SSC CGL Algebra question with solution
AlgebraModerate
If x + 1/x = 6, what is the value of x² + 1/x²?
- (A)34
- (B)36
- (C)12
- (D)38
Correct answer: (A) 34
Squaring both sides: (x + 1/x)² = x² + 1/x² + 2 = 36. Therefore x² + 1/x² = 36 − 2 = 34.
Shortcut: x² + 1/x² = k² − 2 when x + 1/x = k.
About this question
- Subject
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Topic
- Algebra
- Exam
- SSC CGL
- Attempts on SSC Rank
- Not attempted yet
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Last reviewed on 5 Oct 2026. Spotted a mistake? See our correction policy.