BrightChamps Logo
Login

Summarize this article:

Live Math Learners Count Icon104 Learners

Last updated on September 11, 2025

Powers of i Calculator

Professor Greenline Explaining Math Concepts

Calculators are reliable tools for solving simple mathematical problems and advanced calculations like trigonometry. Whether you’re cooking, tracking BMI, or planning a construction project, calculators will make your life easy. In this topic, we are going to talk about powers of i calculators.

Powers of i Calculator for US Students
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

What is the Powers of i Calculator?

A powers of i calculator is a tool used to compute the powers of the imaginary unit i, where i is the square root of -1.

 

Since the powers of i cycle through a set pattern, this calculator simplifies finding the power of i for any integer exponent. This makes calculations involving complex numbers easier and faster, saving time and effort.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

How to Use the Powers of i Calculator?

Given below is a step-by-step process on how to use the calculator:

 

Step 1: Enter the exponent value: Input the integer exponent into the given field.

 

Step 2: Click on calculate: Click on the calculate button to find the power of i and get the result.

 

Step 3: View the result: The calculator will display the result instantly.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

How to Calculate the Powers of i?

To calculate powers of i, recognize that they cycle through four values: i, -1, -i, and 1. Here's the cycle: i^1 = i i^2 = -1 i^3 = -i i^4 = 1

 

For any positive integer n, the power of i can be determined by finding the remainder when n is divided by 4: - If n % 4 == 0, then i^n = 1 - If n % 4 == 1, then i^n = i - If n % 4 == 2, then i^n = -1 - If n % 4 == 3, then i^n = -i

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Tips and Tricks for Using the Powers of i Calculator

When using a powers of i calculator, consider these tips to make it easier and avoid mistakes: 

 

  • Remember the cyclical pattern of i's powers: i, -1, -i, 1. 
     
  • Use the remainder of the exponent divided by 4 to quickly identify the result. 
     
  • Practice a few examples manually to get familiar with the cycle. 
     
  • Use this knowledge to solve more complex problems involving powers of i.
Max Pointing Out Common Math Mistakes

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them When Using the Powers of i Calculator

Even with a calculator, mistakes can happen. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them when using a powers of i calculator.

Mistake 1

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Misidentifying the cycle of i's powers

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Ensure you remember the correct cycle: i, -1, -i, 1.

 

Any mistake in this sequence will lead to incorrect results.

Mistake 2

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Incorrectly computing the remainder

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Make sure to accurately compute n % 4 to determine which power of i corresponds to the exponent.

Mistake 3

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Confusing the result with similar terms

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Be careful not to confuse i's powers with other mathematical terms or symbols, such as -1 or 1, which have different implications in complex numbers.

Mistake 4

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Overreliance on the calculator for understanding

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

While calculators provide quick answers, understanding the underlying mathematical concept is crucial for deeper comprehension and problem-solving.

Mistake 5

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Assuming all calculators will handle every scenario

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Some calculators might not handle very large exponents efficiently.

 

Understanding the cycle allows you to manually compute powers of i if necessary.

arrow-right
arrow-right
Max from BrightChamps Saying "Hey"
Hey!

Powers of i Calculator Examples

Ray, the Character from BrightChamps Explaining Math Concepts
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 1

What is i raised to the power of 15?

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

Find the remainder of 15 divided by 4: 15 % 4 = 3 According to the cycle, i^3 = -i Therefore, i^15 = -i.

Explanation

As the remainder is 3, the cycle tells us i^15 equals -i.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 2

Calculate i to the power of 8.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

Find the remainder of 8 divided by 4: 8 % 4 = 0 According to the cycle, i^0 = 1 Therefore, i^8 = 1.

Explanation

The remainder is 0, so i^8 equals 1 according to the cycle.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 3

Determine i raised to the power of 27.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

Find the remainder of 27 divided by 4: 27 % 4 = 3 According to the cycle, i^3 = -i Therefore, i^27 = -i.

Explanation

With a remainder of 3, the cycle indicates i27 equals -i.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 4

Find the result of i raised to the power of 44.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

Find the remainder of 44 divided by 4: 44 % 4 = 0 According to the cycle, i^0 = 1 Therefore, i^44 = 1.

Explanation

The remainder is 0, so i^44 equals 1.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 5

What is i raised to the power of 123?

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

Find the remainder of 123 divided by 4: 123 % 4 = 3 According to the cycle, i^3 = -i Therefore, i^123 = -i.

Explanation

As the remainder is 3, i^123 equals -i according to the cycle.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Ray Thinking Deeply About Math Problems

FAQs on Using the Powers of i Calculator

1.How do you calculate powers of i?

Determine the remainder when the exponent is divided by 4, then use i's cycle: i, -1, -i, 1, to find the result.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

2.What is i to the power of 0?

i^0 is equal to 1, as any number to the power of 0 is 1.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

3.What is the cycle of powers of i?

The cycle is: i^1 = i, i^2 = -1, i^3 = -i, i^4 = 1, and it repeats every four powers.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

4.How do I use a powers of i calculator?

Input the integer exponent and click calculate. The calculator will show the power of i for that exponent.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

5.Is the powers of i calculator accurate?

Yes, it accurately determines the power of i by using the cyclical pattern of i's powers.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Glossary of Terms for the Powers of i Calculator

  • Imaginary Unit (i): A mathematical concept where i is the square root of -1. 

 

  • Exponent: The power to which a number or expression is raised. 

 

  • Cycle: A repeating sequence, such as the powers of i (i, -1, -i, 1). 

 

  • Remainder: The amount left over after division. 

 

  • Complex Number: A number comprising a real and an imaginary part.
Math Teacher Background Image
Math Teacher Image

Seyed Ali Fathima S

About the Author

Seyed Ali Fathima S a math expert with nearly 5 years of experience as a math teacher. From an engineer to a math teacher, shows her passion for math and teaching. She is a calculator queen, who loves tables and she turns tables to puzzles and songs.

Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Fun Fact

: She has songs for each table which helps her to remember the tables

INDONESIA - Axa Tower 45th floor, JL prof. Dr Satrio Kav. 18, Kel. Karet Kuningan, Kec. Setiabudi, Kota Adm. Jakarta Selatan, Prov. DKI Jakarta
INDIA - H.No. 8-2-699/1, SyNo. 346, Rd No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana - 500034
SINGAPORE - 60 Paya Lebar Road #05-16, Paya Lebar Square, Singapore (409051)
USA - 251, Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808
VIETNAM (Office 1) - Hung Vuong Building, 670 Ba Thang Hai, ward 14, district 10, Ho Chi Minh City
VIETNAM (Office 2) - 143 Nguyễn Thị Thập, Khu đô thị Him Lam, Quận 7, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
UAE - BrightChamps, 8W building 5th Floor, DAFZ, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
UK - Ground floor, Redwood House, Brotherswood Court, Almondsbury Business Park, Bristol, BS32 4QW, United Kingdom