ACT Math · Complex numbers

What is i^13 × i^22?

What is i13×i22i^{13} \times i^{22}?

Answer and explanation

Answer: D: -i

First reduce each power of ii using its remainder when the exponent is divided by 44. Since 13=4(3)+113=4(3)+1, i13=ii^{13}=i. Since 22=4(5)+222=4(5)+2, i22=i2=−1i^{22}=i^2=-1. The product is i⋅(−1)=−ii\cdot(-1)=-i, choice D. Alternatively, add the exponents: i35i^{35}, and 35=4(8)+335=4(8)+3, so i35=i3=−ii^{35}=i^3=-i. Choice A (ii) drops the negative sign from i22i^{22}. Choice B (−1-1) and choice C (11) come from using wrong remainders. Each remainder of 0,1,2,30, 1, 2, 3 gives a different power of ii.

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