Question 28 of 28intermediate🔧 ApplyNumerical2 marks

If (1+i1−i)m=1\left( \frac{1+i}{1-i} \right)^m = 1, then find the least positive integral value of mm.

Correct Answer

4

Exercise: Miscellaneous Exercise on Chapter 4 | Q: 14 | (Page 10)
For More Understanding

Explanation

This question tests the simplification of complex fractions and understanding of powers of i. The student must first simplify the complex fraction (1+i)/(1-i) by rationalizing the denominator, then apply the property that i4i^{4} = 1 to find the least positive integral value of m.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Simplify the complex fraction by rationalizing the denominator.

    1+i1−i=1+i1−i×1+i1+i=(1+i)2(1−i)(1+i)\frac{1+i}{1-i} = \frac{1+i}{1-i} \times \frac{1+i}{1+i} = \frac{(1+i)^2}{(1-i)(1+i)}

  2. Step 2: Expand numerator and denominator.

    Numerator: (1+i)2=1+2i+i2=1+2i−1=2i(1+i)^2 = 1 + 2i + i^2 = 1 + 2i - 1 = 2i

    Denominator: (1−i)(1+i)=1−i2=1−(−1)=2(1-i)(1+i) = 1 - i^2 = 1 - (-1) = 2

  3. Step 3: Simplify the fraction.

    1+i1−i=2i2=i\frac{1+i}{1-i} = \frac{2i}{2} = i

  4. Step 4: Substitute back into the given equation.

    (1+i1−i)m=im=1\left( \frac{1+i}{1-i} \right)^m = i^m = 1

  5. Step 5: Apply the property of powers of i from the context.

    From the context: i4=(i2)2=(−1)2=1i^4 = (i^2)^2 = (-1)^2 = 1

    Also: i1=ii^1 = i, i2=−1i^2 = -1, i3=−ii^3 = -i, i4=1i^4 = 1

    Therefore, the least positive integral value of mm for which im=1i^m = 1 is m = 4.