Math Problem Statement

If a = 3 + 2√2, then find (a^6 + a^4 + a^2 + 1) / a^3?

Solution

The given expression in the image is:

a6+a4+a2+1a3\frac{a^6 + a^4 + a^2 + 1}{a^3}

with a=3+22a = 3 + 2\sqrt{2}.

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Let a=3+22a = 3 + 2\sqrt{2}. We will find powers of aa like a2a^2, a3a^3, etc.

    First, calculate a2a^2: a2=(3+22)2=9+122+8=17+122a^2 = (3 + 2\sqrt{2})^2 = 9 + 12\sqrt{2} + 8 = 17 + 12\sqrt{2}

  2. Now calculate a3a^3: a3=a×a2=(3+22)×(17+122)a^3 = a \times a^2 = (3 + 2\sqrt{2}) \times (17 + 12\sqrt{2}) Expanding this: a3=3×17+3×122+22×17+22×122a^3 = 3 \times 17 + 3 \times 12\sqrt{2} + 2\sqrt{2} \times 17 + 2\sqrt{2} \times 12\sqrt{2} a3=51+362+342+48=99+702a^3 = 51 + 36\sqrt{2} + 34\sqrt{2} + 48 = 99 + 70\sqrt{2}

  3. Next, we need to compute a6a^6, a4a^4, and a2a^2. Notice the pattern from powers of binomials, so it is more practical to look for a possible simplification of the original expression: a6+a4+a2+1a3\frac{a^6 + a^4 + a^2 + 1}{a^3}

I will simplify this expression using symbolic algebra to look for common factors and evaluate it for the given aa.The value of the given expression a6+a4+a2+1a3\frac{a^6 + a^4 + a^2 + 1}{a^3}, when a=3+22a = 3 + 2\sqrt{2}, is 204.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

  1. What are other methods to simplify expressions involving radicals?
  2. How can binomial expansion help in finding higher powers of binomial terms?
  3. How would the value change if a different radical form was used for aa?
  4. What techniques can be used to compute powers of terms like a=3+22a = 3 + 2\sqrt{2} efficiently?
  5. How can symbolic algebra systems help in solving complex algebraic expressions?

Tip: When dealing with expressions that involve powers of binomials, look for patterns or shortcuts like using binomial expansion or factoring techniques to simplify the work.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Radicals
Binomial Theorem

Formulas

Binomial expansion: (x + y)^n = sum of terms
Simplification of radicals

Theorems

Binomial Theorem
Algebraic identities

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12