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Re: Simplify (-1)^((-1)^n)

• To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
• Subject: [mg76427] Re: Simplify (-1)^((-1)^n)
• From: Peter Pein <petsie at dordos.net>
• Date: Tue, 22 May 2007 02:45:34 -0400 (EDT)
• References: <f2rrer$a4q$1@smc.vnet.net>

peter.clave at gmail.com schrieb:
> Hi,
> 
> I am using Mathematica 5.2.
> 
> How can I urge Mathematica on evaluate
> In[x] := Simplify[ (-1)^((-1)^n), Element[n, Integers] ]
> to
> Out[x] := -1
> ?
> 
> Many thanks for any help,
> Peter
> 
> 

Hi Peter,

I'm afraid, you have to tell Mathematica, that an integer is either even or odd:

In[1]:=
$Version
Assuming[{n, n - 1}/2 \[Element] Integers,
  Simplify[ComplexExpand[(-1)^(-1)^n]]]
Out[1]= "5.1 for Microsoft Windows (October 25, 2004)"
Out[2]= -1

Cheers,
Peter

• Follow-Ups:
  • Re: Re: Simplify (-1)^((-1)^n)
    • From: "Lev Bishop" <lev.bishop@gmail.com>