Complex Roots - Not sure I did this right

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding the roots of the equation z4 = 1 - i using De Moivre's Theorem. The correct transformation of the equation yields z4 = √2 cis(-π/4). By applying De Moivre's Theorem, the four roots are determined as z = 21/8 cis(-π/16), z = 21/8 cis(7π/16), z = 21/8 cis(15π/16), and z = 21/8 cis(23π/16). Verification of these roots can be accomplished by raising them to the fourth power, confirming their accuracy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex numbers and their representation
  • Familiarity with De Moivre's Theorem
  • Knowledge of polar coordinates and the cis function
  • Basic algebraic manipulation of equations
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  • Learn about the geometric interpretation of complex roots
  • Explore the concept of roots of unity in complex analysis
  • Practice solving higher-degree polynomial equations in the complex plane
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Students studying complex analysis, mathematicians interested in polynomial equations, and educators teaching advanced algebra concepts.

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Hello. I'm not sure whether I did this right or messed up somewhere, just need to confirm my results...thanks to anybody who bothers answering.

Homework Statement



Find all the roots of [tex]z^{4}=1-i[/tex]

Homework Equations



I guess I should state De Moivre's here...

[tex](r cis(\vartheta))^{n}=r^{n} cis (n\vartheta)[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



Firstly I re-wrote [tex]z^{4}=1-i[/tex] as

[tex]z^{4}=\sqrt{2} cis (\frac{-\pi}{4})[/tex]

Using De Moivre's,

[tex]z=(2\frac{1}{2})^{\frac{1}{4}} cis (\frac{1}{4}(\frac{-\pi}{4}+k2\pi))[/tex]

[tex]z=2\frac{1}{8} cis (\frac{1}{4}(\frac{-\pi}{4}+k2\pi))[/tex]

I found the four roots letting k=0,1,2,3

[tex]z=2^\frac{1}{8} cis (\frac{-\pi}{16})[/tex]

[tex]z=2^\frac{1}{8} cis (\frac{1}{4}(\frac{-\pi}{4}+2\pi))=2^\frac{1}{8} cis (\frac{7\pi}{16})[/tex]

[tex]z=2^\frac{1}{8} cis (\frac{1}{4}(\frac{-\pi}{4}+4\pi))=2^\frac{1}{8} cis (\frac{15\pi}{16})[/tex]

[tex]z=2^\frac{1}{8} cis (\frac{1}{4}(\frac{-\pi}{4}+6\pi))=2^\frac{1}{8} cis (\frac{23\pi}{16})[/tex]
 
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Hi Atena!

Your answer is correct. You can check this by taking the fourth powers of the solutions you got (using deMoivre).
 

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