SSC CGL Algebra question with solution
AlgebraModerateSSC CGL 2023
If x + 1/x = 9, what is the value of x² + 1/x²?
- (A)81
- (B)85
- (C)79
- (D)83
Correct answer: (C) 79
Squaring both sides: (x + 1/x)² = x² + 1/x² + 2 = 81. Therefore x² + 1/x² = 81 − 2 = 79.
Shortcut: x² + 1/x² = k² − 2 when x + 1/x = k.
About this question
- Subject
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Topic
- Algebra
- Exam
- SSC CGL 2023
- Attempts on SSC Rank
- Not attempted yet
Appears in: SSC CGL 2023 Tier 1 Question Paper — 14 July, Shift 2
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Last reviewed on 5 Oct 2026. Spotted a mistake? See our correction policy.