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All complex sixth roots of 64

Question

Solve x6=64x^6=64 over the complex numbers, listing all six solutions.

Short answer

x=2eikπ/3x=2e^{ik\pi/3}, k=0,…,5k=0,\dots,5: that is ±2\pm2, 1±i31\pm i\sqrt3 and −1±i3-1\pm i\sqrt3. Write 64=26e2πik64=2^6e^{2\pi ik} and take sixth roots; the roots are evenly spaced at 60∘60^\circ on the circle of radius 22.

Adapted from Crack, Heard on the Street, Q1.63, p.20; question and answer rewritten by SelfMadeQuant.com.

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