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We should have parentheses to define the order of these exponents. 3^(27^x) is not the same as (3^27)^x.
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We should have parentheses to define the order of these exponents. 3^(27^x) is not the same as (3^27)^x.

\(a^{m^n} = a^{(m^n)}\) and not \((a^m)^n\) (if exponentiation is indicated by stacked symbols, the rule is to work from the top down).

On the other hand, \((a^m)^n=a^{mn}\).

8. Exponents and Roots of Numbers



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Hi,

I don t understand what you do in the equiation. ¿Could you correct me?
1. (3)^(27)^(X) = (3)^( 3^3 )^(X) = (3)^ 3^(3X) = 3 ^ (9X)
2. (27)^(3)^(X) = (3^3) ^(3)^(X) = (3^3) ^(3X) = 3 ^ (9X)

9X = 9X. The only possible answer should be cero.
Bunuel
WheatyPie
We should have parentheses to define the order of these exponents. 3^(27^x) is not the same as (3^27)^x.

\(a^{m^n} = a^{(m^n)}\) and not \((a^m)^n\) (if exponentiation is indicated by stacked symbols, the rule is to work from the top down).

On the other hand, \((a^m)^n=a^{mn}\).

8. Exponents and Roots of Numbers



Check below for more:
ALL YOU NEED FOR QUANT ! ! !
Ultimate GMAT Quantitative Megathread
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MarceloY
Hi,

I don t understand what you do in the equiation. ¿Could you correct me?
1. (3)^(27)^(X) = (3)^( 3^3 )^(X) = (3)^ 3^(3X) = 3 ^ (9X)
2. (27)^(3)^(X) = (3^3) ^(3)^(X) = (3^3) ^(3X) = 3 ^ (9X)

9X = 9X. The only possible answer should be cero.
1. and 2. are simplified as below,

1. \(3^{(27^x)} = 3^{(3^{3x})}\)

2. \(27^{(3^x)} = 3^{(3*3^x)} = 3^{(3^{x+1})}\)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

\(3^{(3^{3x})} = 3^{(3^{x+1})}\)

\(3^{3x} = 3^{x+1}\)

\(3x = x+1\)

\(2x = 1\)

\(x = \frac{1}{2}\)
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