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I think this is a high-quality question.
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Bunuel
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If \(5^{10x}=4,900\) and \(2^{\sqrt{y}}=25\) what is the value of \(\frac{(5^{(x-1)})^5}{4^{-\sqrt{y}}}\)?

A. \(\frac{14}{5}\)
B. 5
C. \(\frac{28}{5}\)
D. 13
E. 14


First thing one should notice here is that \(x\) and \(y\) must be some irrational numbers (4,900 has other primes than 5 in its prime factorization and 25 doesn't have 2 as a prime at all), so we should manipulate with given expressions rather than to solve for \(x\) and \(y\).

\(5^{10x}=4,900\)

\((5^{5x})^2=70^2\)

\(5^{5x}=70\)

Now, \(\frac{(5^{(x-1)})^5}{4^{-\sqrt{y}}}=5^{(5x-5)}*4^{\sqrt{y}} = 5^{5x}*5^{-5}*(2^{\sqrt{y}})^2\)

Since \(5^{5x}=70\) then \(5^{5x}*5^{-5}*(2^{\sqrt{y}})^2=70*5^{-5}*25^2=70*5^{-5}*5^4=70*5^{-1}=\frac{70}{5}=14\)


Answer: E



The expression represents an exponent for the exponent then why did we multiply? Shouldn't it be (x-1)^5??

Also, what is the thumb rule to know the difference between multiplication of exponents and exponents of exponents in such expressions?
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Nishant1795
Bunuel
Official Solution:

If \(5^{10x}=4,900\) and \(2^{\sqrt{y}}=25\) what is the value of \(\frac{(5^{(x-1)})^5}{4^{-\sqrt{y}}}\)?

A. \(\frac{14}{5}\)
B. 5
C. \(\frac{28}{5}\)
D. 13
E. 14


First thing one should notice here is that \(x\) and \(y\) must be some irrational numbers (4,900 has other primes than 5 in its prime factorization and 25 doesn't have 2 as a prime at all), so we should manipulate with given expressions rather than to solve for \(x\) and \(y\).

\(5^{10x}=4,900\)

\((5^{5x})^2=70^2\)

\(5^{5x}=70\)

Now, \(\frac{(5^{(x-1)})^5}{4^{-\sqrt{y}}}=5^{(5x-5)}*4^{\sqrt{y}} = 5^{5x}*5^{-5}*(2^{\sqrt{y}})^2\)

Since \(5^{5x}=70\) then \(5^{5x}*5^{-5}*(2^{\sqrt{y}})^2=70*5^{-5}*25^2=70*5^{-5}*5^4=70*5^{-1}=\frac{70}{5}=14\)


Answer: E



The expression represents an exponent for the exponent then why did we multiply? Shouldn't it be (x-1)^5??

Also, what is the thumb rule to know the difference between multiplication of exponents and exponents of exponents in such expressions?


\(a^{m^n} = a^{(m^n)}\) and not \((a^m)^n\) (if exponentiation is indicated by stacked symbols, the rule is to work from the top down). Thus, \(2^{x^2}=2^{(x^2)}\) and not \((2^x)^2=2^{2x}\)

On the other hand, \((a^m)^n=a^{mn}\). So, \((5^{(x-1)})^5=5^{(5(x-1))}\)

8. Exponents and Roots of Numbers



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I have edited the question and the solution by adding more details to enhance its clarity. I hope it is now easier to understand.
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I like the solution - it’s helpful.
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I like the solution - it’s helpful.
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I like the solution - it’s helpful.
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I like the solution - it’s helpful.
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