Live GMAT classes with Target Test Prep start Nov 21 and Nov 22. First class free.

See classes
Target Test Prep · GMAT

Choose how you want to prepare

Learn live with an expert or move at your own pace. Every option includes the complete TTP study system.

Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 winner: Target Test Prep, #1 Test Prep

Target Test Prep was voted #1 Best Test Prep in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice™ Awards.

★★★★★5.0563 reviews
GMATLiveTeachStarts Nov 22
Josh Braslow, Target Test Prep GMAT expert
LIVE ONLINE CLASSES

Get Ready for GMAT Test Day Faster with Live Online Classes

with Josh Braslow, 20+ years in test prep

Nov 22 · Josh Braslow
Sun · 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Included
40 hours of live online classes + 6 months of TTP OnDemand
  • Attend the first class for free
  • Every class is recorded, so you never fall behind
View classes & enroll
Limited seats availableTarget Test Prep
EALiveTeachOnDemandStart anytime
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Target Test Prep EA OnDemand

Self-paced EA prep. Study on your schedule.

EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

with

165+ EA score guarantee
$05-day trial no automatic billing
Schedule
Included
40 hours of live online classes plus six months of access to the complete TTP EA OnDemand course.
  • 165+ EA Score Guarantee
  • 4,100+ Quant, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning practice questions
  • 400+ hours of in-depth video lessons
  • 3,000+ step-by-step video solutions
View EA class & enroll Start free 5-day trial
Limited cohort · enrollment openTrial includes full course accessTarget Test Prep
GMATOnDemandStart anytime
SELF-PACED MASTERCLASS

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.

715+ score guarantee
$0to start then $127/mo
  • Personalized study plan and analytics
  • Thousands of lessons and practice questions

Exponent Question from MBa.com

Expert replies
by mlk82 » Wed Dec 03, 2008 7:01 pm
Hello all,

Question for you all that comes directly from a Practice Test from MBa.com

Base 2 to the exponent(4-1) to exponent 2
/
Base 2 to the exponent 3-2


Since we have a common base (2) , this questions seems pretty straight forward. We simply have to follow the exponent and pedmas rules to find that exponent (4-1) = 3 x exponent 2 = base 2 to the exponent 6

/


base 2 to the exponent 3-2 which gives us 2 to exponent 1

We are then left with 2 exponent 6
/
2 exponent 1

which gives un 2 exponent 5.



THe official answer is 2 exponent 8 ...... I can see how you get there if you square the first exponent (4-1) , which would be 2 exponent 9/ 2 exponent 1 = 2 exponent 8

but since when do you not multiply an exponent in a bracket by an exponent to that bracket?????

ANy help would be appreciated
Join the discussion
Source: — Problem Solving |

by Zipper » Thu Dec 04, 2008 3:53 am
Your math is wrong.

2^((4-1)^2)=2^((4^2)-2.4.1+(1^2))=2^9 so it is 2^9/2^1=2^9/2=2^8

for better understanding:

(a-b)^2=a^2-2ab+b^2
(4-1)^2=(4^2)-2.4.1+1^2=9. I don't know why you felt you have to do it like this: (4-1)^2=3*2=6 in my understanding.

Hope this helps.
Join the discussion

I got the same problem, and made the same mistake.

(x^a)^b = x^ab is different from x^(a^b)


In the absence of brackets, I think the only way to figure out what's being asked is to look at the font sizes. Exponents usually have a smaller font than the base, and an exponent of the exponent will have a still smaller size.

Not scientific, but kinda makes sense.
Join the discussion