Proving N-th Root of Unity: e^{\frac{2k\pi i}{n}}

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that \( z = e^{\frac{2k\pi i}{n}} \) is an n-th root of unity, where \( n \) is a natural number and \( k \) is an integer within the specified range. Participants are exploring the properties of complex exponentials and their relation to trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to show that \( z^n = 1 \) by using the identity \( e^{i\theta} = \cos\theta + i\sin\theta \). There is a discussion about manipulating the expression to fit the form of trigonometric identities, with some questioning the steps taken to reach a clearer understanding.

Discussion Status

Some participants have made progress in rewriting the expression \( (e^{\frac{2k\pi i}{n}})^n \) and recognizing that it simplifies to \( e^{2k\pi i} \). There is a sense of moving forward, but further clarification on the implications of this result is still needed.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that \( k \) is an integer, which leads to the conclusion that \( e^{2k\pi i} = 1 \). There is an ongoing exploration of how to connect this back to the original proof requirement.

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Homework Statement



Prove that z=e^{\frac{2k\pi i}{n}},n\in\mathbb{N},k\in\mathbb{Z}, 0\leq k\leq n-1 is an n-th root of unity.

The Attempt at a Solution



So I know I have to come to the conclusion that z^{n}=1. I'm thinking of using the property e^{i\theta}=cos\theta+isin\theta, but when I try to break it up like that I get something strange like e^{\frac{2k\pi i}{n}}=cos(\frac{2k\pi}{n})+i( \frac{2k\pi}{n}) and I have to get it into a form like cos^{2}(\theta)+sin^{2}(\theta). Any ideas on how to do that/am I on the right track?
 
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autre said:

Homework Statement



Prove that z=e^{\frac{2k\pi i}{n}},n\in\mathbb{N},k\in\mathbb{Z}, 0\leq k\leq n-1 is an n-th root of unity.

The Attempt at a Solution



So I know I have to come to the conclusion that z^{n}=1. I'm thinking of using the property e^{i\theta}=cos\theta+isin\theta, but when I try to break it up like that I get something strange like e^{\frac{2k\pi i}{n}}=cos(\frac{2k\pi}{n})+i( \frac{2k\pi}{n}) and I have to get it into a form like cos^{2}(\theta)+sin^{2}(\theta). Any ideas on how to do that/am I on the right track?

Look at \left(e^{\displaystyle \left(\frac{2k\pi i}{n}\right)}\right)^n\,.
 
Oh, so I get \left(e^{{\displaystyle \left(\frac{2k\pi i}{n}\right)}}\right)^{n}=e^{2k\pi i}=cos(2k\pi)+isin(2k\pi)... which looks better. But how do I go from there?
 
autre said:
Oh, so I get \left(e^{{\displaystyle \left(\frac{2k\pi i}{n}\right)}}\right)^{n}=e^{2k\pi i}=cos(2k\pi)+isin(2k\pi)... which looks better. But how do I go from there?
If k is an integer, that is equal to 1 .
 

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