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

 Jul 24, 2024
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Let's use a whole number of equations to solve this problem. 

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

We ALSO know that (a+b)2=42=16

Thus, we have the equation a2+2ab+b2=16

 

We are given a^2+b^2 in the problem, so plugging that in, we get

6+2ab=16

 

We can now find ab. This will come in handy later. 

2ab=10ab=5

 

Alright, let's move on to what we are TRYING to find. 

Let's note that we can split a^3+b^3 into 

a3+b3=(a+b)(a2ab+b2)

 

WAIT! We already know the values of every number! Plugging in 4, 6, and 5, we get

We have

(4)(65)=4

 

So 4 SHOULD be the answer. 

I might have a mistake during the calculations...not sure. 

 

Thanks! :)

 Jul 25, 2024
edited by NotThatSmart  Jul 25, 2024

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