exponents

[smohsin]

Can anyone please help me solve the following:

2^51 = (2^m)*(3^3)

Answer choices are: 17, 18, 28, 34, 48

Thanks a lot!

BTW, when confronted with such questions with high exponent values, is there a sure fire way in approaching these questions (i.e formula, techniques etc.)?

[Morgoth]

is the answer 48?

Do let me know so I can post the explanation. Whats the source?

[smohsin]

not sure!...the question is from memory (a very good one too.. ), but it was on a "the ultimate practice exam" offered by Kaplan/GMAC. please post the solution, if you have one.

[cramya]

2^51 = (2^m)*(3^3)

Is this question correct?

If m is indeed 48 then 2 ^ 3 should equal 3 ^ 3 which is not possible.

Please correct me if I am mistaken.

[Morgoth]

Here is how I got 48.

2^51 = 2^m * 3^3

3^3 ~ 2^5 - 2^2

therefore, 3^3~2^5

51 = m+5

m= 46

Since only option given in the answer choices is 48 which is closest to the answer that I got.

I checked with scientific calculator that 46 was the closest one.

Thats why I asked if 48 was the answer, but when the poster replied, i was perturbed to notice that it was in fact a MEMORY question.

Hope this clear your doubts.

[smohsin]

I came to the same conclusion as Morgoth. The question is from one of the Kaplan exams (CAT tests). The answer choices were wrong to begin with.

Thanks for attempting the question. I wanted to be sure I was missing something.