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

15046 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Show that the sum from 1 to n of 1/(2n+1)(2n-1) is equal to n/(2n+1) by Induction


How do you deal with 3 simultaneous equations? (Struggling with Q7 of AQA specimen paper 1)


How do you find the derivative of arcsinx?


The plane Π contains the points (1, 2, 3), (0, 1, 2) and (2, 3, 0). What is the vector equation of the plane? and what is the cartesian equation of the plane?


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