Exercise 838Algebra › Complex numbersL1Added 3 Nov 2026
Sum of the $n$-th roots of unity
#roots of unity#sum#geometric series
Statement
Let . Prove that
Hint
Use the geometric series formula.
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Solution
Geometric series. Since (for ) and :
Conclusion. The sum of all -th roots of unity is .
Geometric interpretation. The centroid of a regular -gon inscribed in the unit circle is the origin.