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Last updated on August 5, 2025

Cube root of 1

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The cube root of a number is a number multiplied by itself thrice equals the original number. We apply cube roots in geometry for calculating volumes, to scale objects in physics and in engineering to measure density and many others. Let's learn more about the cube root of 1.

Cube root of 1 for US Students
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What is the cube root of 1?

βˆ›1 — is the symbolic representation of ‘cube root of 1’. 


βˆ›1=1 


βˆ›1 has three roots→ 1,π›š, π›š2, which on multiplication together gives “1” as a product. 1×π›š×π›š2=1.

 

As mentioned above, the cube root of 1 or the cube root of unity are 1,π›š, π›š2, where 1 is a real root, π›š and π›š2 are the imaginary roots.


The essential features or properties of the cube root of 1 are: 


The imaginary roots π›š and π›š2 when multiplied together, yields 1


    π›š×π›š2= π›š3=1


The summation of the roots is zero → 1+π›š+π›š2=0.


The imaginary root π›š, when squared, is expressed as π›š2, which is equal to another imaginary root.
 

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Finding the Cube Root of 1

Now, let us find the meaning of π›š here. To find the cube root of 1, we will make use of some algebraic formulas. We know that, the cube root of 1 is represented as βˆ›1. Let us assume that βˆ›1= a, so,


βˆ›1= a


⇒ 1 = a3


⇒ a3- 1 = 0 


 ⇒ (a - 1)(a2+a+1) = 0              [using a3-b3= (a - b)(a2+a.b+b2)]


⇒ a - 1 =0


⇒ a= 1  …………..(1)


Again, a2+a+1 = 0


⇒ a = (-1 ±√(12–4×1×1)) / 2×1


⇒ a =  (-1 ±√(–3)) / 2


⇒ a =  (-1 ± i√3) / 2


⇒ a =   (-1 + i√3) / 2     …………(2)


Or


a =  (-1 - i√3) / 2        …………(3)


From equation (1), (2), and (3), we get,


The roots are →  1,  (-1 + i√3) / 2 and  (-1 - i√3) / 2
 

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in the Cube Root of 1

Though the cube root of 1 is pretty straight forward, some common mistakes can still be made. Given below are a few you need to be mindful of when trying to find the cube root of 1. 
 

Mistake 1

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Confusing cube roots with square roots 

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Sometimes one may think βˆ›1 and √1 are the same, leading to unnecessary calculations. 

Mistake 2

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Overcomplicating simple calculations
 

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Some may try to prime factorize the number 1 or unnecessarily try to apply complex formulas to find the cube root of 1. Remember that 1 raised to any power equals to 1.
 

Mistake 3

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Assuming the cube roots for non-integers
 

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 1 is a special case. 1 multiplied three times over is still 1. Students may confuse this for more complex roots like βˆ›2 or βˆ›8. 
 

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Cube root of 1 examples

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Problem 1

Solve β€” βˆ›8Γ—1

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To solve βˆ›8×1 we first multiply 8×1; 


8×1 = 8 
 

Explanation

The cube root of 8 is 2. 
 

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Problem 2

The volume of a cube is 1 cubic unit. Find the length of the side.

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s3 = 1


s = βˆ›1 = 1 unit 
 

Explanation

The side is 1 unit. 

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Problem 3

Find z where zΒ³-1 = 0

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z = 1,⍡, ⍡2 , the cube roots of 1 
 

Explanation

The possible values of z are only 1, ⍡, ⍡2.
 

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FAQs on the cube root of 1

1.What is the cube of (-1)?

Cube of (-1) = -1 
 

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2.Is the cube root of 1 an imaginary number?

No. The cube of 1 is a real cube root. The cubes of (-1 + i√3) / 2 and  (-1 - i√3) / 2 are, however, imaginary cubes. 
 

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3.What is the square of negative 1?

There are no real numbers that have a negative square. The two complex square roots of -1 are i and -i. 
 

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4.Is √1 real?

Yes, the square root of 1 is real. 
 

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5.Why is iΒ²= -1?

When a square root is multiplied by itself, the number cancels itself out, and you are left with the original number.
 

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Important Glossaries for Cube root of 1

  • Natural numbers — Numbers that range from 1 to infinity. 

 

 

 

  • Square root  — The square root of a number is a value “y” such that when “y” is multiplied by itself → y × y, the result is the original number. 
     
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Jaskaran Singh Saluja

About the Author

Jaskaran Singh Saluja is a math wizard with nearly three years of experience as a math teacher. His expertise is in algebra, so he can make algebra classes interesting by turning tricky equations into simple puzzles.

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Fun Fact

: He loves to play the quiz with kids through algebra to make kids love it.

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