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Bunuel
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Bunuel
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Bunuel
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PRein
I don't understand the explanation to solution (2).

(2) seems to assume another question - one that asks about whether (−1)g^(4−1) is even or odd or non-negative. However, the question ask for a value. Since (2) tells us that the solution to the equation could be 0 or 8, this doesn't seem to answer the question. Could you let me know if my logic is off here?

Let me put it in another way.

We want to find the value of \((-1)^{g^4 - 1}\).

(2) says that g = 0 or g = -2.

For either of these values, 0 or -2, \((-1)^{g^4 - 1}=-1\):

If g = 0, then \((-1)^{g^4 - 1}=(-1)^{0^4 - 1}=(-1)^{0 - 1}=(-1)^{- 1}=\frac{1}{-1}=-1\)

If g = -2, then \((-1)^{g^4 - 1}=(-1)^{(-2)^4 - 1}=(-1)^{16 - 1}=(-1)^{15}=-1\)

Hope it's clear.
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I think this is a high-quality question and I agree with explanation.
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Super question!
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Bunuel
Official Solution:


(1) \(g^2 \lt 1\). This statement tells that \(-1 \lt g \lt 1\). Since \(g\) is an integer then \(g=0\). Sufficient to calculate the value of \((-1)^{g^4 - 1}\).

(2) \(g^2+2g=0\)

\(g(g+2)=0\)

\(g=0\) or \(g=-2\). Since both possible values of \(g\) are even then \((-1)^{\text{even}^4 - 1}=(-1)^{\text{even}-1}=(-1)^{\text{odd}}=-1\). Sufficient.


Answer: D

Hi Bunuel,

Stat 1: g^2 < 1 means -1 < g < 1
I am little lost of how did we interpret as above.

Can you please explain?

Thanks
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Bunuel
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Bunuel
Official Solution:


(1) \(g^2 \lt 1\). This statement tells that \(-1 \lt g \lt 1\). Since \(g\) is an integer then \(g=0\). Sufficient to calculate the value of \((-1)^{g^4 - 1}\).

(2) \(g^2+2g=0\)

\(g(g+2)=0\)

\(g=0\) or \(g=-2\). Since both possible values of \(g\) are even then \((-1)^{\text{even}^4 - 1}=(-1)^{\text{even}-1}=(-1)^{\text{odd}}=-1\). Sufficient.


Answer: D

Hi Bunuel,

Stat 1: g^2 < 1 means -1 < g < 1
I am little lost of how did we interpret as above.

Can you please explain?

Thanks

Take the square root:
|g| < 1
-1 < g < 1.
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ok so I get from statement 1 that g=0

statement 2: g=0, g= -2, ok cool. but I missed the importance of checking the solutions and jumped to picking option A since we have two solutions in statement 2.
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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 think this is a high-quality question and I agree with explanation.
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