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Why e^-Pi = -1

The equation e^-π = -1 is a famous mathematical result that relates three important
mathematical constants: e (Euler's number), π (pi), and -1 (the additive inverse of the
number one).

To understand why e^-π = -1, we need to use the complex number system, which
includes real numbers and imaginary numbers.

In the complex number system, an imaginary number is defined as the square root of a
negative number. For example, the imaginary unit i is defined as the square root of -1.

Now, we can use Euler's formula, which states that e^(ix) = cos(x) + i sin(x), where i is
the imaginary unit and x is any real number.

If we let x = -π, we get:

e^(-πi) = cos(-π) + i sin(-π)

We know that cos(-π) = -1 and sin(-π) = 0, so we can simplify the equation:

e^(-πi) = -1 + 0i

Now, we can use the fact that e^(-πi) is a complex number, which means it can be
written in the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers.

If we equate the real parts and imaginary parts of e^(-πi) and -1 + 0i, we get:

a = -1 and b = 0

Therefore, e^(-πi) = -1 + 0i = -1

In conclusion, e^-π = -1 because of Euler's formula and the properties of complex


numbers. The result has important implications in various branches of mathematics,
including trigonometry, calculus, and number theory.

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