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

3948 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are differential equations, and why are they important?


Find the integrating factor of the following first order ODE: dx/dt = -2tx +t.


Two planes have eqns r.(3i – 4j + 2k) = 5 and r = λ (2i + j + 5k) + μ(i – j – 2k), where λ and μ are scalar parameters. Find the acute angle between the planes, giving your answer to the nearest degree.


Expand (1+x)^3. Express (1+i)^3 in the form a+bi. Hence, or otherwise, verify that x = 1+i satisfies the equation: x^3+2*x-4i = 0.


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