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Exercise 433Algebra › Complex numbersHigh schoolAdded 3 Nov 2026

Solving $z^3=1$

#cube roots of unity#algebraic solution

Statement

Solve in C\mathbb{C} the equation z3=1z^3=1.

Hint

Factor z3−1=(z−1)(z2+z+1)z^3-1=(z-1)(z^2+z+1).

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Solution

Factor. z3−1=(z−1)(z2+z+1)z^3-1=(z-1)(z^2+z+1).

Solutions. z=1z=1 or z2+z+1=0z^2+z+1=0.

Quadratic. z=−1±i32z=\frac{-1\pm i\sqrt3}{2}.

Conclusion. z∈{1,−1+i32,−1−i32}z\in\{1,\frac{-1+i\sqrt3}{2},\frac{-1-i\sqrt3}{2}\}.