Correct answer: A. (34)
Explanation: The direct answer is option A: 34. Apply the identity α² + β² = (α + β)² - 2αβ. The reason is that (α + β)² expands to α² + 2αβ + β², so removing 2αβ leaves α² + β². Here α + β = 8, hence (α + β)² = 8² = 64. Also αβ = 15, hence 2αβ = 2 × 15 = 30. Therefore α² + β² = 64 - 30 = 34. Thus option A is correct. Option B, 49, is not the required value; it may come from using an unrelated square or an incorrect calculation. Option C, 64, is only the square of the sum and fails to remove the middle term 2αβ. Option D, 30, is twice the product, not the sum of the squares. The important point is that the sum alone is insufficient; the product must also be used. Because both are supplied, the identity gives the answer quickly and safely. Exam cue: square the given sum first, calculate twice the product second, then subtract.