Finding Complex Roots of Equation z^3+8=0

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the three complex roots of the equation z3 + 8 = 0. The correct approach involves using polar coordinates and roots of unity, specifically applying the formula rn(cos(nθ) + isin(nθ)) = 1 + i*0. The roots can be expressed as 81/3(cos(θ/3) + isin(θ/3)), with θ defined as k(2π/3) for k = 0, 1, 2. This method leads to the identification of the unique solution for r and the cube roots of -1.

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  • Understanding of complex numbers and their representations in polar and rectangular forms.
  • Familiarity with De Moivre's Theorem for finding roots of complex numbers.
  • Knowledge of roots of unity and their properties.
  • Basic proficiency in trigonometric functions and their applications in complex analysis.
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  • Study the application of De Moivre's Theorem in complex number calculations.
  • Learn about the geometric interpretation of complex roots on the Argand plane.
  • Explore the concept of roots of unity in greater detail, particularly for higher-order polynomials.
  • Practice solving polynomial equations involving complex roots and their conversions between forms.
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Valhalla
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I just bombed a quiz because it was 2 questions and this was one of them:

Find all three complex roots of the following equation (give answers in polar and rectangular form)

[tex]z^3+8=0[/tex]

Looks easy enough,

[tex]z=2e^{-i\frac{\theta}{3}}[/tex]

This is where I think I completely realized I wasn't sure what I was doing. My roommate suggested I look for the roots of unity which I know that:

[tex]r^n(cos(n\theta)+isin(n\theta))=1+i*0[/tex]

so if I want to consider mine it should be:

[tex]8^{1/3}(cos(\frac{\theta}{3})+isin(\frac{\theta}{3})=-8[/tex]

so then

[tex]\theta=\frac{k2\pi}{3}[/tex]

is this the right track?
 
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I'm not sure what you're trying to do (eg, your second to last latex line doesn't look right). Just keep in mind that there will be a unique solution for r, and then you're left with finding the cube roots of -1 (not 1). If it helps, these are the sixth roots of 1 that aren't also cube roots of 1.
 

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