Why is e^(pi.i) equal to -1?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical expression e^(pi.i) and its equality to -1. Participants explore the underlying concepts, including Euler's relationship and De Moivre's theorem, while also reflecting on the aesthetic significance of this relationship in mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks why e^(pi.i) equals -1.
  • Another participant cites Euler's relationship, e^{ix} = cos(x) + i sin(x), as foundational to understanding this equality.
  • A different participant explains that any complex number can be expressed in polar form using De Moivre's theorem, leading to the conclusion when substituting theta = pi.
  • One participant questions the importance of this relationship and suggests that it may require Taylor's expansion for a deeper understanding.
  • Several participants express the view that e^(pi.i) + 1 = 0 is a beautiful and elegant mathematical relationship, highlighting its connection to five fundamental numbers in mathematics.
  • Another participant reiterates the beauty of the relationship, emphasizing its incorporation of fundamental mathematical operations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the beauty and significance of the relationship e^(pi.i) + 1 = 0, but there is no consensus on the necessity of Taylor's expansion or the overall importance of the expression.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference different mathematical concepts and theorems without resolving the implications of these references or their interconnections.

sebasalekhine7
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ok, here it goes, why is e^(pi.i)=-1 ?
 
Last edited:
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It comes form Eulers relationship

[tex]e^{ix} = \cos(x) + i \sin(x)[/tex]

Edit: LOL, I fixed it already!
Now I am moving this to Math.
 
Last edited:
Any complex number [tex]a + bi[/tex] can be written in the form [tex]r(\cos{\theta} + i\sin{\theta})[/tex]. De Moivre's theorem states that this in turn can be written in the form [tex]re^{i\theta}[/tex]. That is, [tex]re^{i\theta} = r(\cos{\theta} + i\sin{\theta})[/tex]. Plug in [tex]\theta = \pi[/tex] and behold the magic!
 
Was it Euler? well, in that case u would have to use Taylor's expansion series and yes, it would work. Why is this important at all then?
 
It is commonly regarded to be one of the most (ahem) beautiful and elegant mathematical relationships in our universe (yes, our :biggrin: ). C'mon, wouldn't you agree that it is beautiful, succintly relating the 5 most important numbers in mathematics?? ([tex]e^{\pi i} + 1 = 0[/tex])
 
freemind said:
It is commonly regarded to be one of the most (ahem) beautiful and elegant mathematical relationships in our universe (yes, our :biggrin: ). C'mon, wouldn't you agree that it is beautiful, succinctly relating the 5 most important numbers in mathematics?? ([tex]e^{\pi i} + 1 = 0[/tex])
In addition it uses each of the fundamental mathematical operations, addition, multiplication, exponentiation, and equality. It is consider mathematical poetry.
 

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