Simplifying i to a higher power the easy way

The video tutorial explains how to simplify I to the 18th power. It begins by introducing the concept of I as the square root of -1 and discusses the importance of understanding rather than memorizing the table of powers of I. The tutorial then walks through the calculations of I squared, I cubed, and I to the fourth, showing how these powers repeat every four steps. Finally, it demonstrates how to determine I to the 18th by identifying the number of repetitions and the remainder, concluding that I to the 18th equals -1.

What is the value of i, the imaginary unit?

• The square root of 2

• The square root of 1

• The square root of 0

• The square root of -1

What is the value of i squared?

• -i

• i

• -1

• 1

What is the value of i cubed?

• 1

• -1

• i

• -i

What is the value of i to the fourth power?

• i

• -1

• -i

• 1

How can you determine the value of i to the 18th power?

• By using a calculator

• By using the cyclical pattern and finding the remainder when 18 is divided by 4

• By memorizing the table of powers

• By multiplying i by itself 18 times