1984 AIME Problem 8

Attempt Problem 8 of the 1984 AIME below, then check your answer against the professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 1984 AIME solutions, or check the answer key.

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8.

The equation z6+z3+1=0z^6+z^3+1=0 has one complex root with argument θ\theta between 9090^\circ and 180180^\circ in the complex plane. Determine the degree measure of θ.\theta.

Answer: 160
Concepts:complex numberroots of unity
Difficulty rating: 2210
Small Hint:

Substitute u=z3u=z^3

Big Hint:

The two possible arguments of z3z^3 are 120120^\circ and 240240^\circ

Solution:

Let u=z3.u=z^3. Then u2+u+1=0,u^2+u+1=0, so uu has argument 120120^\circ or 240.240^\circ. Taking cube roots gives possible arguments 40,160,280,80,200,320. 40^\circ,160^\circ,280^\circ,80^\circ,200^\circ,320^\circ. The only one strictly between 9090^\circ and 180180^\circ is 160.160^\circ.

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