Chapter 9: Problem 73
Use the Binomial Theorem to expand the complex number. Simplify your result. $$(1+i)^{4}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The expanded and simplified form of the complex number \((1 + i)^4\) is 2.
Step by step solution
01
Write down the Binomial Theorem
The binomial theorem is used to expand the expression (a + b)^n into a sum of terms. It is summarised as follows: (a + b)^n = Σ (from k=0 to n) [n choose k] * a^(n-k) * b^k. Here, for our problem, a=1, b=i, and n=4.
02
Substitute the values into the Binomial Theorem
Substitute the given values into the Binomial Theorem. Plug a=1, b=i, and n=4 into the theorem. This gives us: (1 + i)^4 = Σ (from k=0 to 4) [4 choose k] * 1^(4-k) * i^k.
03
Simplify the equation
Simplify the equation. Remember that 1 raised to any power is 1, and i has a repeated cycle: i^1=i, i^2=-1, i^3=-i, i^4=1. So, simplification gives us: (1 + i)^4 = [4 choose 0]*i^0 + [4 choose 1]*i^1 + [4 choose 2]*i^2 + [4 choose 3]*i^3 + [4 choose 4]*i^4. This equals: 1*1 + 4*i - 6 - 4i + 1 = 2.
04
Write the final answer
After simplifying, we get the result that (1 + i)^4 = 2. This is the expanded form of the given complex number, simplified.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Complex Numbers
Complex numbers are numbers that have a real part and an imaginary part. They are usually written in the form \(a + bi\), where \(a\) is the real part, and \(b\) is the imaginary part. The imaginary part includes \(i\), which represents the square root of -1, i.e., \(i = \sqrt{-1}\). This makes complex numbers very different from standard real numbers.
- Real part: a number without \(i\).
- Imaginary part: a number with \(i\).
Polynomial Expansion
Polynomial expansion involves expressing an expression in terms of a sum of powers. The Binomial Theorem is especially helpful in expanding expressions that are raised to a power.When you see an expression like \((a + b)^n\), it expands into a sum of terms that can be calculated using the formula:\[ (a + b)^n = \sum_{k=0}^{n} \binom{n}{k} a^{(n-k)} b^k \]Let's break down the components:
- \(\binom{n}{k}\): Represents the binomial coefficient or "n choose k," indicating the number of ways to choose \(k\) items from \(n\) items, mathematically expressed as \(\frac{n!}{k!(n-k)!}\).
- \(a^{(n-k)}\): The part of the term contributed by \(a\).
- \(b^k\): The part of the term contributed by \(b\).
Powers of i
Understanding the powers of \(i\) is crucial when dealing with expressions involving complex numbers. The imaginary unit \(i\) has a unique property; when raised to powers, it follows a cyclic pattern:
- \(i^1 = i\)
- \(i^2 = -1\)
- \(i^3 = -i\)
- \(i^4 = 1\)
- If the remainder is 1, \(i^n = i\).
- If the remainder is 2, \(i^n = -1\).
- If the remainder is 3, \(i^n = -i\).
- If the remainder is 0, \(i^n = 1\).