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 Roots of complex numbers
(mα+hs)Smart Workshop
Semester 2, 2016

Geoff Coates

These slides describe how to find all of the n−th roots of real and complex numbers.

Before you start, it helps to be familiar with the following topics:

Representing complex numbers on the complex plane (aka the Argand plane).
Working out the polar form of a complex number.
de Moivre’s Theorem.
Trigonometric ratios for standard first quadrant angles ( π2 , π4 , π3 and π6 ) and using
these to find trig ratios for related angles in the other three quadrants.

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What can (mα+hs)Smart do for you?

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Email: geoff.coates@uwa.edu.au
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Contents

Introduction Go

Finding roots of complex numbers Go

Properties of roots of complex numbers Go

Exercises Go

Solution to Exercise 1 Go

Solution to Exercise 2 Go

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Introduction

Up until now there has been only one answer to the question

“what are the cube (or third) roots of 8?”

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Introduction

Up until now there has been only one answer to the question

“what are the cube (or third) roots of 8?”

In the Real Number system the answer is just “2”.

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Introduction

Up until now there has been only one answer to the question

“what are the cube (or third) roots of 8?”

In the Real Number system the answer is just “2”.

Now that we have extended the number realm to include Complex Numbers, it turns out
that there are two more answers to this question.

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Introduction

Up until now there has been only one answer to the question

“what are the cube (or third) roots of 8?”

In the Real Number system the answer is just “2”.

Now that we have extended the number realm to include Complex Numbers, it turns out
that there are two more answers to this question.

In fact, the question “what are the n−th roots of z?” will always have n answers.

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Finding roots of complex numbers

To find the remaining two cube roots of 8 we need to convert 8 to polar form.

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Finding roots of complex numbers

To find the remaining two cube roots of 8 we need to convert 8 to polar form.

Obviously, 8 is a real number but it can still be expressed as a complex number:

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Finding roots of complex numbers

To find the remaining two cube roots of 8 we need to convert 8 to polar form.

Obviously, 8 is a real number but it can still be expressed as a complex number:

z = 8 + 0i

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Finding roots of complex numbers

To convert z = 8 + 0i to polar form z = R(cos θ + i sin θ), start by representing it on the

complex plane:

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Finding roots of complex numbers

To convert z = 8 + 0i to polar form z = R(cos θ + i sin θ), start by representing it on the

complex plane:

imaginary (y )
8i

6i

4i

2i

−8 −6 −4 −2 2 4 6 8 real (x )
−2i

−4i

−6i

−8i

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Finding roots of complex numbers

To convert z = 8 + 0i to polar form z = R(cos θ + i sin θ), start by representing it on the

complex plane:

imaginary (y )
8i

6i

4i

2i

−8 −6 −4 −2 2 4 6 8 real (x )
−2i

−4i

−6i

−8i

Now, R is distance (or radius) of this point from (0, 0) so R =

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Finding roots of complex numbers

To convert z = 8 + 0i to polar form z = R(cos θ + i sin θ), start by representing it on the

complex plane:

imaginary (y )
8i

6i

4i

2i

−8 −6 −4 −2 2 4 6 8 real (x )
−2i

−4i

−6i

−8i

Now, R is distance (or radius) of this point from (0, 0) so R =

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Finding roots of complex numbers

To convert z = 8 + 0i to polar form z = R(cos θ + i sin θ), start by representing it on the

complex plane:

imaginary (y )
8i

6i

4i

2i

−8 −6 −4 −2 2 4 6 8 real (x )
−2i

−4i

−6i

−8i

Now, R is distance (or radius) of this point from (0, 0) so R = 8.

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Finding roots of complex numbers

To convert z = 8 + 0i to polar form z = R(cos θ + i sin θ), start by representing it on the

complex plane:

imaginary (y )
8i

6i

4i

2i

−8 −6 −4 −2 2 4 6 8 real (x )
−2i

−4i

−6i

−8i

Now, R is distance (or radius) of this point from (0, 0) so R = 8.

θ is the angle the radius makes with the positive x −axis (with anticlockwise as the
positive direction) so θ =
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Finding roots of complex numbers

To convert z = 8 + 0i to polar form z = R(cos θ + i sin θ), start by representing it on the

complex plane:

imaginary (y )
8i

6i

4i

2i

−8 −6 −4 −2 2 4 6 8 real (x )
−2i

−4i

−6i

−8i

Now, R is distance (or radius) of this point from (0, 0) so R = 8.

θ is the angle the radius makes with the positive x −axis (with anticlockwise as the
positive direction) so θ = 0.
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Finding roots of complex numbers

So, if w is one of the third roots of 8, we have

w3 = 8

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Finding roots of complex numbers

So, if w is one of the third roots of 8, we have

w3 = 8
w3 = 8(cos 0 + i sin 0) in polar form

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Finding roots of complex numbers

So, if w is one of the third roots of 8, we have

w3 = 8
w3 = 8(cos 0 + i sin 0) in polar form
 1
3 3 1
w = [8(cos 0 + i sin 0)] 3 take cube root to isolate w

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Finding roots of complex numbers

So, if w is one of the third roots of 8, we have

w3 = 8
w3 = 8(cos 0 + i sin 0) in polar form
 1
3 3 1
w = [8(cos 0 + i sin 0)] 3 take cube root to isolate w
1



1 1
w = 8 3 cos 3
× 0 + i sin 3
×0 by de Moivre’s Theorem

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Finding roots of complex numbers

So, if w is one of the third roots of 8, we have

w3 = 8
w3 = 8(cos 0 + i sin 0) in polar form
 1
3 3 1
w = [8(cos 0 + i sin 0)] 3 take cube root to isolate w
1



1 1
w = 8 3 cos 3
× 0 + i sin 3
×0 by de Moivre’s Theorem

= 2 (cos 0 + i sin 0)

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Finding roots of complex numbers

So, if w is one of the third roots of 8, we have

w3 = 8
w3 = 8(cos 0 + i sin 0) in polar form
 1
3 3 1
w = [8(cos 0 + i sin 0)] 3 take cube root to isolate w
1



1 1
w = 8 3 cos 3
× 0 + i sin 3
×0 by de Moivre’s Theorem

= 2 (cos 0 + i sin 0)
= 2(1 + i0)

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Finding roots of complex numbers

So, if w is one of the third roots of 8, we have

w3 = 8
w3 = 8(cos 0 + i sin 0) in polar form
 1
3 3 1
w = [8(cos 0 + i sin 0)] 3 take cube root to isolate w
1



1 1
w = 8 3 cos 3
× 0 + i sin 3
×0 by de Moivre’s Theorem

= 2 (cos 0 + i sin 0)
= 2(1 + i0)
= 2

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Finding roots of complex numbers

So, if w is one of the third roots of 8, we have

w3 = 8
w3 = 8(cos 0 + i sin 0) in polar form
 1
3 3 1
w = [8(cos 0 + i sin 0)] 3 take cube root to isolate w
1



1 1
w = 8 3 cos 3
× 0 + i sin 3
×0 by de Moivre’s Theorem

= 2 (cos 0 + i sin 0)
= 2(1 + i0)
= 2

Great! We already knew that! So what’s the point of using polar form?

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Finding roots of complex numbers

Well, polar form of complex numbers includes a flexibility we can use to find other roots.

imaginary (y )
8i

6i

4i

2i

−8 −6 −4 −2 2 4 6 8 real (x )
−2i

−4i

−6i

−8i

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Finding roots of complex numbers

Well, polar form of complex numbers includes a flexibility we can use to find other roots.

imaginary (y )
8i

6i

4i

2i

−8 −6 −4 −2 2 4 6 8 real (x )
−2i

−4i

−6i

−8i

Notice that rotating the radius through a full circle (2π radians) gets us back to the
same place.

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Finding roots of complex numbers

Well, polar form of complex numbers includes a flexibility we can use to find other roots.

imaginary (y )
8i

6i

4i

2i

−8 −6 −4 −2 2 4 6 8 real (x )
−2i

−4i

−6i

−8i

Notice that rotating the radius through a full circle (2π radians) gets us back to the
same place.

In fact, rotating the radius through a full circle any number of times (k) gets us back to
the same place.
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Finding roots of complex numbers

So, technically

z = 8 = 8(cos(0 + 2kπ) + i sin(0 + 2kπ))

where k is any integer.

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Finding roots of complex numbers

So, technically

z = 8 = 8(cos(0 + 2kπ) + i sin(0 + 2kπ))

where k is any integer.

Reworking the calculation of w now gives

1
w = [8(cos(0 + 2kπ) + i sin(0 + 2kπ)] 3

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Finding roots of complex numbers

So, technically

z = 8 = 8(cos(0 + 2kπ) + i sin(0 + 2kπ))

where k is any integer.

Reworking the calculation of w now gives

1
w = [8(cos(0 + 2kπ) + i sin(0 + 2kπ)] 3
1



2kπ 2kπ
= 8 3 cos 3
+ i sin 3
by de Moivre’s Theorem

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Finding roots of complex numbers

So, technically

z = 8 = 8(cos(0 + 2kπ) + i sin(0 + 2kπ))

where k is any integer.

Reworking the calculation of w now gives

1
w = [8(cos(0 + 2kπ) + i sin(0 + 2kπ)] 3
1



2kπ 2kπ
= 8 3 cos 3
+ i sin 3
by de Moivre’s Theorem
2kπ

2kπ



= 2 cos 3
+ i sin 3

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Finding roots of complex numbers

So, technically

z = 8 = 8(cos(0 + 2kπ) + i sin(0 + 2kπ))

where k is any integer.

Reworking the calculation of w now gives

1
w = [8(cos(0 + 2kπ) + i sin(0 + 2kπ)] 3
1



2kπ 2kπ
= 8 3 cos 3
+ i sin 3
by de Moivre’s Theorem
2kπ

2kπ



= 2 cos 3
+ i sin 3

So, different values of k lead to different roots.

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Finding roots of complex numbers

2kπ

2kπ



wk = 2 cos 3
+ i sin 3

We already know that k = 0 produces the root w0 = 2.

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Finding roots of complex numbers

2kπ

2kπ



wk = 2 cos 3
+ i sin 3

We already know that k = 0 produces the root w0 = 2.

2π

2π



For k = 1 we have w1 = 2 cos 3
+ i sin 3

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Finding roots of complex numbers

2kπ

2kπ



wk = 2 cos 3
+ i sin 3

We already know that k = 0 produces the root w0 = 2.

2π

2π



For k = 1 we have w1 = 2 cos 3
+ i sin 3
 √ 
= 2 − 12 + i × 2
3

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Finding roots of complex numbers

2kπ

2kπ



wk = 2 cos 3
+ i sin 3

We already know that k = 0 produces the root w0 = 2.

2π

2π



For k = 1 we have w1 = 2 cos 3
+ i sin 3
 √ 
= 2 − 12 + i × 2
3

(If you find this step difficult, see the workshop “Finding trig ratios for certain angles”.)

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Finding roots of complex numbers

2kπ

2kπ



wk = 2 cos 3
+ i sin 3

We already know that k = 0 produces the root w0 = 2.

2π

2π



For k = 1 we have w1 = 2 cos 3
+ i sin 3
 √ 
= 2 − 12 + i × 2
3

(If you find this step difficult, see the workshop “Finding trig ratios for certain angles”.)
√
= −1 + 3i

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Finding roots of complex numbers

2kπ

2kπ



wk = 2 cos 3
+ i sin 3

We already know that k = 0 produces the root w0 = 2.

2π

2π



For k = 1 we have w1 = 2 cos 3
+ i sin 3
 √ 
= 2 − 12 + i × 2
3

(If you find this step difficult, see the workshop “Finding trig ratios for certain angles”.)
√
= −1 + 3i
√
So, −1 + 3i is also a third root of 8.

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Finding roots of complex numbers

4π

4π



For k = 2 we have w2 = 2 cos 3
+ i sin 3

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Finding roots of complex numbers

4π

4π



For k = 2 we have w2 = 2 cos 3
+ i sin 3
 √ 
= 2 − 12 + i × − 2
3

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Finding roots of complex numbers

4π

4π



For k = 2 we have w2 = 2 cos 3
+ i sin 3
 √ 
= 2 − 12 + i × − 2
3

√
= −1 − 3i

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Finding roots of complex numbers

4π

4π



For k = 2 we have w2 = 2 cos 3
+ i sin 3
 √ 
= 2 − 12 + i × − 2
3

√
= −1 − 3i

√
So, −1 − 3i is also a third root of 8.

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Finding roots of complex numbers

6π
If you were to try k = 3 you would find yourself working with cos and sin of 3
= 2π
which gives the same root (w0 = 2) as for k = 0.

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Finding roots of complex numbers

6π
If you were to try k = 3 you would find yourself working with cos and sin of 3
= 2π
which gives the same root (w0 = 2) as for k = 0.

So, the three third roots of 8 are

√ √
w0 = 2, w1 = −1 + 3i and w2 = −1 − 3i

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Finding roots of complex numbers

6π
If you were to try k = 3 you would find yourself working with cos and sin of 3
= 2π
which gives the same root (w0 = 2) as for k = 0.

So, the three third roots of 8 are

√ √
w0 = 2, w1 = −1 + 3i and w2 = −1 − 3i

√ 3 √
Feel free to check that (−1 + 3i) and (−1 − 3i)3 do indeed equal 8.

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Properties of roots of complex numbers

There are some useful properties of these complex roots.

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Properties of roots of complex numbers

There are some useful properties of these complex roots.

Roots of real numbers occur in conjugate pairs.

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Properties of roots of complex numbers

There are some useful properties of these complex roots.

Roots of real numbers occur in conjugate pairs.

√ √
In our example, both −1 + 3i and −1 − 3i are third roots of 8.

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Properties of roots of complex numbers

Plotting these three roots on the complex plane reveals a very useful pattern:

imaginary (y )
w1 2i
√
3i

w0
−2 −1 1 2 real (x )

−i

√
− 3i
w2 −2i

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Properties of roots of complex numbers

Plotting these three roots on the complex plane reveals a very useful pattern:

imaginary (y )
w1 2i
√
3i

w0
−2 −1 1 2 real (x )

−i

√
− 3i
w2 −2i

Notice that the radius of all three roots is 2.

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Properties of roots of complex numbers

Plotting these three roots on the complex plane reveals a very useful pattern:

imaginary (y )
w1 2i
√
3i

w0
−2 −1 1 2 real (x )

−i

√
− 3i
w2 −2i

Notice that the radius of all three roots is 2. This means that they all sit on a circle
of radius 2 centred at the origin.

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Properties of roots of complex numbers

Plotting these three roots on the complex plane reveals a very useful pattern:

imaginary (y )
w1 2i
√
3i

w0
−2 −1 1 2 real (x )

−i

√
− 3i
w2 −2i

Notice that the radius of all three roots is 2. This means that they all sit on a circle
of radius 2 centred at the origin.

Also, the roots are evenly spaced around the circumference.

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Properties of roots of complex numbers

Plotting these three roots on the complex plane reveals a very useful pattern:

imaginary (y )
w1 2i
√
3i

w0
−2 −1 1 2 real (x )

−i

√
− 3i
w2 −2i

Notice that the radius of all three roots is 2. This means that they all sit on a circle
of radius 2 centred at the origin.

Also, the roots are evenly spaced around the circumference. The angle between each
radius is 2π
3
.
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Properties of roots of complex numbers

Plotting these three roots on the complex plane reveals a very useful pattern:

imaginary (y )
w1 2i
√
3i

w0
−2 −1 1 2 real (x )

−i

√
− 3i
w2 −2i

These are general properties of the roots of complex numbers.

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Properties of roots of complex numbers

Plotting these three roots on the complex plane reveals a very useful pattern:

imaginary (y )
w1 2i
√
3i

w0
−2 −1 1 2 real (x )

−i

√
− 3i
w2 −2i

These are general properties of the roots of complex numbers.

For example, you can now see why complex roots of real numbers occur in conjugate
pairs.
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Roots of complex numbers: Exercises

Have a go at the following practice exercises and then check the worked answers on the
following slides.

√
Exercise 1: Find the square roots of 2 + 2 3i.

Exercise 2: Find the 4th roots of −16.

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Solution to Exercise 1
√
Start by converting z = 2 + 2 3i to general polar form.

imaginary (y )
4i
√
2 3i−→
3i

2i

−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 real (x )
−i

−2i

−3i

−4i

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Solution to Exercise 1
√
Start by converting z = 2 + 2 3i to general polar form.

imaginary (y )
4i
√
2 3i−→
3i

2i R
i

−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 real (x )
−i

−2i

−3i

−4i

√ √
q
R= 22 + (2 3)2 = 16 = 4.

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Solution to Exercise 1
√
Start by converting z = 2 + 2 3i to general polar form.

imaginary (y )
4i
√
2 3i−→
3i

2i R
i

−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 real (x )
−i

−2i

−3i

−4i

√ √
q
R= 22 + (2 3)2 = 16 = 4.

From the triangle above,

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Solution to Exercise 1
√
Start by converting z = 2 + 2 3i to general polar form.

imaginary (y )
4i
√
2 3i−→
3i

2i 4
i
θ
−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 real (x )
−i

−2i

−3i

−4i

√ √
q
R= 22 + (2 3)2 = 16 = 4.

2 1
From the triangle above, cos(θ) = =
4 2
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Solution to Exercise 1
√
Start by converting z = 2 + 2 3i to general polar form.

imaginary (y )
4i
√
2 3i−→
3i

2i 4
i
θ
−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 real (x )
−i

−2i

−3i

−4i

√ √
q
R= 22 + (2 3)2 = 16 = 4.

2 1
From the triangle above, cos(θ) = = (or you can use sine or tan):
4 2
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Solution to Exercise 1
√
Start by converting z = 2 + 2 3i to general polar form.

imaginary (y )
4i
√
2 3i−→
3i

2i 4
i
θ
−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 real (x )
−i

−2i

−3i

−4i

√ √
q
R= 22 + (2 3)2 = 16 = 4.

2 1 π
From the triangle above, cos(θ) = = (or you can use sine or tan): θ = + 2kπ.
4 2 3
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Solution to Exercise 1

√ π

π



z = 2 + 2 3i = 4 cos 3
+ 2kπ + i sin 3
+ 2kπ

where k is any integer.

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Solution to Exercise 1

√ π

π



z = 2 + 2 3i = 4 cos 3
+ 2kπ + i sin 3
+ 2kπ

where k is any integer.

 π

π


 21
wk = 4 cos 3
+ 2kπ + i sin 3
+ 2kπ

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Solution to Exercise 1

√ π

π



z = 2 + 2 3i = 4 cos 3
+ 2kπ + i sin 3
+ 2kπ

where k is any integer.

 π

π


 21
wk = 4 cos 3
+ 2kπ + i sin 3
+ 2kπ
1



π π
= 4 2 cos 6
+ kπ + i sin 6
+ kπ by de Moivre’s Theorem

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Solution to Exercise 1

√ π

π



z = 2 + 2 3i = 4 cos 3
+ 2kπ + i sin 3
+ 2kπ

where k is any integer.

 π

π


 21
wk = 4 cos 3
+ 2kπ + i sin 3
+ 2kπ
1



π π
= 4 2 cos 6
+ kπ + i sin 6
+ kπ by de Moivre’s Theorem
π

π



= 2 cos 6
+ kπ + i sin 6
+ kπ

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Solution to Exercise 1

π

π



wk = 2 cos 6
+ kπ + i sin 6
+ kπ

π

π



For k = 0 we have w0 = 2 cos 6
+ i sin 6

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Solution to Exercise 1

π

π



wk = 2 cos 6
+ kπ + i sin 6
+ kπ

π

π



For k = 0 we have w0 = 2 cos 6
+ i sin 6
√ 
3 1
= 2 2
+i × 2

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Solution to Exercise 1

π

π



wk = 2 cos 6
+ kπ + i sin 6
+ kπ

π

π



For k = 0 we have w0 = 2 cos 6
+ i sin 6
√ 
3 1
= 2 2
+i × 2

√
= 3+i

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Solution to Exercise 1

π

π



wk = 2 cos 6
+ kπ + i sin 6
+ kπ

π

π



For k = 0 we have w0 = 2 cos 6
+ i sin 6
√ 
3 1
= 2 2
+i × 2

√
= 3+i

7π

7π



For k = 1 we have w1 = 2 cos 6
+ i sin 6

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Solution to Exercise 1

π

π



wk = 2 cos 6
+ kπ + i sin 6
+ kπ

π

π



For k = 0 we have w0 = 2 cos 6
+ i sin 6
√ 
3 1
= 2 2
+i × 2

√
= 3+i

7π

7π



For k = 1 we have w1 = 2 cos 6
+ i sin 6
 √ 
3 1
= 2 − 2
−i × 2

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Solution to Exercise 1

π

π



wk = 2 cos 6
+ kπ + i sin 6
+ kπ

π

π



For k = 0 we have w0 = 2 cos 6
+ i sin 6
√ 
3 1
= 2 2
+i × 2

√
= 3+i

7π

7π



For k = 1 we have w1 = 2 cos 6
+ i sin 6
 √ 
3 1
= 2 − 2
−i × 2

√
= − 3−i

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Solution to Exercise 1

π

π



wk = 2 cos 6
+ kπ + i sin 6
+ kπ

π

π



For k = 0 we have w0 = 2 cos 6
+ i sin 6
√ 
3 1
= 2 2
+i × 2

√
= 3+i

7π

7π



For k = 1 we have w1 = 2 cos 6
+ i sin 6
 √ 
3 1
= 2 − 2
−i × 2

√
= − 3−i

π
Note: Making k = 2 produces the angle 6
+ 2π which gives the same root as for k = 0.

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Solution to Exercise 1

√
So, the two second (ie. square) roots of z = 2 + 2 3i are
√ √
w0 = 3 + i and w1 = − 3 − i

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Solution to Exercise 1

√
So, the two second (ie. square) roots of z = 2 + 2 3i are
√ √
w0 = 3 + i and w1 = − 3 − i

√ √ √
Feel free to check that ( 3 + i)2 and (− 3 − i)2 both equal 2 + 2 3i.

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Solution to Exercise 1

√
So, the two second (ie. square) roots of z = 2 + 2 3i are
√ √
w0 = 3 + i and w1 = − 3 − i

√ √ √
Feel free to check that ( 3 + i)2 and (− 3 − i)2 both equal 2 + 2 3i.

Note: Since these are roots of a complex number they do not occur in a conjugate pair.

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Solution to Exercise 1

Plot these two roots on the complex plane to check the “wagon wheel” pattern:

imaginary (y )
4i z
3i

2i
w0
i

−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 real (x )
−i
w1
−2i

−3i

−4i

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Solution to Exercise 1

Plot these two roots on the complex plane to check the “wagon wheel” pattern:

imaginary (y )
4i z
3i

2i
w0
i

−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 real (x )
−i
w1
−2i

−3i

−4i

The radius of both roots is 2.

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Solution to Exercise 1

Plot these two roots on the complex plane to check the “wagon wheel” pattern:

imaginary (y )
4i z
3i

2i
w0
i

−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 real (x )
−i
w1
−2i

−3i

−4i

The radius of both roots is 2.

The roots are evenly spaced around the circle, separated by an angle of π.

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Solution to Exercise 2

Start by converting z = −16 = −16 + 0i to general polar form.

imaginary (y )
16i

12i

8i

4i

−16 −12 −8 −4 4 8 12 16 real (x )

−4i

−8i

−12i

−16i

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Solution to Exercise 2

Start by converting z = −16 = −16 + 0i to general polar form.

imaginary (y )
16i

12i

8i

4i

−16 −12 −8 −4 4 8 12 16 real (x )

−4i

−8i

−12i

−16i

p
R= (−16)2 + 02 = 16.

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Solution to Exercise 2

Start by converting z = −16 = −16 + 0i to general polar form.

imaginary (y )
16i

12i

8i

4i

−16 −12 −8 −4 4 8 12 16 real (x )

−4i

−8i

−12i

−16i

p
R= (−16)2 + 02 = 16.

θ = π + 2kπ.
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Solution to Exercise 2

z = −16 = 2 (cos (π + 2kπ) + i sin (π + 2kπ))

where k is any integer.

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Solution to Exercise 2

z = −16 = 2 (cos (π + 2kπ) + i sin (π + 2kπ))

where k is any integer.

1
wk = [16 (cos (π + 2kπ) + i sin (π + 2kπ))] 4

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Solution to Exercise 2

z = −16 = 2 (cos (π + 2kπ) + i sin (π + 2kπ))

where k is any integer.

1
wk = [16 (cos (π + 2kπ) + i sin (π + 2kπ))] 4
1



π kπ π kπ
= 16 4 cos 4
+ 2
+ i sin 4
+ 2
by de Moivre’s Theorem

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Solution to Exercise 2

z = −16 = 2 (cos (π + 2kπ) + i sin (π + 2kπ))

where k is any integer.

1
wk = [16 (cos (π + 2kπ) + i sin (π + 2kπ))] 4
1



π kπ π kπ
= 16 4 cos 4
+ 2
+ i sin 4
+ 2
by de Moivre’s Theorem
π kπ

π kπ



= 2 cos 4
+ 2
+ i sin 4
+ 2

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Solution to Exercise 2

π kπ

π kπ



wk = 2 cos 4
+ 2
+ i sin 4
+ 2

π

π



For k = 0 we have w0 = 2 cos 4
+ i sin 4

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Solution to Exercise 2

π kπ

π kπ



wk = 2 cos 4
+ 2
+ i sin 4
+ 2

π

π



For k = 0 we have w0 = 2 cos 4
+ i sin 4
√ √ 
2 2
= 2 2
+i × 2

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Solution to Exercise 2

π kπ

π kπ



wk = 2 cos 4
+ 2
+ i sin 4
+ 2

π

π



For k = 0 we have w0 = 2 cos 4
+ i sin 4
√ √ 
2 2
= 2 2
+i × 2

√ √
= 2+ 2i

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Solution to Exercise 2

π kπ

π kπ



wk = 2 cos 4
+ 2
+ i sin 4
+ 2

π

π



For k = 0 we have w0 = 2 cos 4
+ i sin 4
√ √ 
2 2
= 2 2
+i × 2

√ √
= 2+ 2i

3π

3π



For k = 1 we have w1 = 2 cos 4
+ i sin 4

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Solution to Exercise 2

π kπ

π kπ



wk = 2 cos 4
+ 2
+ i sin 4
+ 2

π

π



For k = 0 we have w0 = 2 cos 4
+ i sin 4
√ √ 
2 2
= 2 2
+i × 2

√ √
= 2+ 2i

3π

3π



For k = 1 we have w1 = 2 cos 4
+ i sin 4
 √ √ 
2 2
= 2 − 2
+i × 2

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Solution to Exercise 2

π kπ

π kπ



wk = 2 cos 4
+ 2
+ i sin 4
+ 2

π

π



For k = 0 we have w0 = 2 cos 4
+ i sin 4
√ √ 
2 2
= 2 2
+i × 2

√ √
= 2+ 2i

3π

3π



For k = 1 we have w1 = 2 cos 4
+ i sin 4
 √ √ 
2 2
= 2 − 2
+i × 2

√ √
= − 2 + 2i

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Solution to Exercise 2

π kπ

π kπ



wk = 2 cos 4
+ 2
+ i sin 4
+ 2

5π

5π



For k = 2 we have w2 = 2 cos 4
+ i sin 4

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Solution to Exercise 2

π kπ

π kπ



wk = 2 cos 4
+ 2
+ i sin 4
+ 2

5π

5π



For k = 2 we have w2 = 2 cos 4
+ i sin 4
 √ √ 
2 2
= 2 − 2
−i × 2

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Solution to Exercise 2

π kπ

π kπ



wk = 2 cos 4
+ 2
+ i sin 4
+ 2

5π

5π



For k = 2 we have w2 = 2 cos 4
+ i sin 4
 √ √ 
2 2
= 2 − 2
−i × 2

√ √
= − 2 − 2i

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Solution to Exercise 2

π kπ

π kπ



wk = 2 cos 4
+ 2
+ i sin 4
+ 2

5π

5π



For k = 2 we have w2 = 2 cos 4
+ i sin 4
 √ √ 
2 2
= 2 − 2
−i × 2

√ √
= − 2 − 2i

7π

7π



For k = 3 we have w3 = 2 cos 4
+ i sin 4

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Solution to Exercise 2

π kπ

π kπ



wk = 2 cos 4
+ 2
+ i sin 4
+ 2

5π

5π



For k = 2 we have w2 = 2 cos 4
+ i sin 4
 √ √ 
2 2
= 2 − 2
−i × 2

√ √
= − 2 − 2i

7π

7π



For k = 3 we have w3 = 2 cos 4
+ i sin 4
√ √ 
2 2
= 2 2
−i × 2

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Solution to Exercise 2

π kπ

π kπ



wk = 2 cos 4
+ 2
+ i sin 4
+ 2

5π

5π



For k = 2 we have w2 = 2 cos 4
+ i sin 4
 √ √ 
2 2
= 2 − 2
−i × 2

√ √
= − 2 − 2i

7π

7π



For k = 3 we have w3 = 2 cos 4
+ i sin 4
√ √ 
2 2
= 2 2
−i × 2

√ √
= 2 − 2i

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Solution to Exercise 2

So, the four fourth roots of z = −16 are

√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
w0 = 2 + 2i, w1 = − 2 + 2i, w2 = − 2 − 2i, and w3 = 2 − 2i

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Solution to Exercise 2

So, the four fourth roots of z = −16 are

√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
w0 = 2 + 2i, w1 = − 2 + 2i, w2 = − 2 − 2i, and w3 = 2 − 2i

Note: w0 and w3 are a conjugate pair.

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Solution to Exercise 2

So, the four fourth roots of z = −16 are

√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
w0 = 2 + 2i, w1 = − 2 + 2i, w2 = − 2 − 2i, and w3 = 2 − 2i

Note: w0 and w3 are a conjugate pair. So are w1 and w2 .

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Solution to Exercise 2

Plot the roots on the complex plane to check the “wagon wheel” pattern:

imaginary (y )
4i

3i

w1 2i w0
i
←− z is way down here ←− z is way down here
−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 real (x )
−i
w2 −2i w3
−3i

−4i

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Solution to Exercise 2

Plot the roots on the complex plane to check the “wagon wheel” pattern:

imaginary (y )
4i

3i

w1 2i w0
i
←− z is way down here ←− z is way down here
−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 real (x )
−i
w2 −2i w3
−3i

−4i

The radius of all four roots is 2.

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Solution to Exercise 2

Plot the roots on the complex plane to check the “wagon wheel” pattern:

imaginary (y )
4i

3i

w1 2i w0
i
←− z is way down here ←− z is way down here
−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 real (x )
−i
w2 −2i w3
−3i

−4i

The radius of all four roots is 2.

π
The roots are evenly spaced around the circle, separated by an angle of 2
.

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 Using STUDYSmarter Resources

This resource was developed for UWA students by the STUDYSmarter team for the
numeracy program. When using our resources, please retain them in their original form
with both the STUDYSmarter heading and the UWA crest.

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