Properties of Cube Roots of Unity

Rarely Tested

Properties of Cube Roots of Unity

## Formula

$$\omega^3=1$$

$$\omega^4=\omega$$

$$\omega^5=\omega^2$$

$$\omega^6=1$$

Therefore:

$$\omega^{3n}=1$$

$$\omega^{3n+1}=\omega$$

$$\omega^{3n+2}=\omega^2$$

## Important Identities

$$\omega+\omega^2=-1$$

$$\omega-\omega^2=i\sqrt3$$

$$\omega^2-\omega=-i\sqrt3$$

$$\omega\omega^2=1$$

## Usage

- Used to reduce high powers involving $\omega$ and simplify cyclic expressions.

Question 1

Let $$z$$ be a complex number satisfying

$$z^2+z+1=0$$

Evaluate $$\sum_{k=1}^{100}\left(z^k+\frac1{z^k}\right)^2$$

Go back to topics

Join CAT 2026 course by 5-Time CAT 100%iler

Start your IIM journey with the right preparation and crack CAT 2026.