Could I have some quick help with this?
If x satisfies (x^2) + (3x + (3/x) + (1)/(x^2) = 26 and x can be written as a+ (sqrt(b)) where a and b are positive integers, then find a + b.
I accidentally made it off-topic :p. Whoops
+128460
x^2 + ( 3x + (3/x) + (1/x^2) ) = 26 multiply through by x^2
x^4 + 3x^3 + 3x + 1 = 26x^2 simplify
x^4 + 3x^3 - 26x^2 + 3x + 1 = 0
There are 4 real solutions....they are....
2 + sqrt (7) and 2 - sqrt (7) the sum of these is 4
-7/2 + (3sqrt (5) ) / 2 and -7/2 - (3sqrt(5) ) / 2 the sum of these is -7
