MHB What is the numerical value of this tricky equation?

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    2016
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The equation given is $x^2+x+1=0$, which has roots that can be used to compute the expression involving powers of $x$ and their reciprocals. The discussion focuses on calculating the sum of squares of terms from $x+\frac{1}{x}$ to $x^{29}+\frac{1}{x^{29}}$. Participants share their solutions and methods, with several members successfully arriving at the correct answer. The problem emphasizes the importance of understanding complex roots and their properties in algebra. The numerical value derived from the equation is a key takeaway from the discussion.
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Here is this week's POTW:

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If $x^2+x+1=0$, compute the numerical value of

$$\left(x+\frac{1}{x}\right)^2+\left(x^2+\frac{1}{x^2}\right)^2+\left(x^3+\frac{1}{x^3}\right)^2+\cdots+\left(x^{29}+\frac{1}{x^{29}}\right)^2$$.

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Congratulations to the following members for their correct solution::)

1. greg1313
2. kaliprasad
3. johng

Solution from jonng:
Since $x^2+x+1=0$, $x^3=1\text{ but }x\neq1$. So ${1\over x}=x^2$. Now consider a term $(x^k+(x^{-1})^k)^2=(x^k+x^{2k})^2$. Now if $k\equiv 0\pmod{3}$, this term is 4; otherwise the term is $1$ since $x^k\neq 1$ is a cube root of 1 and hence satisfies $x^{2k}+x^k+1=0$. So there are 9 terms of the 29 that have value 4 and the remaining 20 have value 1. Thus the sum of the 29 terms is 56.
 
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