If a, b, and c are integers and a^b = c, then what is the value of a ?

Question

(1) c = 1 
(2) b ≠ 0

Are You Up For the Challenge: 700 Level Questions

Project DS Butler Data Sufficiency (DS3) 
 For DS butler Questions  Click Here

paras7424 · Answer

IMO E!

C can be 1 when a is 1 and b attains any value.
C can be 1 when a is -1 and b attains positive even value.
C can be 1 when a is any integer and b is zero.

Posted from my mobile device

lynnglenda · Answer

St 1: C=1 
This is possible for the following scenarios
a=1 b=any number
a=any number b=0
Not sufficient to answer

St 2: b != 0
Not sufficient because we do not know c

Sts 1 and 2 together
c=1 and b!=0
a could be 1 or -1. Unless we know b is odd or even, we can't figure out the value of a

Hence, Answer is E

GMATinsight · Answer

a^b = c

Question: a = ?

Statement 1 : c = 1

i.e. a^b = c = 1

i.e. a could be anything for b = 0

NOT SUFFICIENT

STatement 2 : b ≠ 0

i.e. a could be anything for c unknown

NOT SUFFICIENT

COmbining the statements

i.e. a^b = c = 1 amd b≠0

BUT a = +1 for b = 2 and 
a = -1 for b = 2 hence still inconsistent values of a hence

NOT SUFFICIENT

Answer: Option E

Capakki · Answer

S1. C=1 implies if b is zero then a can assume any integer value
If b is not zero then a can be 1 or -1 with corresponding values of b to give a^b=c. So S1 is not suff.

S2. b is not equal to zero implies that multiple values for a is possible

S1+S2. C=1 and b is not equal to zero means a is either 1 or -1 and b can take multiple values to satisfy the equation. 
Not suff.

Hence, E

Posted from my mobile device

anthien128 · Answer

IMO E is the correct answer.

(1) If c = 1 then there are two scenarios
+ If b = 0 then a can be whatever integers
+ If b is odd integer then a = 1
+ If b is even integer then a can be 1 or -1
 --> (1) is INSUFFICIENT

(2) If b ≠ 0, we do not have enough information of c to find a
 --> (2) is INSUFFICIENT

If we combine (1) and (2) then a still can be 1 or -1
 --> (1) and (2) are INSUFFICIENT

Nevernevergiveup · Answer

If a, b, and c are integers and a^b = c, then what is the value of a ?

(1) c = 1

a^b=1

value of a can be anything if b=0 but we have no clue regarding b value. so not sufficient.

(2) b ≠ 0

This doesnt give any info. not sufficient.

1 & 2

not sufficient to find a

KaramveerBakshi · Answer

a=?

Statements:

(1) c = 1
Nothing about a or b.

Insufficient.

(2) b ≠ 0
Nothing about a and c.

Insufficient.

Combining both statements, we can these possible cases:

a=1 , b= any integer
OR
a=-1, b = even integer.

Insufficient.

Hence, the answer is Option (E).

sambitspm · Answer

Kindly see the attachment.

Take care that a,b,c are not +ve integers only. They are integers.

hiranmay · Answer

If a, b, and c are integers and a^b = c, then what is the value of a ?

(1) c = 1 -->  insuff: b=1, a=c=1-->uniq value of a, but if b=0, a = +1/+2/+3 ... or -1/-2/-3-->no uniq value of a 
(2) b ≠ 0 -->  insuff: we know nothing about c, so a can be any integer
combining (1) & (2)=>
a^b=1 & b≠ 0
if b = 2, a^2=1 => a=+1 or -1-->no uniq value of a --> insuff 
  Answer: E

Posted from my mobile device

If a, b, and c are integers and a^b = c, then what is the value of a ?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards

GMAT Data Sufficiency (DS) Questions

If a, b, and c are integers and a^b = c, then what is the value of a ?

Prep Toolkit

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards