Let $x$ be a positive real number and let $k$ be a positive integer. Assume that $x^k+\frac{1}{x^k}$ and $x^{k+1}+\frac{1}{x^{k+1}}$ are both rational numbers. Prove that $x+\frac{1}{x}$ is also a rational number.
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Tags: algebra unsolved, algebra
Let $x$ be a positive real number and let $k$ be a positive integer. Assume that $x^k+\frac{1}{x^k}$ and $x^{k+1}+\frac{1}{x^{k+1}}$ are both rational numbers. Prove that $x+\frac{1}{x}$ is also a rational number.