Evaluating z^{60} for z = -1 + i√3

[nicksauce]

Homework Statement

Evaluate z^{60}, where z = -1 + i\sqrt{3}

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

z = 2(\cos(\frac{2\pi}{3}) + i\sin(\frac{2\pi}{3})
z^{60} = 2^{60}(\cos(40\pi) + i\sin(40\pi))
z^{60} = 2^{60}

Is this right? Maple doesn't seem to agree.

 

[Mystic998]

Unless I'm misremembering the various formulas involved, that seems correct. What is Maple giving as the answer?

 

[nicksauce]

z := -1 + I sqrt(3)
a := z^60
evalf(a, 5)
1.1544 10^18 - 8.5175 10^14 I

Perhaps the imaginary part is just due to some kind of rounding error?

 

[Mystic998]

Probably so. After all, you're dealing with some pretty big numbers and using, I'm guessing, 5 digits. Bound to introduce a pretty big error.

 

[nicksauce]

I'm quite surprised maple wouldn't use exact methods, such as I used here, to calculate such numbers!