For how many integers n is 1^n = n^1?

This topic has expert replies
Moderator
Posts: 2058
Joined: Sun Oct 29, 2017 4:24 am
Thanked: 1 times
Followed by:5 members

For how many integers n is 1^n = n^1?

by M7MBA » Sun Jan 07, 2018 11:18 am
For how many integers n is 1^n = n^1?

A. none
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
E. More than 3

The OA is the option B.

How can I show that there is no more than 1 integer? Experts, can you show me this? Thanks.[/spoiler]

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 555
Joined: Wed Oct 04, 2017 4:18 pm
Thanked: 180 times
Followed by:12 members
For how many integers n is 1^n = n^1?

A. none
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
E. More than 3

The OA is the option B.

How can I show that there is no more than 1 integer? Experts, can you show me this? Thanks.[/spoiler]
Hi M7MBA,
Let's take a look at your question.

We are asked to find, for how many integers,
$$1^n=n^1$$
Let's try out some random values.
For n = -1
$$1^{(-1)}=(-1)^1$$
$$\frac{1}{1}=-1$$
$$1\ne-1$$

For n = 0
$$1^0=(0)^1$$
$$1\ne0$$

For n = 1
$$1^1=(1)^1$$
$$1=1$$
Therefore, 1^n=n^1 is true for n = 1

Let's check for n = 2,
$$1^2=(2)^1$$
$$1\ne2$$

The given equation will only be true for n = 1
Hence, Option B is correct.

Hope it helps.
I am available if you'd like any follow up.
GMAT Prep From The Economist
We offer 70+ point score improvement money back guarantee.
Our average student improves 98 points.

Image

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 7249
Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2015 10:56 am
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Thanked: 43 times
Followed by:29 members

by Scott@TargetTestPrep » Mon Aug 12, 2019 10:44 am
M7MBA wrote:For how many integers n is 1^n = n^1?

A. none
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
E. More than 3
Since 1^n always equals 1, we need to determine the number of values of n such that n^1 will equal 1. The only way for n^1 = 1, is when n = 1.

Answer: B

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder and CEO
[email protected]

Image

See why Target Test Prep is rated 5 out of 5 stars on BEAT the GMAT. Read our reviews

ImageImage