A question about powers n^2+n^3=n^4−n^2(n−1)

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In summary, the conversation discusses the discovery of a mathematical equation, (2^2)+(2^3)=(2^4)-(2^2), and the exploration of whether the same combination of powers works with other numbers. This leads to the question of for what values of n is the equation n^2+n^3=n^4-n^2(n-1) true, which is determined to only be true for n=2.
  • #1
Angel11
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So recently i was plaing around with powers again and i found that (2^2)+(2^3)=(2^4)-(2^2) which when i thought of that at the start i thought it was an error since i didn't use a calculator but after it i confirmed that it is right. So after that i wanted to see if the same combination of powers works withother numbers instead of 2. for example (3^2)+(3^3)=(3^4)-(3^2). Which of course was wrong although it brought me to another conglusion which was "(2^2)+(2^3)=((2^4)-(2^2)*1)),(3^2)+(3^3)=((3^4)-(3^2)*2), (4^2)+(4^3)=((4^4)-(4^2)*3)... So my question is how does this work?.
 
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  • #2
It looks like you are wondering for what values of $n\in\mathbb{N}$ is the following true:

\(\displaystyle n^2+n^3=n^4-n^2(n-1)\)

Divide through by $n^2\ne0$:

\(\displaystyle 1+n=n^2-(n-1)\)

Distribute:

\(\displaystyle 1+n=n^2-n+1\)

Add $n-1$ to both sides:

\(\displaystyle 2n=n^2\implies n=2\)

So, the only value of $n$ for which that works is $n=2$. :)
 
  • #3
MarkFL said:
It looks like you are wondering for what values of $n\in\mathbb{N}$ is the following true:

\(\displaystyle n^2+n^3=n^4-n^2(n-1)\)

Divide through by $n^2\ne0$:

\(\displaystyle 1+n=n^2-(n-1)\)

Distribute:

\(\displaystyle 1+n=n^2-n+1\)

Add $n-1$ to both sides:

\(\displaystyle 2n=n^2\implies n=2\)

So, the only value of $n$ for which that works is $n=2$. :)
Thank you for explaning :)
 

FAQ: A question about powers n^2+n^3=n^4−n^2(n−1)

What is the equation n^2+n^3=n^4−n^2(n−1) trying to solve?

The equation n^2+n^3=n^4−n^2(n−1) is trying to solve for the value of n that satisfies the equation.

What are the possible values of n that satisfy the equation?

The possible values of n that satisfy the equation are 0 and 1.

How can I solve this equation algebraically?

To solve this equation algebraically, you can use the properties of exponents and algebraic manipulations to simplify the equation and isolate the variable n. From there, you can solve for n using basic algebraic techniques.

Can this equation be solved using other methods besides algebra?

Yes, this equation can also be solved using graphical methods, such as plotting the equation and finding the points where it intersects with the x-axis, or using numerical methods, such as plugging in different values for n and finding the one that satisfies the equation.

What are some real-life applications of this equation?

This equation can be used in various fields of science and engineering, such as physics, chemistry, and computer science. It can be used to model relationships between variables or to solve problems involving powers and exponents.

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