TITLE: If $x+\frac{1}{x}=\frac{1+\sqrt{5}}{2}$ then $x^{2000}+\frac{1}{x^{2000}}= $?
QUESTION [9 upvotes]: If $x+\frac{1}{x}=\frac{1+\sqrt{5}}{2}$ then
$$x^{2000}+\frac{1}{x^{2000}}=?$$
My try:
$$\left(x^{1000}\right)^2+\left(\frac{1}{x^{1000}}\right)^2=\left(x^{1000}+\frac{1}{x^{1000}}\right)^2-2$$
Continuation ?

REPLY [7 votes]: Here's another approach for the record.

The equation $x+ \frac{1}{x}=\alpha$  where $\alpha \in [-2,2]$ can be solved as follows. Identify $\alpha$ is $2\cos (\theta)$, and observe that letting $z=e^{i\theta}$,from the definition of $\cos (\theta)$, we have 
$$z+ \frac{1}{z}=2\cos(\theta)=\alpha.$$
Also, from the definition of $\cos$,  

$$z^k + \frac{1}{z^k} = 2\cos (k \theta).$$  

Now back to our question. Let $\alpha = \frac{1+\sqrt{5}}{2}$. Then $\cos(\theta) = \frac{1+\sqrt{5}}{4}$. This gives us  $\theta = \pm \frac{\pi}{5} \mod 2\pi$. Therefore the answer to the problem is $2\cos (400\pi)=2$.