Chapter 14: Problem 1
Simplify: (a) \(j^{3}\) (b) \(j^{5}\) (c) \(j^{12}\) (d) \(j^{14}\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
(a) \( -j \), (b) \( j \), (c) \( 1 \), (d) \( -1 \).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the imaginary unit
The imaginary unit is denoted as \( j \), and it is defined as \( j = \sqrt{-1} \). Essential powers of \( j \) are: \( j^2 = -1 \), \( j^3 = -j \), and \( j^4 = 1 \). These powers repeat every four terms, forming a cycle.
02
Simplifying \( j^3 \)
From the cycle of powers, we know that \( j^3 = -j \). This is an immediate result from the given recurring cycle of powers of \( j \).
03
Simplifying \( j^5 \)
Use the cycle to simplify \( j^5 \). \( j^5 = j^{4+1} = (j^4)\cdot(j^1) = 1 \cdot j = j \).
04
Simplifying \( j^{12} \)
Since \( j^4 = 1 \), we can express \( j^{12} \) as \( (j^4)^3 = 1^3 = 1 \).
05
Simplifying \( j^{14} \)
Decompose \( j^{14} \) into \( j^{12+2} = (j^{12})(j^2) = 1 \cdot (-1) = -1 \).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Imaginary Unit
The imaginary unit is a fundamental concept in mathematics that helps extend the real number system to include roots of negative numbers. It is represented by the symbol \( j \), especially in engineering fields, where \( i \) is commonly used in pure mathematics. The imaginary unit is defined by the equation \( j = \sqrt{-1} \). This definition is crucial because it allows us to work with numbers that are not on the traditional real number line.
Here are some important points about the imaginary unit:
Here are some important points about the imaginary unit:
- It provides a way to express solutions to equations like \( x^2 = -1 \).
- It forms the basis of complex numbers, which are expressed as \( a + bj \), where \( a \) and \( b \) are real numbers.
- It is used extensively in various fields, from electrical engineering to control systems.
Powers of Imaginary Numbers
The powers of the imaginary unit \( j \) follow a specific repeating pattern after every four terms. Knowing this cycle can simplify computations involving complex numbers.
The cycle is as follows:
For example, to simplify \( j^{14} \), you can express it as \( j^{12+2} = (j^4)^3 \, j^2 \), knowing that \( j^4 = 1 \) and \( j^2 = -1 \), which results in \( -1 \). Understanding how powers of \( j \) cycle can save time and simplify calculations.
The cycle is as follows:
- \( j^1 = j \)
- \( j^2 = -1 \)
- \( j^3 = -j \)
- \( j^4 = 1 \)
For example, to simplify \( j^{14} \), you can express it as \( j^{12+2} = (j^4)^3 \, j^2 \), knowing that \( j^4 = 1 \) and \( j^2 = -1 \), which results in \( -1 \). Understanding how powers of \( j \) cycle can save time and simplify calculations.
Simplification of Expressions
Simplifying expressions involving the imaginary unit involves using the properties and cycle of powers of \( j \). When faced with an expression like \( j^{14} \), the strategy revolves around breaking it down using the cyclic nature of powers of \( j \).
Here's how you can simplify some expressions efficiently:
Here's how you can simplify some expressions efficiently:
- Recognize the power pattern. Knowing \( j^4 = 1 \) helps break down larger powers of \( j \) into simpler parts.
- Decompose the expression into components using this pattern. For example, \( j^{14} \) can be decomposed into \( j^{12} \times j^2 \), simplifying directly using known values.
- Recombine and simplify the result using the cycle: \( j^{12} = 1 \) and \( j^2 = -1 \) gives \( j^{14} = -1 \).