Using mathematical induction, prove De Moivre's Theorem.

De Moivre's theorem states that (cosø + isinø)= cos(nø) + isin(nø). Assuming n = 1 
    (cosø + isinø)= cos(1ø) + isin(1ø)
which is true so correct for n = 1 Assume n = k is true so (cosø + isinø)= cos(kø) + isin(kø). Letting n = k + 1 we know that (cosø + isinø)k+1 = cos((k + 1)ø) + isin((k + 1)ø). But trying to derive the answer from n = k we get:
   (cosø + isinø)k+1 = (cosø + isinø)x (cosø + isinø)      //Using law of indecies
                = (cos(kø) + isin(kø)) x (cosø + isinø) //We've assumed this to be true from n = k
                 = cos(kø)cos(ø) + icos(kø)sin(ø) + isin(kø)cos(ø) - sin(kø)sin(ø) //Expansion
Now using the trigenomitery rules of
sin(a + b) = sin(a)cos(b) + sin(b)cos(a) and cos(a + b) = cos(a)cos(b) - sin(a)sin(b)
and collecting terms to match these formulas we get
                 = cos(kø + ø) + isin(kø + ø)
                = cos((k + 1)ø) + isin((k + 1)ø)  //Taking out ø as a common factor inside the trig functions Which equals our expression gained from De Moivre's theorem for n = k + 1,
and as theorem is true for n = 1 and n = k + 1,
statement is true for all values of n >= 1.

SE
Answered by Scott E. Maths tutor

79888 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A curve is defined by the parametric equations x = 2t and y = 4t^2 + t. Find the gradient of the curve when t = 4


A curve has an equation of y = 20x - x^2 - 2x^3, with one stationary point at P=-2. Find the other stationary point, find the d^2y/dx^2 to determine if point P is a maximum or minium.


Differentiate x^3 + 6x + 1


How would I use implicit differentiation to differentiate functions such as: y=tan^-1(ax^2+b) in the form of dy/dx=.....?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning