Solve (5×8)^a^b: Evaluating Nested Power Expressions

Power Rules with Nested Exponents

Insert the corresponding expression:

((5×8)a)b= \left(\left(5\times8\right)^a\right)^b=

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1

Understand the problem

Insert the corresponding expression:

((5×8)a)b= \left(\left(5\times8\right)^a\right)^b=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the given expression.
  • Step 2: Apply the power of a power rule.
  • Step 3: Simplify the expression to find the correct answer.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: The initial mathematical expression given is ((5×8)a)b \left(\left(5\times8\right)^a\right)^b .
Step 2: We apply the power of a power rule, which states that (xm)n=xm×n\left(x^m\right)^n = x^{m \times n}.
Step 3: Applying this rule, we get:

((5×8)a)b=(5×8)a×b \left(\left(5\times8\right)^a\right)^b = \left(5\times8\right)^{a \times b}

Thus, the simplified expression is (5×8)a×b\left(5\times8\right)^{a \times b}.

Comparing this with the choices given:

  • Choice 1: (5×8)ab(5\times8)^{a-b} - Incorrect, as it uses subtraction instead of multiplication.
  • Choice 2: (5×8)a+b(5\times8)^{a+b} - Incorrect, as it uses addition instead of multiplication.
  • Choice 3: (5×8)a×b(5\times8)^{a \times b} - Correct, as it uses multiplication, as derived.
  • Choice 4: (5×8)ab(5\times8)^{\frac{a}{b}} - Incorrect, as it uses division instead of multiplication.

Therefore, the correct answer is (5×8)a×b\left(5\times8\right)^{a\times b}, which corresponds to choice 3.

3

Final Answer

(5×8)a×b \left(5\times8\right)^{a\times b}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Power of a Power Rule: When raising a power to another power, multiply the exponents
  • Technique: (xm)n=xm×n (x^m)^n = x^{m \times n} , so ((5×8)a)b=(5×8)a×b ((5×8)^a)^b = (5×8)^{a \times b}
  • Check: Verify by expanding: (x2)3=x2x2x2=x6=x2×3 (x^2)^3 = x^2 \cdot x^2 \cdot x^2 = x^6 = x^{2×3}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding or subtracting exponents instead of multiplying
    Don't use (xm)n=xm+n (x^m)^n = x^{m+n} or xmn x^{m-n} = wrong answer! This confuses the power of a power rule with multiplication/division of powers. Always multiply exponents when raising a power to another power.

Practice Quiz

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\( 112^0=\text{?} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do we multiply the exponents instead of adding them?

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When you have ((5×8)a)b ((5×8)^a)^b , you're taking (5×8)a (5×8)^a and using it as a base b times. This means (5×8)a(5×8)a... (5×8)^a \cdot (5×8)^a \cdot ... (b times), which equals (5×8)a×b (5×8)^{a×b} .

What's the difference between xaxb x^a \cdot x^b and (xa)b (x^a)^b ?

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Great question! xaxb=xa+b x^a \cdot x^b = x^{a+b} (you add exponents when multiplying same bases), but (xa)b=xa×b (x^a)^b = x^{a×b} (you multiply exponents when raising a power to a power).

Can I simplify (5×8) first to get 40?

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Yes! Since 5×8=40 5×8 = 40 , the expression ((5×8)a)b ((5×8)^a)^b equals (40a)b=40a×b (40^a)^b = 40^{a×b} . However, the question asks for the form with (5×8) (5×8) , so keep it as (5×8)a×b (5×8)^{a×b} .

How can I remember the power of a power rule?

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Think of it as "power to a power = multiply"! You can also remember that (x2)3 (x^2)^3 means x2x2x2 x^2 \cdot x^2 \cdot x^2 , which gives you 6 factors of x, so x2×3=x6 x^{2×3} = x^6 .

What if I chose addition instead of multiplication?

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If you chose (5×8)a+b (5×8)^{a+b} , you're confusing this with the rule for multiplying powers: xaxb=xa+b x^a \cdot x^b = x^{a+b} . But here we have nested exponents, not multiplication of powers.

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