Live GMAT classes with Target Test Prep start Nov 21 and Nov 22. First class free.
See classesLearn live with an expert or move at your own pace. Every option includes the complete TTP study system.
Target Test Prep was voted #1 Best Test Prep in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice™ Awards.
with Josh Braslow, 20+ years in test prep
Self-paced EA prep. Study on your schedule.
with
Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.
clinton wrote:If (2^x) (3^y) = 288, where x and y are positive integers, then (2^x-1) (3^y-2) =
-16
-24
-48
-96
-144
Could someone give me a step by step process.
2^(x-1) * 3^(y-2)clinton wrote:If (2^x) (3^y) = 288, where x and y are positive integers, then (2^x-1) (3^y-2) =
-16
-24
-48
-96
-144
Could someone give me a step by step process.
Hi,Anurag@Gurome wrote:clinton wrote:If (2^x) (3^y) = 288, where x and y are positive integers, then (2^x-1) (3^y-2) =
-16
-24
-48
-96
-144
Could someone give me a step by step process.
Solution:
288 = 144 *2 = 36*8 = 9*32 = (2^5)*(3^2).
Or x = 5 and y = 2.
Or 2^(x-1)*3^(y-2) = 2^4*3^0 = 16.
GMAT is normally very clear about what it asking. If it is asking for {(2^x) - 1}*{(3^y) - 2}, only x and y will appear above as powers.kareem.firoz wrote:Hi,Anurag@Gurome wrote:clinton wrote:If (2^x) (3^y) = 288, where x and y are positive integers, then (2^x-1) (3^y-2) =
-16
-24
-48
-96
-144
Could someone give me a step by step process.
Solution:
288 = 144 *2 = 36*8 = 9*32 = (2^5)*(3^2).
Or x = 5 and y = 2.
Or 2^(x-1)*3^(y-2) = 2^4*3^0 = 16.
Sorry if this is a blunder. But I would really like to know why cant (2^x-1) (3^y-2) be read as ((2^x)-1)((3^y)-2). (that's the equation i was working on, until i saw the replies)
Would GMAT be clear enough to put it as 2^(x-1)*3^(y-2)? Or should I be good enough to read it so?
thanks,
FK
