cycle every four exponents, allowing for simplification. The pattern is:
- \( i^1 = i \)
- \( i^2 = -1 \)
- \( i^3 = -i \)
- \( i^4 = 1 \)
- \( i^5 = i^1 \)
- \( i^6 = i^2 \)
- \( i^7 = i^3 \)
- \( i^8 = i^4 \) = 1
Exponents of Imaginary Unit
When facing exponents of the imaginary unit \( i \), the key idea is reducing the exponent using the repeating pattern we've discussed. To simplify \( i^{31} \), you follow these steps:
\[ 31 \div 4 = 7 \text{ remainder } 3 \] This tells us that \( 31 \mod 4 = 3 \), meaning \( i^{31} = i^3 \). Referring back to our pattern, we know that \( i^3 = -i \). So, \( i^{31} = -i \).
- Recognize the four-term pattern of \( i \): \( i, -1, -i, 1 \).
- Calculate the remainder when the exponent is divided by 4, since the pattern repeats every four numbers.
\[ 31 \div 4 = 7 \text{ remainder } 3 \] This tells us that \( 31 \mod 4 = 3 \), meaning \( i^{31} = i^3 \). Referring back to our pattern, we know that \( i^3 = -i \). So, \( i^{31} = -i \).
Modulo Operation
The modulo operation is crucial in simplifying higher powers of \( i \). This mathematical operation finds the remainder when one number is divided by another. Specifically, to simplify \( i^{31} \), we use modular arithmetic with a base of 4. Here’s why and how:
\[ 31 \div 4 = 7 \text{ remainder } 3 \] The remainder (3 in this case) indicates the position in the cycle: \( i^3 = -i \), simplifying \( i^{31} \) directly. This highlights the usefulness of modulo operations in handling exponents, especially when identifying repetitive patterns in sequences.
- The pattern in the powers of \( i \) repeats every 4 cycles: \( i, -1, -i, 1 \).
- By dividing the exponent by 4, we find which part of the cycle the exponent falls into.
\[ 31 \div 4 = 7 \text{ remainder } 3 \] The remainder (3 in this case) indicates the position in the cycle: \( i^3 = -i \), simplifying \( i^{31} \) directly. This highlights the usefulness of modulo operations in handling exponents, especially when identifying repetitive patterns in sequences.