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Complex Roots Calculator

Finding All nth Roots of a Complex Number

Every nonzero complex number has exactly n distinct nth roots, equally spaced around a circle of radius r^(1/n) on the Argand diagram. These roots are given by De Moivre's formula: z_k = r^(1/n) cis((θ + 2πk)/n) for k = 0, 1, ..., n−1. This calculator finds and displays all of them.

Real component a in z₁ = a + bi

Imaginary component b in z₁ = a + bi

Real component c in z₂ = c + di

Imaginary component d in z₂ = c + di

Try an Example

Pick a scenario to see how the calculator works, then adjust the values

Signal Addition

Add two phasor signals in complex form to find the resultant.

Key values: z₁ = 3 + 4i · z₂ = 1 − 2i · Addition

Circuit Impedance

Divide two impedances to compute the transfer ratio.

Key values: z₁ = 3 + 4i · z₂ = 1 + 2i · Division

De Moivre Power

Raise a complex number to the 10th power using De Moivre's theorem.

Key values: z₁ = 1 + i · n = 10 · Power

Cube Roots of −8

Find all three cube roots of −8, visualized as equidistant points on a circle.

Key values: z₁ = −8 + 0i · n = 3 · nth Root

Documentation

This calculator is also known as Complex Roots Calculator.

Read the complete guide

nth Root Formula

The n distinct nth roots of z = r·cis(θ) are z_k = r^(1/n)·cis((θ + 2πk)/n) for k = 0, 1, ..., n−1. All roots share the same modulus r^(1/n) and are separated by an angle of 2π/n radians.

Examples

Cube Roots of −8

Find all three cube roots of −8.

−8 = 8∠180°. The cube root modulus is 8^(1/3) = 2. The three roots are at angles 60°, 180°, and 300°, giving 1 + √3·i, −2, and 1 − √3·i.

Key takeaway: The "obvious" real cube root −2 is just one of the three complex cube roots. The other two are equally valid and equally spaced on a circle of radius 2.

Finding Complex Roots

Steps for computing nth roots:

  • Convert to polar form: find r and θ
  • Compute the root modulus: r^(1/n)
  • Compute the k-th root angle: (θ + 2πk)/n for k = 0, 1, ..., n−1

Frequently Asked Questions about Complex Roots Calculator

How many nth roots does a complex number have?

Every nonzero complex number has exactly n distinct nth roots. The number 0 technically has only one nth root: 0 itself.

What are roots of unity?

The nth roots of unity are the nth roots of 1 + 0i. They are equally spaced on the unit circle and form a cyclic group under multiplication.

Specialized Calculators

Choose from 11 specialized versions of this calculator, each optimized for specific use cases and calculation methods.

Operation

11 Calculators
add
Complex Number Addition Calculator | Add Complex Numbers Online
Add two complex numbers with step-by-step results in rectangular and polar form.
additionbinaryvector-sum
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subtract
Complex Number Subtraction Calculator | Subtract Complex Numbers
Subtract two complex numbers with results in rectangular and polar form.
subtractionbinary
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multiply
Complex Number Multiplication Calculator | Multiply Complex Numbers
Multiply complex numbers using FOIL or polar form. See the rotation and scaling on the complex plane.
multiplicationrotationscaling
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divide
Complex Division Calculator | Divide Complex Numbers Step-by-Step
Divide complex numbers by multiplying by the conjugate. See the step-by-step rationalization.
divisionconjugaterationalize
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modulus
Complex Number Modulus Calculator | Absolute Value of Complex Number
Calculate the modulus (absolute value) |z| of any complex number.
modulusabsolute-valuemagnitude
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argument
Complex Number Argument Calculator | Phase Angle Calculator
Calculate the principal argument (phase angle) of any complex number using atan2.
argumentphaseangle+1
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conjugate
Complex Conjugate Calculator | Find the Conjugate of a Complex Number
Compute the complex conjugate and see the reflection on the Argand diagram.
conjugatereflection
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power
De Moivre's Theorem Calculator | Complex Number Powers
Compute z^n for any integer n using De Moivre's theorem with polar form.
powerde-moivreexponent
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nthRoot
nth Root of Complex Number Calculator | Find All Roots
Find all n distinct nth roots of a complex number, displayed as equally-spaced points on a circle.
nth-rootroots-of-unityroot-circle
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modulus
Complex Number Converter | Rectangular to Polar Form
Convert complex numbers between rectangular (a+bi) and polar (r\u2220\u03b8) form with step-by-step work.
converterrectangular-to-polarpolar-to-rectangular
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add
Phasor Calculator | AC Circuit Impedance Calculator
Perform phasor arithmetic for AC circuit analysis. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide impedances.
phasorimpedanceengineering+1
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