SOLUTION: Let a be a real number such that a - \frac{1}{a} = 1. Compute a^3.

Question 1209401: Let a be a real number such that a - \frac{1}{a} = 1. Compute a^3.
Answer by ikleyn(52778) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.


Reduce the given equation to the standard form quadratic equation

    a^2 - a - 1 = 0.


Solve it using the quadratic formula.


The roots are   =   and   = .


Raise each root to degree 3, performing routine arithmetic.


You will obtain two values/expressions for "a^3".

Boldly go forward following my instructions.

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