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Problem 16 - Entrance Test

If x + y = 5 and x^2 + y^2 = 13, find x^3 + y^3.

Correct: B

We are given: 1) x + y = 5 2) x^2 + y^2 = 13 We need to find x^3 + y^3. Step 1: Find the value of xy. We know that (x + y)^2 = x^2 + 2xy + y^2. Substitute the given values into this identity: 5^2 = 13 + 2xy 25 = 13 + 2xy 2xy = 25 - 13 2xy = 12 xy = 6. Step 2: Use the sum of cubes formula. The sum of cubes formula is x^3 + y^3 = (x + y)(x^2 - xy + y^2). Substitute the known values into this formula: x^3 + y^3 = (5)(13 - 6) x^3 + y^3 = (5)(7) x^3 + y^3 = 35. Therefore, x^3 + y^3 = 35.