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Question 7.30 on Math Challenge II-B Algebra Book

 
 
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Question 7.30 on Math Challenge II-B Algebra Book
by Matthew Mao - Tuesday, 6 July 2021, 9:44 PM
 

Can anyone give me a hint for how to do number 7.30? 

Thanks,

Matthew

 
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Re: Question 7.30 on Math Challenge II-B Algebra Book
by Areteem Professor - Monday, 12 July 2021, 2:09 PM
 

Notice there is some nice symmetry in the coefficients. When this happens, a substitution $y = x + \dfrac{1}{x}$ can be helpful.