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

15239 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Sketch the locus of z on an Argand diagram if arg[(z-5)/(z-3)] = π/6


How can we describe complex numbers ?


Show that the set of real diagonal (n by n) matrices (with non-zero diagonal elements) represent a group under matrix multiplication


Given that z = a + bj, find Re(z/z*) and Im(z/z*).


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