I think the short way should be: As in the context: (1^a).(5^b).(x^c).(11^d)=88000 a,b,c,d is the numbers of each colour chip. So we have to find what is c. To find c we need find x. We will break 88000 in to 1, 5, 11 as follows: 88000 = 88.1000 = 11.8.1000 = 11. 8. 5.5.5.8 = 11.8.8.5.5.5 So (1^a).(...