Math Problem Statement

x + 1/x = 7. Find x^2 - 1/x^2.

Solution

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Question 21

Given:
x+1x=7x + \frac{1}{x} = 7
To find:
x21x2x^2 - \frac{1}{x^2}

Solution:

  1. Square both sides of x+1x=7x + \frac{1}{x} = 7:
    (x+1x)2=72\left( x + \frac{1}{x} \right)^2 = 7^2
    Expand the square:
    x2+2+1x2=49x^2 + 2 + \frac{1}{x^2} = 49
  2. Subtract 22 from both sides:
    x2+1x2=492=47x^2 + \frac{1}{x^2} = 49 - 2 = 47

Thus, the value of x21x2x^2 - \frac{1}{x^2} is:
x21x2=(x2+1x2)21x2x^2 - \frac{1}{x^2} = \left( x^2 + \frac{1}{x^2} \right) - 2 \cdot \frac{1}{x^2}

The correct answer is 4747

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Equation Manipulation
Polynomials

Formulas

(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2
x^2 - 1/x^2 from x + 1/x

Theorems

Square of a sum

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10