MCQ practice · SSC General Mathematics Board questions · Chapter 3: Algebraic Expressions
What is the value of a² + 1/a²?
Think it through first, then pick an option.
- a 2
- b 4
- c 8
- d 10
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: b 4
(a + 1/a)² = 6, so a² + 1/a² = 6 − 2 = 4.
Why the other options are wrong
- a 2: 2 is the part to subtract (2 · a · 1/a); it is not the answer.
- c 8: 8 = 6 + 2: the 2 has been added; it must be subtracted.
- d 10: 10 comes from no step; take 2 away from (√6)² = 6.
Your account is open, so all 30,000+ MCQs from every chapter are yours. Start practising SSC General Mathematics →
Want to keep going?
A free account carries you on to the next questions and opens 30,000+ MCQs from every chapter. Join before launch and Chirkut bundles are 60% off.
The ones you missed, worth one more look