<s>[INST] How is $\frac{(10^{4})^{6}-1}{10^4-1} = 1 + 10^{4} + 10^{8} + 10^{12} + 10^{16} + 10^{20}$? As the title states, how is: $$\frac{(10^{4})^{6}-1}{10^4-1} = 1 + 10^{4} + 10^{8} + 10^{12} + 10^{16} + 10^{20}$$
I can't see the pattern. Can someone please help? Thanks.
 [/INST] It is true in general that $x^6-1=(x-1)(1+x+x^2+\cdots+x^5)$.  Just substitute $x=10^4$.
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