Simplifying Powers of i

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Taught by mrbrianmclogan
  • Currently 3.0/5 Stars.
960 views | 1 rating
Part of video series
Meets NCTM Standards:
Lesson Summary:

In this lesson, we learn how to simplify powers of i by expressing them as either a power of i, negative i, one, or negative one. Since i has four options (i, -1, -i, 1), we can divide the exponent by four to determine the remainder and simplify the power accordingly. If the remainder is zero, the power is one, and if the remainder is one, the power is i, and so on. This method simplifies the process and allows us to quickly determine the value of any power of i.

Lesson Description:

Simplifying imaginary numbers

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Questions answered by this video:
  • Simplify i^42, i^56
  • Staff Review

    • Currently 3.0/5 Stars.
    I think it would be easier if i^40 is expressed as (i^4)^10=>1^10=>1 i^25 as (i^4)^6.i=>1.i=>i i^50 as (i^4)^12.i²=>1.(-1)=>-1