Chapter 1: Problem 15
Write the expression in the form \(a+b i,\) where \(a\) and \(b\) are real numbers. $$\begin{array}{ll} \text { (a) } i^{43} & \text { (b) } i^{-20} \end{array}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
(a) i^{43} = 0 - i; (b) i^{-20} = 1
Step by step solution
01
Recall the Exponent Cycle of i
The imaginary unit \(i\) has a repeating cycle: \(i^1 = i\), \(i^2 = -1\), \(i^3 = -i\), and \(i^4 = 1\). This cycle repeats every four powers.
02
Determine i^{43} Using Modulo Operation
Since the cycle repeats every 4 powers, calculate \(43 \mod 4\). This equals 3. Hence, \(i^{43} = i^3 = -i\).
03
Write i^{43} in the Form a + bi
Since \(i^{43} = -i\), the expression in the form \(a + bi\) is 0 + (-1)i, where \(a = 0\) and \(b = -1\).
04
Determine i^{-20} Using Inverse Property
Negative exponents indicate the reciprocal, so \(i^{-20} = \frac{1}{i^{20}}\). Determine \(20 \mod 4 = 0\), so \(i^{20} = 1\). Thus, \(i^{-20} = \frac{1}{1} = 1\).
05
Write i^{-20} in the Form a + bi
Since \(i^{-20} = 1\), the expression in the form \(a + bi\) is 1 + 0i, where \(a = 1\) and \(b = 0\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Imaginary Unit
The imaginary unit, denoted as \(i\), is a fundamental concept in complex numbers, where the square of \(i\) is equal to \(-1\). It's important to understand that \(i\) does not have a value on the real number line. Instead, it helps us expand our number system to handle equations that don't have real solutions. For example, the equation \(x^2 = -1\) does not have any solutions if we only consider real numbers, but it has solutions in the complex number system: \(x = i\) and \(x = -i\).
- \(i^1 = i\)
- \(i^2 = -1\)
- \(i^3 = -i\)
- \(i^4 = 1\)
Exponent Cycle
The concept of an exponent cycle is closely tied to understanding powers of \(i\). Because \(i\)'s powers repeat every 4 steps, this natural cycle allows us to handle high powers or negative powers without endless calculation.For instance, if an exponent is very large, like \(i^{43}\), you can use the cycle to determine its simplification quickly. You can perform the calculation \(43 \mod 4\), which results in 3, so \(i^{43} = i^3 = -i\). This approach helps bypass tedious arithmetic while keeping calculations manageable and accurate.The cycle is:
- \(i^1 = i\)
- \(i^2 = -1\)
- \(i^3 = -i\)
- \(i^4 = 1\)
Negative Exponents
Negative exponents indicate a reciprocal operation. For complex numbers involving \(i\), the same rules apply. Instead of computing directly, you invert the base of the exponent, which is particularly useful when the base is a complex number.Consider \(i^{-20}\):
- First, rewrite it using positive exponents: \(i^{-20} = \frac{1}{i^{20}}\).
- Next, note from the exponent cycle that \(i^{20} = 1\), since \(20 \mod 4 = 0\).
- Thus, \(i^{-20} = \frac{1}{1} = 1\).
Modulo Operation
The modulo operation is a mathematical operation that finds the remainder of division between two numbers. In the context of complex numbers and particularly the powers of \(i\), it assists in determining which cycle a high power lands within.For example, when finding \(i^{43}\), instead of calculating \(i\) raised to a high power directly, you compute \(43 \mod 4\), which is 3. Therefore, \(i^{43} = i^3 = -i\). Performing modulo operation allows you to:
- Identify the equivalent lower power within a known cycle.
- Simplify the expression using familiar results from the cycle.
- Avoid unnecessary lengthy calculations by reducing substantial powers to smaller, manageable numbers.