You can convert that equation into:
5^m 2^36 = 2 (2x5)^35
5^m 2^36 = 2 2^35 5^35
so: 5^m = 5 ^35 ; therefore m=35
anyone know how to solve this problem?
This topic has expert replies
Source: Beat The GMAT — Problem Solving |
-
vittalgmat
- Legendary Member
- Posts: 621
- Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2008 7:13 pm
- Thanked: 33 times
- Followed by:4 members
Just got back to the GMAT fray after a 2 month break.
Thought of adding some explanation to Logitech's solution.
Hope he doesnt mind
Every term in this equation is in the denominator. So taking the reciprocal will not alter it in anyway.
here are the steps:
1/5^m . 1/2^36 = 1/(2^36 * (5*2)^35)
Taking reciprocal on both sides:
5^m * 2^36 = 2^36 *5^35
cancelling 2^36,
5^m = 5^35.
Bases are same, so powers can be equated.
m =35
HT Helps
Thought of adding some explanation to Logitech's solution.
Hope he doesnt mind
Every term in this equation is in the denominator. So taking the reciprocal will not alter it in anyway.
here are the steps:
1/5^m . 1/2^36 = 1/(2^36 * (5*2)^35)
Taking reciprocal on both sides:
5^m * 2^36 = 2^36 *5^35
cancelling 2^36,
5^m = 5^35.
Bases are same, so powers can be equated.
m =35
HT Helps
