Simplify each power of i. i²³

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the imaginary unit \(i\) is defined such that \(i^2 = -1\).
2. Recognize that powers of \(i\) repeat in a cycle of 4: \(i^1 = i\), \(i^2 = -1\), \(i^3 = -i\), and \(i^4 = 1\).
3. To simplify \(i^{23}\), find the remainder when 23 is divided by 4, since the powers repeat every 4.
4. Calculate \(23 \div 4\) which gives a quotient of 5 and a remainder of 3, so \(i^{23} = i^3\).
5. Use the cycle to identify \(i^3 = -i\), so \(i^{23}\) simplifies to \(-i\).

Key Concepts

Imaginary Unit (i)

The imaginary unit i is defined as the square root of -1, satisfying i² = -1. It is the fundamental unit used to extend the real number system to complex numbers, allowing for the representation and manipulation of numbers involving the square roots of negative values.

Powers of i and Their Cyclic Pattern

Powers of i repeat in a cycle of four: i¹ = i, i² = -1, i³ = -i, and i⁴ = 1. This pattern repeats for higher powers, so simplifying i raised to any integer power involves finding the remainder when the exponent is divided by 4.

Modular Arithmetic for Exponent Simplification

Modular arithmetic helps simplify powers by reducing the exponent modulo 4 in this context. For example, to simplify i^23, compute 23 mod 4 = 3, so i^23 = i^3 = -i. This technique streamlines calculations involving cyclic patterns.