Problem: Let x be a real number such that x3+4x=8. Determine the value of x7+64x2.
Solution
Solution: For any integer n≥0, the given implies xn+3=−4xn+1+8xn, so we can rewrite any such power of x in terms of lower powers. Carrying out this process iteratively gives x7=−4x5+8x4=8x4+16x3−32x2=16x3−64x2+64x=−64x2+128. Thus, our answer is 128.
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Source: MathNet,
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