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Imaginary unit

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The imaginary unit, $i=\sqrt{-1}$, is the fundamental component of all complex numbers. In fact, it is a complex number itself. It has a magnitude of 1, and can be written as $1 \text{cis } \left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)$. Any complex number can be expressed as $a+bi$ for some real numbers $a$ and $b$.

Trigonometric function cis

Main article: cis

The trigonometric function $\text{cis } x$ is also defined as $e^{ix}$ or $\cos x + i\sin x$.

Series

When $i$ is used in an exponential series, it repeats at every four terms:

  1. $i^1=\sqrt{-1}$
  2. $i^2=\sqrt{-1}\cdot\sqrt{-1}=-1$
  3. $i^3=-1\cdot i=-i$
  4. $i^4=-i\cdot i=-i^2=-(-1)=1$
  5. $i^5=1\cdot i=i$

This has many useful properties.

Use in factorization

$i$ is often very helpful in factorization. For example, consider the difference of squares: $(a+b)(a-b)=a^2-b^2$. With $i$, it is possible to factor the otherwise-unfactorisable $a^2+b^2$ into $(a+bi)(a-bi)$.

Problems

Introductory

Intermediate

  • The equation $z^6+z^3+1$ has complex roots with argument $\theta$ between $90^\circ$ and $180^\circ$ in the complex plane. Determine the degree measure of $\theta$. (Source)

Olympiad

  • Let $A\in\mathcal M_2(R)$ and $P\in R[X]$ with no real roots. If $\det(P(A)) = 0$ , show that $P(A) = O_2$. <url>viewtopic.php?t=78260 (Source)</url>

See also

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