Question 197025:  If x^(2)+1/x^(2)=4, then what does x^(3)+1/x^(3) equal? 
 Answer by RAY100(1637)      (Show Source): 
You can  put this solution on YOUR website! x^2  +1/x^2 = 4 
. 
(x^4 +1) / x^2 =4 
. 
x^4 +1 =4x^2 
. 
x^4 -4x^2 +1 =0 
. 
Let  y=x^2 
. 
y^2 -4y +1 =0 
. 
using  quadratic  eqn 
. 
y = { -(-4) +/- sqrt (16-4)} / 2 
. 
y = 2 +/- sqrt3 
. 
but  y=x^2 
. 
x^2 =2+/- sqrt3 =2+/- 1.732 = 3.732, .268 
. 
x= 1.932, .518 
. 
Returning  to  x^3 + 1/x^3 = ? 
. 
1.932 ^3 + 1/ 1.932^3 = 7.35 
. 
using  .518  gives  same  answer   
  | 
 
  
 
 |   
 
 |