<s>[INST] finding $x^6+y^6$ given $x+y$ and $xy$ Here is the question
If $x + y = 4$ and $xy = 2$, then find $x^6+ y^6$.
This is from a previous timed competition, so fastest answers are the best answers.
I've tried using sum of cubes, but I dont know what to do after $(x^2+y^2)(x^4-x^2y^2+y^4)$
. The only other way I can think of is solving for x and y, but that wouldn't be too quick. Any help?
 [/INST] $(x+y) ^2 =16$$\Rightarrow$$ x^2 +y^2 +2xy=16$$\Rightarrow$$ x^2 +y^2 =12$
Because $xy=2$
$x^2 +y^2 =12$ $\Rightarrow $ $ (x^2 +y^2)^3 =12^3$$\Rightarrow $$x^6+y^6+3(xy)^2(x^2 +y^2) =1728$$\Rightarrow $$x^6+y^6=1728 - 3(4)(12)=1584$
Finally :
$x^6+y^6 =1584$
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