SSC CHSL 2020 PYQ — Question 58

SSC CHSL - 17th October 2020 - Shift 1 • Quantitative Aptitude • Q58

If a3 + b3 = 20 and a + b = 5, then find the value of a4 + b4.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is option 2 i.e 23

Understanding

Application

Cubing (i) on both sides,

(x+y)3= x3+y3+3xy(x+y)

Squaring (i) on both sides,

(x+y)2= x2+y2+2xy

a+b= 5         …(i)

a3+ b3 + 3ab(a+b) = 125

20+ 3ab×5 = 125

15ab = 125 - 20

15ab = 105

ab = 7

(a+ b)2 = 25

a2+ b2+ 2ab = 25

a2+ b2+ 2×7 = 25

a2+ b2= 25 - 14

a2+ b2 = 11

Again squaring both sides,

a4+ b4+ 2a2 b2= 112

a4+ b4+ 2(ab)2= 121

a4+ b4+ 2×(7)2= 121

a4+ b4+ 98 = 121

a4+ b4 = 23