Loading [MathJax]/jax/output/SVG/jax.js
 
+0  
 
0
447
1
avatar

If $m$ is a real number such that $m^2+1 = 3m$, find the value of the expression below.

2m55m4+2m38m2m2+1

 Feb 6, 2021
 #1
avatar+506 
+1

Try reducing the big expression as much as possible.

First, notice that the denominator can be simplified to 3m, since m^2+1=3m:

2m55m4+2m38m23m

Divide the top and bottom by m:

2m45m3+2m28m3

notice that the m^4 term and the m^2 term can be factored like this:

2m2(m2+1)5m38m3

The value in the parenthesis can be replaced with 3m:

2m2(3m)5m38m3=6m35m38m3=m38m3

Add then subtract 9m from the numerator:

m38m+9m9m3=m3+m9m3=m(m2+1)9m3=m(3m)9m3=m23m

Rearranging the equation, m23m=1, so the answer to this question is 1

 Feb 6, 2021
edited by textot  Feb 6, 2021

2 Online Users