BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

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.

★★★★★5.0559 reviews
GMATLiveTeach 7 seats left
Chris Peckover
NEXT LIVE COHORT

Oct 13 to Jan 7, 2027

with Chris Peckover

Schedule
Tue, Thu · 8:00 to 10:00 PM ET
Included
40 live hours + 6 months of GMAT OnDemand
  • Live instruction and real-time questions
  • Class recordings and assigned practice
View class & enroll
Limited cohort · enrollment openTarget Test Prep
EALiveTeach 5 seats left
Logan Thompson
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Sep 6 to Dec 6, 2026

with Logan Thompson

Schedule
Sun · 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
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
Limited cohort · enrollment openTarget Test Prep
GMATOnDemand Start 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
Start free 5-day trial
Read 559 reviewsTarget Test Prep

Compare the format, schedule, and included access before enrolling. Prices and seat counts shown reflect the supplied offer details.

Exponents - Which is greatest?

Expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 23
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2008 12:55 pm
Location: Frisco, Texas
by adi » Fri Mar 14, 2008 7:46 pm
Of the following, which is greatest?

A) (1/5) ^ -2
B) (1/3) ^ -2
C) 3^-2
D) 5^-2
E) 2^3

A is the right answer. I thought so too but wasn't exactly sure on the rules. Would you change A to 5^2? If so, what are the exact rules for this one. I know that 3^-2 is (1/3)^2.... would you flip A using the same rule?
Top
Join the discussion
Log in to postLogin with Googleuse password
QUOTE IN REPLY
Source: — Problem Solving |
User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 423
Joined: Thu Dec 27, 2007 1:29 amFollowed by: 2 members
Location: Hyderabad, India
Thanked: 36 times
GMAT Score:770

by simplyjat » Fri Mar 14, 2008 10:35 pm
There is no rule actually, only the definition of negative powers. Negative power n of a number x means 1 divided by x, n times...
simplyjat
Top
Join the discussion
Log in to postLogin with Googleuse password
QUOTE IN REPLY
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 49
Joined: Sun Jul 01, 2007 5:56 pm
Thanked: 3 times

by smushkas » Sat Mar 15, 2008 2:43 am
Hey there,

You are right. See, it is a fraction and you have to flip it, too.
(1/5)^-2 = [1 / (1/5)^2] = [1 / (5/1)^2] = [1* 25/1 ] = 25

Hope it is clear!
Top
Join the discussion
Log in to postLogin with Googleuse password
QUOTE IN REPLY
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 59
Joined: Sat Mar 15, 2008 8:44 am
Location: istanbul
Thanked: 2 times

Re: Exponents - Which is greatest?

by xeqtr » Sat Mar 15, 2008 11:30 am
Yes you can flip A using the same rule;
since 1/5 = 5^-1, you end up with (5^-1)^-2 => -1x-2 = 2 =>> 5^2. hope it makes more sense.
adi wrote:Of the following, which is greatest?

A) (1/5) ^ -2
B) (1/3) ^ -2
C) 3^-2
D) 5^-2
E) 2^3

A is the right answer. I thought so too but wasn't exactly sure on the rules. Would you change A to 5^2? If so, what are the exact rules for this one. I know that 3^-2 is (1/3)^2.... would you flip A using the same rule?
Top
Join the discussion
Log in to postLogin with Googleuse password
QUOTE IN REPLY
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1