Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Powers of i
The imaginary unit i is defined as the square root of -1. Its powers cycle through four distinct values: i^1 = i, i^2 = -1, i^3 = -i, and i^4 = 1. This cyclical pattern repeats every four powers, which is crucial for simplifying higher powers of i.
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Modulus and Division
To simplify powers of i, we can use the modulus of the exponent. Since the powers of i repeat every four terms, we can find the equivalent power by calculating the exponent modulo 4. For example, i^114 can be simplified by finding 114 mod 4, which helps determine the corresponding value in the cycle.
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Complex Numbers
Complex numbers are numbers that have a real part and an imaginary part, expressed in the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers. Understanding complex numbers is essential for working with i, as it allows for the manipulation and interpretation of expressions involving imaginary units in various mathematical contexts.
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