Algebra/indices

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Question
If x=4^1/3+4^-1/3 then find the value of 4x^3-12x.
tried to rationalise the denominator and substituting the value of x. even used the cube formula but cannot get the answer which is 17

Answer
Hello Dolly,

I've got it, it's a bit long. You just have to be careful with laws of exponents. Do you get?

4x^3 = 3*4^4/3 + 3*4^2/3 + 17

If that's the case then all you have to do is substract 12x. Obtain a common denominator and simplify all terms carefully.

Let me know if/where you're still stuck.

Good luck,
David

Algebra

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David Montiel

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PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE POSTING YOUR QUESTION: While I am glad to offer HELP with problems, I refuse to SOLVE problems. There is a difference. Please do not just copy a question from a texbook or assignment. I WILL REJECT IT. I will only accept questions if, in addition to the statement of the problem, you describe in detail what you have tried so far in order to solve it, and what exactly is the problem you are encountering. In other words where/why are you stuck? I can answer questions at the level of the first couple of undergraduate years (in science and engineering) or below. You can ask me about algebra, trigonometry, basic probability and statistics, calculus, vector calculus, differential equations and Fourier analysis. I will not answer advanced (at the graduate level) math questions. Questions in Spanish are also welcome.

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BSc in Chemical Engineering. MSc in Chemical Physics. PhD in Physics.

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