Find the square root of i

When dealing with powers of complex numbers, always start by putting the quantity into exponential form.

i has a magnitude of and an argument of π/2. Using Euler's formula,

i = exp(iπ/2)

Now the expression is in exponential form, taking the square root is easy, using basic exponential math.

sqrt(i) = (exp(iπ/2))^(1/2) = exp(iπ/4)

This quantity has a modulus of 1 and an argument of π/4. Using Euler's formula again,

sqrt(i) = (1 + i)/sqrt(2)

JL

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Split x^4/[(x^2+4)*(x-2)^2] into partial fractions and hence differentiate it


If the complex number z = 5 + 4i, work out 1/z.


The point D has polar coordinates ( 6, 3π/4). Find the Cartesian coordinates of D.


Find the root of the complex 3+4i