If $m$ is a real number such that $m^2+1 = 3m$, find the value of the expression below.
2m5−5m4+2m3−8m2m2+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:
2m5−5m4+2m3−8m23m
Divide the top and bottom by m:
2m4−5m3+2m2−8m3
notice that the m^4 term and the m^2 term can be factored like this:
2m2(m2+1)−5m3−8m3
The value in the parenthesis can be replaced with 3m:
2m2(3m)−5m3−8m3=6m3−5m3−8m3=m3−8m3
Add then subtract 9m from the numerator:
m3−8m+9m−9m3=m3+m−9m3=m(m2+1)−9m3=m(3m)−9m3=m2−3m
Rearranging the equation, m2−3m=−1, so the answer to this question is −1