That is (a+b) 2-2 (a+b)+ 1 = 2.
So go ahead.
(a+b- 1)^2=2
Therefore, a+b= 1+ radical number 2 or 1- radical number 2.
Then (a+b) 20 17 is equal to (1+ root number 2) 20 17 or (1- root number 2) 20 17.