Hi RiyaR,
The logic behind this question is similar to how earthquakes are measured, but you don't need to recognize that to answer the question correctly. Like many questions on the Quant section, this question needs to be "played with" a bit.
We're told that with each "+1" increase in the "level of intensity" on a scale, the intensity of a phenomenon increases 10 times.
So, for example:
Level 1 = Z intensity
Level 2 = 10Z intensity
Level 3 = 100Z intensity
Level 4 = 1,000Z intensity
Etc.
We're asked how many TIMES greater "level 8" is than "level 3", so I can either continue on with the table or use "exponent math"
The table....
Level 3 = 100Z
Level 4 = 1,000Z
Level 5 = 10,00Z
Level 6 = 100,000Z
Level 7 = 1,000,000Z
Level 8 = 10,000,000Z
Level 8/Level 3 =
10,000,000Z/100Z =
10,000 times greater
Using "exponent math", we know that every level is "10x" greater than the previous level. Since Level 8 is "5 levels" above Level 3, that would be 10^5 greater.
Final Answer: C
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich