Square Roots and Complex Numbers

This lecture covers the calculation of square roots in the context of quadratic equations, including the completion of the square method. It also delves into complex numbers, their properties, and the solutions to equations involving them. The instructor explains the concept of Fermat prime numbers and their relation to complex numbers, as well as the Gauss-Wantzel theorem. The lecture concludes with a discussion on the extraction of square roots and the conditions under which it is possible. Various mathematical concepts are explored, such as distinct prime numbers, cyclic groups, and the real and imaginary parts of complex numbers.

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Related concepts (66)

MATH-110(a): Advanced linear algebra I

L'objectif du cours est d'introduire les notions de base de l'algèbre linéaire et de démontrer rigoureusement les résultats principaux de ce sujet.

Complex number

In mathematics, a complex number is an element of a number system that extends the real numbers with a specific element denoted i, called the imaginary unit and satisfying the equation ; every complex number can be expressed in the form , where a and b are real numbers. Because no real number satisfies the above equation, i was called an imaginary number by René Descartes. For the complex number , a is called the , and b is called the . The set of complex numbers is denoted by either of the symbols or C.

Complex plane

In mathematics, the complex plane is the plane formed by the complex numbers, with a Cartesian coordinate system such that the x-axis, called the real axis, is formed by the real numbers, and the y-axis, called the imaginary axis, is formed by the imaginary numbers. The complex plane allows a geometric interpretation of complex numbers. Under addition, they add like vectors.

Quadratic function

In mathematics, a quadratic polynomial is a polynomial of degree two in one or more variables. A quadratic function is the polynomial function defined by a quadratic polynomial. Before the 20th century, the distinction was unclear between a polynomial and its associated polynomial function; so "quadratic polynomial" and "quadratic function" were almost synonymous. This is still the case in many elementary courses, where both terms are often abbreviated as "quadratic".

Pierpont prime

In number theory, a Pierpont prime is a prime number of the form for some nonnegative integers u and v. That is, they are the prime numbers p for which p − 1 is 3-smooth. They are named after the mathematician James Pierpont, who used them to characterize the regular polygons that can be constructed using conic sections. The same characterization applies to polygons that can be constructed using ruler, compass, and angle trisector, or using paper folding. Except for 2 and the Fermat primes, every Pierpont prime must be 1 modulo 6.

Constructible polygon

In mathematics, a constructible polygon is a regular polygon that can be constructed with compass and straightedge. For example, a regular pentagon is constructible with compass and straightedge while a regular heptagon is not. There are infinitely many constructible polygons, but only 31 with an odd number of sides are known. Some regular polygons are easy to construct with compass and straightedge; others are not.