Need help with question! (1 Viewer)

alcronin

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I'm working through the Cambridge 4 Unit maths book and it doesn't have worked solutions :( one question is:

Z = 1 + i sqrt3. Find the smallest positive integer 'n' for which z^n is real and evaluate z^n for this value of n. Show that there is no integral value of n for which z^n is imaginary.

Any help would be appreciated or a link to worked solutions! Thanks :)
 

bobmcbob365

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If a complex number is real, then the argument of the complex number will be equal to 0, pi, 2pi, ...
Use De Moivre's Theorem as well.
 

HeroicPandas

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If z^n is REAL, then IM(z)=0, ie. when you put z into mod-arg form, you say since z^n is real therefore its imaginary parts are zero, then solve for n
 

HeroicPandas

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Well I thought the imaginary part had to equal 0 so sin pi/3 would have to equal 0? So it would just drop out of the equation??
Don't worry about my post, look at bob's professional answers- he used a better method
 

bobmcbob365

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Lol don't worry. Your method is equally as correct. As long as you get the answer it's all good. =p
 

HeroicPandas

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Lol don't worry. Your method is equally as correct. As long as you get the answer it's all good. =p
ok, i like ur method a lot! using arguments, my method i gotta bring out general solutions for sine or the way i call it "Fundamental Formula"
 

HeroicPandas

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No, when u put in mod-arg, u get z^n = 2^n[ cos(npi/2) +isin(npi/2)]
If z^n = real, then Im(z)=0 (expand in the 2^n first)

THAT IS: 2^n [sin(npi/2)] =0

get me?

EDIT: ALL imaginary PARTS are equal to zero, so we ignore REAL parts(no "i")

Imaginary parts: Stuff infront of "i" xD
 
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