How do you simplify $ (x^{1/3} + x^{-1/3})^2 $?

Answer 1

Curtis Vasquez

To simplify

$ (x^{1/3} + x^{-1/3})^2 $

expand using the binomial theorem:

$
(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2
$

Here:

  • $ a = x^{1/3} $
  • $ b = x^{-1/3} $

So:

$
(x^{1/3} + x^{-1/3})^2 = (x^{1/3})^2 + 2(x^{1/3})(x^{-1/3}) + (x^{-1/3})^2
$

Simplify each term:

  1. $ (x^{1/3})^2 = x^{2/3} $
  2. $ 2(x^{1/3})(x^{-1/3}) = 2(x^{(1/3 – 1/3)}) = 2(x^0) = 2 $
  3. $ (x^{-1/3})^2 = x^{-2/3} $

Combine the results:

$
x^{2/3} + 2 + x^{-2/3}
$

Thus, the simplified expression is:

$
x^{2/3} + 2 + x^{-2/3}
$

Answer 2

Emma Smith

Expand $ (x^{1/3} + x^{-1/3})^2 $ using the binomial theorem:

$$
a^2 + 2ab + b^2
$$

Here $ a = x^{1/3} $ and $ b = x^{-1/3} $. Simplify:

  1. $ (x^{1/3})^2 = x^{2/3} $
  2. $ 2(x^{1/3})(x^{-1/3}) = 2 $
  3. $ (x^{-1/3})^2 = x^{-2/3} $

Final result:

$
x^{2/3} + 2 + x^{-2/3}
$