If x + 1/x = 5, then what is the value of x² + 1/x² = _____?

If x + 1/x = 5, then what is the value of x² + 1/x² = _____?

Explanation

Given x + 1/x = 5

To find x² + 1/x²:

(x + 1/x)² = x² + 2(x)(1/x) + 1/x²

= x² + 2 + 1/x²

x² + 1/x² = (x + 1/x)² - 2

= 5² - 2

= 25 - 2

= 23