If (2^15)(25^S) = 5(10^m) what is the value of m ?

Question

A) 7
B) 8
C) 15
D) 16
E) 23

vedavyas9 · Answer

given

2^15 * 25^s = 5 * 10^2

=> 2^15 * 5^(2s) = 2^m * 5^(m+1)

Ans C
on comparing the power of 2 => m=15

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi sauberheine1,

This question is all about how you "rewrite" exponents. Before I go through the explanation, I have to ask if this question was transcribed correctly - are we supposed to solve for the value of M or the value of S?

Here, we're given (2^15)(25^S) = 5(10^M). Here's how we can solve for the value of M.

On the "left side":
(2^15) we'll leave alone
(25^S) can be rewritten as (5^2)^S = 5^(2S)

On the "right side":
5 can be written as 5^1
(10^M) can be rewritten as  ^M = (2^M)(5^M)

So now the overall equation is...
(2^15)  = (5^1)(5^M)(2^M)

Looking at the "base 2" part of each side, we have...(2^15) and (2^M), so M MUST = 15

If we're solving for M, then the answer is  C

Using M = 15, we can now figure out the value of S.....

= (5^1)(5^15)
  = (5^16)
2S = 16
S = 8

If we're solving for S, then the answer is  B

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

PareshGmat · Answer

2^{15} * 25^S = 5 * 10^m

2^{15} * 5^{2S} = 5 * (5*2)^m

2^{15} * 5^{2S} = 5^{m+1} * 2^m

Bases are same, so equating the powers

m = 15

Answer = C

Temurkhon · Answer

2^15 * 25^S = 5 * 10^m

2^15 * (5^2)^S=5 * 10^m

2^15 * 5^2S=5 * 10^m

2^15 * 5^2S-1=2^m * 5^m

to be equal m=15, s=8

C

sauberheine1 · Answer

Thanks a lot ! Yes the question asked for the value of m. I didn't know that you can compare the two bases even though there is one more 5 on the right side. :oops:

Problem solved and understood. Thank you all!

sashiim20 · Answer

(2^{15})(25^S) = 5(10^m)

(2^{15})(5^{2S}) = (5)(5*2)^m

(2^{15})(5^{2S}) = (5)(5^m)(2^m)

(2^{15})(5^{2S}) = (5^{m+1})(2^m)

2^{15} = 2^m

m = 15

Answer (C)...

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

We can simplify the given equation:

(2^15)(25^S) = 5(10^m)

(2^15)(5^2S) = 5(5^m x 2^m)

(2^15)(5^2S) = (5^m+1)(2^m)

Thus:

2^15 = 2^m

15 = m

Answer: C

EgmatQuantExpert · Answer

Solution

Given:  
 •  (2^{15})(25^S) = 5(10^m)

To find:  
 • The value of m

Approach and Working:  
 •  (2^{15})(25^S) = 5(10^m) 
•  2^{15} * 5^{2s} = 5 * (2*5)^m 
•  2^{15} * 5^{2s} = 2^m* 5^{m+1} 
 o By comparing, we get m = 15

Hence, the correct answer is option C.
 
  Answer: C

If (2^15)(25^S) = 5(10^m) what is the value of m ?

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GMAT Problem Solving (PS) Questions

If (2^15)(25^S) = 5(10^m) what is the value of m ?

Prep Toolkit

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My Rewards