What is the numerical value of this tricky equation?

  • MHB
  • Thread starter anemone
  • Start date
  • Tags
    2016
In summary, the order of operations, also known as PEMDAS, is a convention used to solve mathematical equations by following the sequence of Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). Variables are symbols used to represent unknown values in an equation, and it is important to understand their meaning in order to solve for a numerical value. Different methods and algorithms, such as substitution, elimination, and graphing, can be used to solve equations depending on their complexity. To check if a numerical value is correct, it can be plugged back into the original equation or verified with a calculator or online tool. It is important to follow the order of operations and properly manipulate
  • #1
anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
3,883
115
Here is this week's POTW:

-----

If $x^2+x+1=0$, compute the numerical value of

\(\displaystyle \left(x+\frac{1}{x}\right)^2+\left(x^2+\frac{1}{x^2}\right)^2+\left(x^3+\frac{1}{x^3}\right)^2+\cdots+\left(x^{29}+\frac{1}{x^{29}}\right)^2\).

-----

Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Congratulations to the following members for their correct solution::)

1. greg1313
2. kaliprasad
3. johng

Solution from jonng:
Since $x^2+x+1=0$, $x^3=1\text{ but }x\neq1$. So ${1\over x}=x^2$. Now consider a term $(x^k+(x^{-1})^k)^2=(x^k+x^{2k})^2$. Now if $k\equiv 0\pmod{3}$, this term is 4; otherwise the term is $1$ since $x^k\neq 1$ is a cube root of 1 and hence satisfies $x^{2k}+x^k+1=0$. So there are 9 terms of the 29 that have value 4 and the remaining 20 have value 1. Thus the sum of the 29 terms is 56.
 

FAQ: What is the numerical value of this tricky equation?

1. What is the order of operations for solving this equation?

The order of operations, also known as PEMDAS, stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). This is the standard convention used to solve mathematical equations.

2. Can you explain the meaning of each variable in this equation?

Variables are symbols used to represent unknown values in an equation. They can be letters or other symbols and their values can vary. It is important to understand the meaning of each variable in an equation in order to correctly solve for the desired numerical value.

3. Is there a specific method or algorithm to solve this equation?

Yes, there are different methods and algorithms that can be used to solve equations, depending on their complexity. Some common methods include substitution, elimination, and graphing. It is important to understand the properties and rules of equations in order to choose the most appropriate method.

4. How can I check if my numerical value is correct?

You can check your numerical value by plugging it back into the original equation and seeing if it satisfies the equation. Another method is to use a calculator or online tool to verify the answer.

5. Can you show me step-by-step how to solve this equation?

Yes, I can demonstrate the steps to solve this equation. It is important to follow the order of operations and properly manipulate the equation in order to obtain the correct numerical value. It may also be helpful to show each step and explain the reasoning behind it.

Back
Top