If + 1/x = 2, then the value of x^2 + 1/x^2 is:
1/4
1
3
2
Hint 1: Square both sides of the equation .
Hint 2: Use the identity , noting that the cross-product is 2.
Hint 3: Subtract 2 from the squared result to find the answer.
Step 1 (Square both sides): We are given . Squaring both sides of the equation:
Step 2 (Simplify the Middle Term): Since :
Step 3 (Isolate the Target Term): Subtract 2 from both sides:
Step 4 (Conclusion): The value is , which is option index 3 in ['1/4', '1', '3', '2'].
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