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avatar+2729 

Let $a$ and $b$ be complex numbers. If $a + b = 4$ and $a^2 + b^2 = 6,$ then what is $a^3 + b^3?$

 Jun 9, 2024
 #1
avatar+1776 
-2

a^3 + b^3 = 56.

 Jun 9, 2024
 #2
avatar+1950 
+1

Ok, we have to do a number of things to set up this equation. 

 

First off, we know that (a+b)2=a2+2ab+b2

 

Plugging in the values we know, we get that 

42=6+2ab10=2abab=5

 

It is crucial for us to know this information. 

 

Now, let's take a look at a^3+b^3. 

 

We know that (a+b)3=a3+3a2b+3ab2+b3

Now, take a look at the middle two terms. We can factor them to get (a+b)3=a3+3ab(a+b)+b3

 

We already know all these terms! We get

43=3(5)(4)+a3+b36460=a3+b34=a3+b3

 

So 4 is our answer!

 

Thanks! :)

 Jun 9, 2024

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