Q. If $\alpha$ and $\beta$ are imaginary cube roots of unity, then $\alpha^{4} + \beta^{4} + \frac{1}{\alpha\beta}$ is equal to

A) 3
B) 0
C) 1
D) 2
Explanation

(b)
The complex cube roots of unity are $1,\ \omega,\ \omega^{2}$
Let $\alpha = \omega,\ \ \ \beta = \omega^{2}$
Then, $\alpha^{4} + \beta^{4} + \alpha^{- 1}\beta^{- 1} = \omega^{4} + \left( \omega^{2} \right)^{4} + (\omega)^{- 1}\left( \omega^{2} \right)^{- 1}$
$= \omega + \omega^{2} + 1 = 0$

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.