Adding exponents and expression the sum in exponent form!!!

[prakashorange]

I saw a GMAT practice question that confused me

What is 2^5+2^5+3^5+3^5+3^5

aparently the answer is 2^6+3^6

How do they arrive at this answer? Any help is greatly appreciated

[b.kurland]

hey prakashorange,

take a close look at the equation: 2^5+2^5+3^5+3^5+3^5 can be written as 2(2^5) + 3(3^5) as a simplified version. the two forms are equal, however the given equation is written out the long way. multiply and this equals 2^6 + 3^6.
hope that helps!

[prakashorange]

Awesome thanks