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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
Let $\alpha$ and $\beta$ be the roots of $x^{2}+x+1=0 .$ If $n$ be a positive integer, then $\alpha^{n}+\beta^{n}$ is
MathematicsComplex NumberWBJEEWBJEE 2017
Options:
  • A $2 \cos \frac{2 n \pi}{3}$
  • B $2 \sin \frac{2 n \pi}{3}$
  • C $2 \cos \frac{n \pi}{3}$
  • D $2 \sin \frac{n \pi}{3}$
Solution:
2143 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: $2 \cos \frac{2 n \pi}{3}$
We have, $x^{2}+x+1=0$
$\Rightarrow \quad x=\frac{-1 \pm \sqrt{3} i}{2}$
$\Rightarrow \quad \alpha=\frac{-1+\sqrt{3} i}{2}$ and $\beta=\frac{-1-\sqrt{3} i}{2}$
or $\quad \alpha=e^{\frac{i2\pi}{3}}$ and $\beta=e^{\frac{-2\pi i}{3}}$
$\therefore$
$\alpha^{n}+\beta^{n}=e^{\frac{2 n i t}{3}}+e^{\frac{-2\pi i}{3}}$
$=2\left(\frac{e^{\frac{2n\pi i}{3}}+e^{\frac{-2n\pi i}{3}}}{2}\right)$
$=2 \cos \left(\frac{2 n \pi}{3}\right)$

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