Prove De Moivre's by induction for the positive integers

First we check the formula for our first case, n=1 where (cosx + isinx)n =cosnx + isinnx (cosx + isinx)1 = cos(1x) + isin(1x) - holds true for n=1 next we assume true for our case n=k(cosx + isinx)k = coskx + isinkxnext we show that if the case for n=k is true, then the case n=k+1 is true.by inputting n=k+1 we get (cosx+isinx)(k+1)=(cosx+isinx)(cosx+isinx)know as we assumed for n=k ,this equals (cosx+isinx)(coskx+isinkx)this gives cosxcoskx +icosxsinkx +isinxcoskx -sinxsinkxsimplifying to (coskxcosx -sinxsinkx) + i(cosxsinkx + sinxcoskx)finally through the compound angle formulae we reach our desired result: (cosx+isinx)k+1 = cos((k+1)x) + isin((k+1)x) conclusion: If n=k holds true, then n=k+1 holds true. Since n=1 holds true we have now shown that De Moivre's theorem holds true for all positive integers.

HS
Answered by Harry S. Further Mathematics tutor

3866 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

write 2-2i in its modulus argument form


Find the inverse of the general 2x2 matrix A= ([a, b],[c, d]) when does this inverse exist?


For f(x) = (3x+4)^(-2), find f'(x) and f''(x) and hence write down the Maclaurin series up to and including the term in x^2.


The infinite series C and S are defined C = a*cos(x) + a^2*cos(2x) + a^3*cos(3x) + ..., and S = a*sin(x) + a^2*sin(2x) + a^3*sin(3x) + ... where a is a real number and |a| < 1. By considering C+iS, show that S = a*sin(x)/(1 - 2a*cos(x) + a^2), and find C.


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning