College Algebra (10th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321979478
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-947-6

Chapter 1 - Section 1.3 - Complex Numbers; Quadratic Equations in the Complex Number System - 1.3 Assess Your Understanding - Page 112: 38

Answer

$i$

Work Step by Step

$\bf{\text{Solution Outline:}}$ To simplify the given expression, $ i^{-23} ,$ use the laws of exponents and the equivalence $i^2=-1.$ $\bf{\text{Solution Details:}}$ Using the Product Rule of the laws of exponents which is given by $x^m\cdot x^n=x^{m+n},$ the expression above is equivalent to \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} i^{-24+1} \\\\= i^{-24}\cdot i^{1} \\\\= i^{-24}\cdot i .\end{array} Using the Negative Exponent Rule of the laws of exponents which states that $x^{-m}=\dfrac{1}{x^m}$ or $\dfrac{1}{x^{-m}}=x^m,$ the expression above is equivalent to \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} \dfrac{1}{i^{24}}\cdot i .\end{array} Using the Power Rule of the laws of exponents which is given by $\left( x^m \right)^p=x^{mp},$ the expression above is equivalent to \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} \dfrac{1}{i^{2\cdot12}}\cdot i \\\\= \dfrac{1}{(i^{2})^{12}}\cdot i .\end{array} Since $i^2=-1,$ the expression above is equivalent to \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} \dfrac{1}{(-1)^{12}}\cdot i \\\\= \dfrac{1}{1}\cdot i \\\\= 1\cdot i \\\\= i .\end{array}
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