Online Course Discussion Forum

Math Challenge III 2.20 Algebra

 
 
Picture of Dr. Kevin Wang
Re: Math Challenge III 2.20 Algebra
by Dr. Kevin Wang - Tuesday, July 7, 2020, 1:36 AM
 

$1$ doesn't count because $\omega$ is imaginary.  The other two give you the same result.  Working with roots of unity, you don't need to convert to rectangular form.  Instead, use the fact that $\omega^3=1$, and $\omega^2+\omega+1=0$, you will find the algebra pretty easy.