Prove that $x^n+x^{-n} \in \mathbf{N}$ if $x+\frac1x \in \mathbf{N}$
Assume that $x+\frac{1}{x} \in \mathbb{N}$. Prove by induction that $$x^2+\frac1{x^2}, x^3+\frac1{x^3}, \dots , x^n+\frac1{x^n}$$ is also a member of $\mathbb{N}$.
I have my base, it is indeed true for $n=1$..
I can assume it is true for $x^k+x^{-k}$ and then proove it is true for $x^{k+1}+x^{-(k+1)}$ but I'm stuck there.
Solution 1:
Hint
By induction using
$$(x^n+x^{-n})(x+x^{-1})=x^{n+1}+x^{-(n+1)}+x^{n-1}+x^{1-n}\in\mathbb N$$