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
Answered by Jamie L. Further Mathematics tutor

14273 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

FP3- Find the eigenvalues and the eigenvector for the negative eigenvalue, from this 2x2 matrix of columns (2,1) and (3,0)


how do I do proofs by induction?


A block of mass 50kg resting on a rough surface with a coefficient of friction equal to 1/3. Find the maximum angle at which the surface can be inclined to the horizontal without the block slipping. Give your answer to 3 significant figures


Find the general solution of y'' - 3y' + 2y = 2e^x


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