The statement e^{i \theta} = \cos \theta + i \sin \theta \quad is known as Euler's relation (and as Euler's formula) and is considered the first bridge between the fields of algebra and geometry, as it relates the exponential function to the trigonometric sine and cosine functions.
If you substitute \theta = \pi the relation simplifies to e^{i\pi} =-1 \quad, known as Euler's identity.
If you substitute \theta = \pi the relation simplifies to e^{i\pi} =-1 \quad, known as Euler's identity.
Summary/Background

He made decisive and formative contributions to geometry, calculus and number theory. He integrated Leibniz's differential calculus and Newton's method of fluxions into mathematical analysis. He introduced beta and gamma functions, and integrating factors for differential equations. He studied continuum mechanics, lunar theory with Clairaut, the three body problem, elasticity, acoustics, the wave theory of light, hydraulics, and music. He laid the foundation of analytical mechanics, especially in his Theory of the Motions of Rigid Bodies (1765).
The number e = 2.718281828459 is Euler's number, the base of the natural logarithm. Euler's identity, e^{i\pi} + 1 = 0 is also sometimes called Euler's equation.
Software/Applets used on this page
Glossary
body
an object with both mass and size that cannot be taken to be a particle
calculus
the study of change; a major branch of mathematics that includes the study of limits, derivatives, rates of change, gradient, integrals, area, summation, and infinite series. Historically, it has been referred to as "the calculus of infinitesimals", or "infinitesimal calculus".
There are widespread applications in science, economics, and engineering.
There are widespread applications in science, economics, and engineering.
cosine
The trigonometrical function defined as adjacent/hypotenuse in a right-angled triangle.
differential calculus
the study of how functions change when their inputs change.
equation
A statement that two mathematical expressions are equal.
exponential function
A function having variables as exponents.
function
A rule that connects one value in one set with one and only one value in another set.
identity
An equation which is true for all values of the variable.
light
having negligible mass.
logarithm
If y = ax then the logarithm to base a of y is x.
range
In Statistics: the difference between the largest and smallest values in a data set; a simple measure of spread or variation
In Pure Maths: the values that y can take given an equation y=f(x) and a domain for x.
In Pure Maths: the values that y can take given an equation y=f(x) and a domain for x.
sine
The trigonometrical function defined as opposite/hypotenuse in a right-angled triangle.
trigonometry
The study of the relationships between the angles and sides of triangles.
union
The union of two sets A and B is the set containing all the elements of A and B.
work
Equal to F x s, where F is the force in Newtons and s is the distance travelled and is measured in Joules.
This question appears in the following syllabi:
Syllabus | Module | Section | Topic | Exam Year |
---|---|---|---|---|
AQA A-Level (UK - Pre-2017) | FP2 | Complex Numbers | Euler relation | - |
AQA A2 Further Maths 2017 | Pure Maths | Further Complex Numbers | Euler Relation | - |
AQA AS/A2 Further Maths 2017 | Pure Maths | Further Complex Numbers | Euler Relation | - |
CCEA A-Level (NI) | FP2 | Complex Numbers | Euler relation | - |
CIE A-Level (UK) | P3 | Complex Numbers | Euler relation | - |
Edexcel A-Level (UK - Pre-2017) | FP2 | Complex Numbers | Euler relation | - |
Edexcel A2 Further Maths 2017 | Core Pure Maths | Complex Numbers | Euler Relation | - |
Edexcel AS/A2 Further Maths 2017 | Core Pure Maths | Complex Numbers | Euler Relation | - |
I.B. Higher Level | 1 | Complex Numbers | Euler relation | - |
Methods (UK) | M3 | Complex Numbers | Euler relation | - |
OCR A-Level (UK - Pre-2017) | FP3 | Complex Numbers | Euler relation | - |
OCR A2 Further Maths 2017 | Pure Core | Further Complex Numbers | Euler Relation | - |
OCR MEI A2 Further Maths 2017 | Core Pure B | Complex Numbers | Euler Relation | - |
OCR-MEI A-Level (UK - Pre-2017) | FP2 | Complex Numbers | Euler relation | - |
Scottish Advanced Highers | M2 | Complex Numbers | Euler relation | - |
Scottish (Highers + Advanced) | AM2 | Complex Numbers | Euler relation | - |
Universal (all site questions) | C | Complex Numbers | Euler relation | - |
WJEC A-Level (Wales) | FP2 | Complex Numbers | Euler relation | - |