Simplify 1−ω1−ω2\frac{1-\omega}{1-\omega^2}.

Answer: 11+ω\frac{1}{1+\omega} (or −ω-\omega if ω\omega is a complex cube root of unity)

Step-by-step solution

Step 1: Factor the denominator

We recognize that the denominator 1−ω21 - \omega^2 is a difference of two squares. Using the algebraic identity a2−b2=(a−b)(a+b)a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b) with a=1a = 1 and b=ωb = \omega, we can factor it into (1−ω)(1+ω)(1 - \omega)(1 + \omega).

Step 2: Cancel common factors

Substituting the factored expression into the denominator, we see the common factor (1−ω)(1 - \omega) in both the numerator and denominator. Since ω≠1\omega \neq 1, we can cancel (1−ω)(1 - \omega) to obtain 11+ω\frac{1}{1 + \omega}.

Step 3: Apply cube root of unity properties

When ω\omega represents a complex cube root of unity, it satisfies the fundamental relation 1+ω+ω2=01 + \omega + \omega^2 = 0. From this identity, we can express 1+ω1 + \omega as −ω2-\omega^2.

Step 4: Simplify using ω3=1\omega^3 = 1

Substituting 1+ω=−ω21 + \omega = -\omega^2 gives −1ω2-\frac{1}{\omega^2}. Multiplying the numerator and denominator by ω\omega, and using the fact that ω3=1\omega^3 = 1, we get −ωω3=−ω-\frac{\omega}{\omega^3} = -\omega.

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