01 If (a=3+\sqrt{5}), what is the value of (a^2-6a)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. (-4)
Explanation: Step 1: (a^2-6a=a(a-6)). Step 2: (a-6=\sqrt{5}-3), so (a(a-6)=(3+\sqrt{5})(\sqrt{5}-3)=5-9=-4). Step 3: Recognize the hidden conjugate form.