Exercise 1937Algebra › Complex numbersOlympiadAdded 4 Nov 2026
The product of sin(kπ/n)
#roots of unity#trigonometric product#cyclotomic
Statement
Prove that for every integer ,
Hint
The numbers , , are the roots of . Evaluate this polynomial at , and compute .
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Solution
Factorisation. The -th roots of unity other than are the roots of . At : .
Moduli. For ,
With this is . Taking moduli in the product,
which is the claim.
Check. : ✓. : ✓.
Lesson. A trigonometric product over equally spaced angles often comes from evaluating at a well-chosen point.