Difference between revisions of "1997 AIME Problems/Problem 14"

(Solution)
(Solution)
Line 3: Line 3:
  
 
== Solution ==
 
== Solution ==
The solution requires use of Euler's formula:
+
The solution requires the use of Euler's formula:
 +
 
 
<math>\displaystyle e^{i\theta}=\cos(\theta)+i\sin(\theta)</math>
 
<math>\displaystyle e^{i\theta}=\cos(\theta)+i\sin(\theta)</math>
 +
 +
If <math>\displaystyle \theta=2\pi ik</math>, where k is any constant, the equation reduces to:
 +
\begin{eqnarray*}
 +
e^{2\pi ik}&=&\cos(2\pi k)+i\sin(2\pi k)
 +
&=&1+0i
 +
&=&1+0
 +
&=&1
 +
\end{eqnarray*}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
* [[1997 AIME Problems]]
 
* [[1997 AIME Problems]]

Revision as of 20:06, 7 March 2007

Problem

Let $\displaystyle v$ and $\displaystyle w$ be distinct, randomly chosen roots of the equation $\displaystyle z^{1997}-1=0$. Let $\displaystyle \frac{m}{n}$ be the probability that $\displaystyle\sqrt{2+\sqrt{3}}\le\left|v+w\right|$, where $\displaystyle m$ and $\displaystyle n$ are relatively prime positive integers. Find $\displaystyle m+n$.

Solution

The solution requires the use of Euler's formula:

$\displaystyle e^{i\theta}=\cos(\theta)+i\sin(\theta)$

If $\displaystyle \theta=2\pi ik$, where k is any constant, the equation reduces to: \begin{eqnarray*} e^{2\pi ik}&=&\cos(2\pi k)+i\sin(2\pi k) &=&1+0i &=&1+0 &=&1 \end{eqnarray*}

See also