Chapter 10: Problem 83
Find each power of \(i\) $$ (-3 i)^{5} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The result of \((-3i)^5\) is \(-243i\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the powers of i
Recall that the imaginary unit \( i \) satisfies \( i^2 = -1 \). From this, we derive that \( i^3 = i^2 \cdot i = -i \) and \( i^4 = i^3 \cdot i = 1 \). Hence, the powers of \( i \) cycle every four: \( i, -1, -i, 1 \).
02
Separate coefficients and imaginary parts
The expression \((-3i)^5\) can be separated as \((-3)^5 \cdot i^5\). Thus, we focus first on calculating the power of the real coefficient \((-3)\) and separately handle the power of \(i\).
03
Calculate the power of the real coefficient
Calculate \((-3)^5\) as follows: \[ (-3)^5 = (-3) \times (-3) \times (-3) \times (-3) \times (-3) = -243 \].
04
Calculate the power of i
Using the cycle of \( i\), to find \( i^5 \), notice that \(5 \mod 4 = 1\), so \( i^5 = i \).
05
Combine results
Combine the results of steps 3 and 4: \[ (-3)^5 \cdot i^5 = -243 \cdot i = -243i \].
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Imaginary Unit
In the world of complex numbers, the imaginary unit is a pivotal concept. Denoted by the symbol \( i \), it represents the square root of \(-1\). Unlike real numbers, which have positive or zero squares, the imaginary unit is a novel way to handle the square roots of negative numbers. Complex numbers combine real and imaginary parts in the form \( a + bi \), where \( a \) is the real part and \( b \) is the imaginary part. The introduction of \( i \) allows mathematicians and scientists to extend the real number system and solve equations that would otherwise have no solutions in real numbers alone.
- \( i^2 = -1 \): the defining property of the imaginary unit.
- Imaginary numbers can be used in various fields such as engineering, physics, and mathematics.
Powers of i
Understanding the powers of the imaginary unit \( i \) is crucial for working with complex numbers. Since \( i^2 = -1 \), higher powers of \( i \) can be simplified by recognizing a cyclic pattern:
- \( i^1 = i \)
- \( i^2 = -1 \)
- \( i^3 = -i \)
- \( i^4 = 1 \)
Exponentiation
Exponentiation in the context of complex numbers can initially seem daunting, but it becomes approachable by breaking down the process. Consider an expression with complex numbers like \((-3i)^5\). Here's how to manage it:
- Separate effects: split the expression into its real and imaginary components \((-3)^5\) and \(i^5\).
- Calculate the real number power first: \((-3)^5 = -243\).
- Handle the imaginary component using the cycle of powers of \( i \): \( i^5 = i \) since \( 5 \mod 4 = 1 \).