Complex Numbers III: Solving z^5-(z-i)^5=0

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equation \( z^5 - (z-i)^5 = 0 \) and the identification of its roots. Participants explore the relationship between this equation and the fifth roots of unity, as well as the implications of the polynomial degree on the number of roots.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the roots of \( w^5 = 1 \) are \( e^{2k\pi i} \), while others challenge this by stating that these are not the fifth roots of unity.
  • One participant proposes that the correct expression for the fifth roots of unity is \( w = e^{\frac{2\pi k i}{5}} \) for \( k = 0, \pm 1, \ldots \), emphasizing that this yields 5 distinct roots.
  • Another participant points out a potential misunderstanding regarding the number of roots, suggesting that the equation \( z^5 - (z-i)^5 = 0 \) is a quartic equation and should have exactly 4 complex roots.
  • One participant provides a detailed expansion of \( (z-i)^5 \) to illustrate the polynomial structure, leading to the conclusion that the equation simplifies to a fourth-degree polynomial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the identification of the roots of unity and the number of roots for the given equation. There is no consensus on the correct interpretation of the roots or the implications of the polynomial degree.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the assumptions made about the roots and the polynomial degree, as well as the interpretation of the expressions used in the discussion.

Punch
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The first part of the question asked to find the roots of w^5=1 which I have found to be e^{2k\pi)i}

Hence show that the roots of the equation z^5-(z-i)^5=0, z not equal i, are \frac{1}{2}(cot{\frac({k\pi}{5})+i), where k=-2, -1, 0, 1, 2.
 
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Punch said:
The first part of the question asked to find the roots of \(w^5=1\) which I have found to be \( e^{2k\pi\;i}\)

Those are not the 5-th roots of unity, whatever integer values k takes, they are all the same and =1

You find the 5-th roots of unity by putting:

\[w^5=1=e^{2\pi k\;i},\ k=0,\pm 1, ...\]

so:

\[ w=e^{ \frac{2 \pi k \; i}{5} },\ k= 0, \pm 1, ...\]

and any set of 5 consecutive values of k will give the 5 distinct roots of unity, so:\(w=e^{\frac{2\pi k\;i}{5}},\ k=-2,-1, 0,1,2 \)



Hence show that the roots of the equation \( z^5-(z-i)^5=0, z \) not equal \(i\), are \(\frac{1}{2} \left(cot\left(\frac{k\pi}{5}\right)+i\right)\), where \( k=-2, -1, 0, 1, 2.\)

Since either one of the purported roots is infinite oR with a different guess at where the brackets are supposed to be \( z^5-(z-i)^5=0, \) is a quartic and so has exactly 4 complex roots, but you list 5 distinct roots.
 
Last edited:
CaptainBlack said:
Those are not the 5-th roots of unity, whatever integer values k takes, they are all the same and =1

You find the 5-th roots of unity by putting:

\[w^5=1=e^{2\pi k\;i},\ k=0,\pm 1, ...\]

so:

\[ w=e^{ \frac{2 \pi k \; i}{5} },\ k= 0, \pm 1, ...\]

and any set of 5 consecutive values of k will give the 5 distinct roots of unity, so:\(w=e^{\frac{2\pi k\;i}{5}},\ k=-2,-1, 0,1,2 \)


Since either one of the purported roots is infinite oR with a different guess at where the brackets are supposed to be \( z^5-(z-i)^5=0, \) is a quartic and so has exactly 4 complex roots, but you list 5 distinct roots.

I understood your answer to the first quote. However, I didn't understand your answer to the second quote. I have checked the question and indeed, 5 distinct roots are listed.
 
$(z- i)^5= z^5- 5iz^4+ 10i^2z^3- 10i^3z^2+ 5i^4z- i^5= z^5- 5iz^4- 10z^3+ 10iz^2+ 5z- 1$
so that $z^5- (z- i)^5= z^5- (z^5- 5iz^4+ 10i^2z^3- 10i^3z^2+ 5i^4z- i^5= z^5- 5iz^4- 10z^3+ 10iz^2+ 5z- 1)= 5iz^4+ 10z^3- 10iz^20- 5z+ 1= 0$
That's a fourth degree equation and has 4 roots.
 

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