Exercise 1116Algebra › PolynomialsL1Added 3 Nov 2026
Sum of roots of unity
#roots of unity#sum#cyclotomic
Statement
Let . Show that for .
Hint
Use the geometric series formula.
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Solution
Geometric series. Since and (for ),
Conclusion. The sum of all -th roots of unity is zero.
Interpretation. The centroid of the regular -gon inscribed in the unit circle is at the origin.