Final answer:
The value of the expression i to the power of 1 times i to the power of 2 times i to the power of 3 times i to the power of 4 is 1. This is found by recognizing that i squared is -1, i cubed is -i, and i to the fourth power is 1; then applying the multiplication of these four terms sequentially.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to evaluating the expression i to the power of 1, i to the power of 2, i to the power of 3, and i to the power of 4, all multiplied together. The value of the imaginary unit i is defined as the square root of -1.
When calculating with powers of the imaginary unit i, we can use the powers' distinct values:
- i to the power of 1 is i,
- i to the power of 2 is -1,
- i to the power of 3 is -i, and
- i to the power of 4 is 1.
Thus, the expression can be simplified by multiplying these values in succession:
(i) × (-1) × (-i) × (1) = i × (-i) = -1 × (i²) = -1 × (-1) = 1.
The value of the given expression is 1.