Quick Exponents Question

Expert replies

topspin360: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 103; Joined: Sat Jun 02, 2012 9:46 pm; Thanked: 1 times

by topspin360 » Thu Jan 02, 2014 9:22 pm

Hello,

Quick question on exponents:

I understand that (17^3)^4) = 17^12

But does 17^2^4 = 17^8? or 17^16? I ask because I just saw a second version being used in one of the answer explanations.

Thanks!

Like this post

Source: Beat The GMAT — Problem Solving | Thu Jan 02, 2014 9:22 pm

theCodeToGMAT: Legendary Member; Posts: 1556; Joined: Tue Aug 14, 2012 11:18 pmFollowed by: 34 members; Thanked: 448 times; GMAT Score:650

by theCodeToGMAT » Thu Jan 02, 2014 9:40 pm

17^2^4 = 17^16 because 2^4 = 16

R A H U L

Like this post

GMAT/MBA Expert

Brent@GMATPrepNow: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 16207; Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:26 pmFollowed by: 1268 members; Location: Vancouver, BC; Thanked: 5254 times; GMAT Score:770

by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Thu Jan 02, 2014 9:54 pm

I'd say that 17^2^4 is ambiguous notation similar to x/y/z
(17^2)^4 = 17^8
17^(2^4) = 17^16

The GMAT won't give you an ambiguous expression like 17^2^4

Cheers,
Brent

Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com

Like this post

Post new topic Post Reply

• Page 1 of 1

GMAT Course Reviews

559 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (560 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review