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Exponents Drill

Warm-up Problems

Problem 1
If (x3y3)-3 = (xy)-z, what is z?

A) -6
B) 0
C) 1
D) 6
E) 9

Problem 2
363
=?
34 24

A) 0
B) 1/36
C) 1/6
D) 6
E) 36

Problem 3
( xy ) 3
=?
x 6 y 6

A) (xy)-9
B) (xy)-3
C) xy3
D) x3 y
E) (xy)3

Problem 4
45 + 45 + 45 + 45 = ?

A) 4625
B) 420
C) 220
D) 212
E) 210

Problem 5
92 94
?
92

A) -80
B) 0
C) 1
D) 9-2
E) 9-4

Problem 6
6 4 63
?
62 7

A) 1
B) 6
C) 63
D) 65/7
E) 610/7

Problem 7
2 7 63
=?
962

A) 1/96
B) 1/8
C) 1
D) 3
E) 6

Problem 8
503310
=?
905

A) 5/9
B) 1/2
C) 5/2
D) 5/4
E) 25/2

Problem 9
(.33 )(.58 )
=?
(.258 )(1.23 )

A) 1/4
B) 1/2
C) 1
D) 4
E) 6

Problem 10
If (310)(65) = 2x3y, and x and y are integers, what is x + y?

A) 30
B) 20
C) 15
D) 10
E) 5

Problem 11
If 4x5y = 400, where x and y are positive integers, what is 4x+15y-1?

A) 360
B) 320
C) 32
D) 20
E) 16

Problem 12
If 283858 = 302x, what is x?

A) 64
B) 32
C) 8
D) 4
E) 2

Problem 13
45 252
=?
404

A) 1/4
B) 1/2
C) 1
D) 5/4
E) 5/2

Problem 14
20210
=?
104

A) 1/5
B) 2/5
C) 1
D) 5/2
E) 20

Problem 15
2 3 4
27 2 5 4
=?
8 3 3 625

A) 1/6
B) 1/5
C) 1/3
D) 2/3
E) 3/2

Problem 16
If x is a positive integer and (2x)(2x)(2x) = 166, then what is the value of x?
A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 6
E) 8

Problem 17
33 32 + 33 32 + 33 32 = ?

A) 3
B) 18
C) 19
D) 27
E) 54

Problem 18
If m and n are integers and (4m)(3n) = 66, what is m?

A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 6
E) 12

Problem 19
.12.53
=?
.22.253

A) 1/5
B) 2/5
C) 1
D) 2
E) 4

Problem 20
93 9 2
= x, what is x?
10
A) (96)/10
B) 81
C) 9
D) 1
E) 9/10
Medium Problems

Problem 21
(1/4)-2 + (1/4)-2 + (1/4)-2 + (1/4)-2 = ?

A) (1/4)-16
B) (1/4)-8
C) 1
D) 4
E) 64

Problem 22
(47+46)(55) = 20x; what is x?

A) 1
B) 5
C) 6
D) 9
E) 10

Problem 23
If 52x = 2500, what is the value of 5x+1?

A) 2500
B) 1250
C) 500
D) 250
E) 100

Problem 24
(1/2)-8 (1/2)-6 + (1/2)-8 (1/2)-6 = ?

A) 0
B) 3 2-7
C) 24
D) 3 27
E) 228
Problem 25
105 24 63
=?
334455

A) 1
B) 2
C) 6
D) 10
E) 16

Problem 26
If 4356 = 103x, what is x+2?

A) 0
B) 2
C) 4
D) 6
E) 8

Problem 27
205106 207108
=?
208107 206105

A) 4
B) 2
C) 1
D) 1/2
E) 1/4

Problem 28
422 x 73 x
=?
493 x 36 x

A) 1
B) 6-x
C) 7-x
D) 36-x
E) 49-x
Problem 29
8 y 27 x 2 y 502 x
If = 32, what is x?
54 x 2 y 252 x 2 y

A) 5
B) 2
C) 1
D) 0
E) -1

Problem 30
202302 40
=?
10512

A) 1/10
B) 1/5
C) 1
D) 4
E) 12
Challenge Problems

Problem 31
1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 3 x
10 ; what is x?

2
2
2
2 25

A) -6
B) -3
C) 1
D) 3
E) 6

Problem 32
If 5n is a factor of 78,126, where n is an integer, what is the value of 5n+1 5n?

A) 100
B) 25
C) 16
D) 5
E) 4

Problem 33
What is z if 62z+385-z48z-396-3z = 1?

A) -2
B) -1/2
C) 0
D) 1/2
E) 2

Problem 34
If 52n+1 52n = 102510, where n is an integer, what is the value of n?

A) 8
B) 6
C) 4
D) 2
E) 0
Problem 35
If 527 + 525 = 26 25z, what is the value of z?

A) 53
B) 52
C) 25
D) 12.5
E) 6

Problem 36
1028364 45
=?
2534 4352

A) 1
B) 2
C) 10
D) 210
E) 214

Problem 37
x 2 y (2 y ) 2 x
If x > y > 1 and 1 , what is x in terms of y?
(4( xy ) 2 ) x

A) 0
B) 1
C) y
D) 2y
E) y2

Problem 38
100 x y
If 3 x 2 y 1 , where x and y are integers, then which of the following MUST be
10
true?
I. y > 0
II. x + y > 0
III. x 4y < 0
A) II only
B) III only
C) I and III
D) II and III
E) I, II, and III

Problem 39
52 x 352 y x
=?
53 x 25 y 7 2 y

A) 1
B) 5
C) 7
D) 5x
E) 7x

Problem 40
5 2
1 1

4 9 = ?
4
1

24

A) 1/6
B) 1/4
C) 1
D) 3
E) 4
Problem 1 Solution: E

The problem gives us a clue regarding how to proceed by setting the right hand
side of the equation to (xy)-z. Because both sides of the equation feature some
combination of xy, we must manipulate the left hand side of the equation to come up with
a base that matches xy.

(x3y3)-3 = ((xy)3)-3 = (xy)-9

Thus (xy)-9 = (xy)-z. Because the bases, (xy), are the same, the only way the two sides of
the equation will equal one another is when the exponents are equal. So -9 = -z, or z = 9.

Problem 2 Solution: B

This problem appears very difficult at first glance, but its difficulty is reduced by
recognizing that one must identify a common base to proceed. The common base is
uncovered by recognizing the common exponent of -4 in the denominator. Because both
3 and 2 are raised to -4 we can group the two together as we do below:

363 363 363



34 24 (3 2) 4 64

There is no longer a common exponent to manipulate but there is a concealed hidden


base of 6. That is because 36 = 62. In this case the equation can be rewritten as follows:

363 (62 ) 3 623 66


4 4 4
64 6 6 6

Now because the bases are the same the numerator and denominator can be combined as
follows:

66
4
66( 4) 62
6

The answer is reached by recognizing that a negative exponent is equivalent to rewriting


the number as a fraction as follows:

1 1
62 2
.
6 36

Problem 3 Solution: E
This problem is attacked by recognizing that one must identify a common base or
exponent to proceed. The common base is uncovered by recognizing the common
exponent of -6 in the denominator. Because both x and y are raised to -6 we can group
the two together as a product as we do below:

( xy ) 3 ( xy ) 3

x 6 y 6 ( xy ) 6

There is no longer a common exponent to manipulate the problem but there is a common
base of xy. Because the bases are the same the numerator and denominator can be
combined as follows:

( xy ) 3
6
( xy ) 3( 6) ( xy )3 .
( xy )

Problem 4 Solution: D

This problem is solved by recognizing that the terms are common and can be
combined. To see this, imagine 45 were x. In that case the expression could be rewritten
as x + x + x + x = 4x. Substituting 45 for x yields 4 45 , which can be rewritten as
follows:

41 45

This can then be combined as follows because 4 is a common base:

41 45 415 46

A quick scan of the answer choices reveals that 46 is not present. To finish the problem
off, 46 is rewritten as (22)6. In this case the external exponent 6 is combined with the
internal exponent of 2 via multiplication as follows:

(22 )6 226 212 .

Problem 5 Solution: A

In this problem we must deal with a fraction. The key to exponent problems
involving fractions is to look for common elements. An element is common when all of
the numbers can be divided by that number. In this case, 92 is certainly common to 92
and 94, because 94 = 92 92 . We can thus start the problem by factoring out a 92 from the
numerator:

92 94 92 (1 92 )

92 92

Now we have a 92 in the numerator and the denominator so the 92s will cancel leaving:

(1 92) = 1 81 = -80

As a takeaway you must recognize that both simple and very difficult problems on the
GMAT hinge upon this ability to recognize and factor out common elements.

Problem 6 Solution: B

In this problem we must deal with a fraction. The key to exponent problems
involving fractions is to look for common elements. An element is common when all of
the numbers can be divided by that number. In this case, 62 is common to 63 and 64 and
of course to the expression in the denominator. If we factor 62 out of the numerator we
have the following equation:

64 63 62 (62 6) 62 6

62 7 62 7 7

At this point we could finish the problem by computing the value of 62 + 6 and dividing
by 7. But there is another way to complete the problem that may help in future problems.
6 is common to 62 and 6 so we can divide the numerator by 6 and get the following:

6(6 1) 6 7
6
7 7

To make the problem easier to manage we factored out a 6 from the numerator and were
left with 6(6+1). This was helpful because the (6+1) canceled out the 7 in the
denominator. In this case the step may not have saved much time but in future problems
this step of factoring to uncover a hidden common element will be crucial for solving
very difficult problems.

Problem 7 Solution: D

This problem is solved by breaking the numerator and denominator into the
smallest prime factors possible:
96 = 8 12 = (2 2 2) (2 2 3) = 3 25

6 = 2 3

Rewriting the expression:

27 63 27 (2 3)3 27 2333 27 333 21033 33


10 2 10 2 10 2 2 3
962 (253) 2 2 3 2 3 2 3 3

The correct answer is 3.

Problem 8 Solution: D

This problem is solved by breaking the numerator and denominator into the
smallest prime factors possible. Starting with the denominator:

905 = (2 5 3 3)5 = (2 32 5)5 = (25)(310)(55)

Then breaking down the numerator:

(503)(310) = (2 5 5)3(310) = (2 52)3(310) = (23)(56)(310)

2331056
Combining the numerator and denominator yields . To solve, cancel any factors
2531055
51 5
that appear in the numerator and denominator, which then yields 2 . The answer is
2 4
5/4.

Problem 9 Solution: D

This problem is solved by combining like terms. Here the exponents 3 and 8 are
common in the numerator and denominator. The fraction can be rewritten by grouping
the like terms:

.33 .58

1.23 .258
3
.33 .3
To continue the problem, one must recognize that . Rewriting the equation
1.23 1.2
yields:

3 8 3 3
.33 .58 .3 .5 1 8 1 8
8 2 2 2 (2 ) (2 ) = (2 )(2 ) = 2
-2 3 8 -6 8 -6+8
= 22 = 4
1.2 .25 1.2 .25 4
3
2

The correct answer is 4.

Problem 10 Solution: B

Because the bases 2 and 3 are raised to the unknown exponents of x and y,
respectively, we must start this problem by simplifying the left hand side of the equation
to match the bases on right. To do so, break down the 65 into its prime factors of 2 and 3
as follows:

31065 = 310(2 3)5 = (310)(25)(35) = (25)(310+5) = (25)(315) = (2x)(3y)

Because the bases on either side of the equation are the same, the only way the two sides
of the equation will equal one another is when the exponents are equal. So, x = 5 and y =
15. Be careful to answer the correct question: x + y = 5 + 15 = 20.

Problem 11 Solution: B

There are two major approaches to solving this problem. In the first, each side is
broken down into prime factors, and then the unknown variables are calculated. Starting
with the left hand side of the equation:

4x5y = (22)x5y = 22x5y

On the right hand side, 400 is broken down through prime factorization:

400 = 2 2 2 2 5 5 = 2452 = 22x5y

Because the bases on either side of the equation are the same, the only way the two sides
of the equation will equal one another is when the exponents are equal. So, x = 2 and y =
2. Thus, 4x+15y-1 = 435 = 320.

The other way to look at the problem is to compare 4x+15y-1 and 4x5y. 4x+1 is 41
times as much as 4x because 414x = 4x+1. 5y-1 is 5-1 times as much as 5y since 5-15y = 5y-1.
We can then use this information to calculate the correct answer by multiplying 400 by
4/5: 400 4/5 = 320.

Problem 12 Solution: D

Because the base 30 is raised to 2x on the right hand side we must start this
problem by adjusting the left hand side of the equation to match the right. To do so,
notice that each term on the right is raised to a power of 8. As such, these terms can be
combined through multiplication because they share a common exponent:

283858 = (2 3 5)8 = 308 = 302x

Because the bases on either side of the equation are the same, the only way the two sides
of the equation will equal one another is when the exponents are equal. So 8 = 2x, and x
= 4.

Problem 13 Solution: A

As with other exponent problems, we must look for either a shared base or a
shared exponent. In this problem, there are some obvious common bases, but there are in
fact several hidden common bases as well as hidden common exponents. Here two
different solutions are provided to demonstrate the flexibility of exponent problem
solutions:

Solution 1 Find the prime bases, simplify, and solve:

45 252 (22 )5 (52 ) 2 21054 210 1


4
3 4
12 4 12 22
40 (2 5) 2 5 2 4

This method is labor intensive, but thorough.

Solution 2 Find common exponents and quickly eliminate:

4
45 252 (22 )5 (52 ) 2 21054 5
4
10 5
2 210
40
4 4 4 4
40 40 40 40

4 4
1 1 1 2
10
1
210 210 3 210 12 12 22
8 2 2 2 4

This solution could have saved some time and is scalable to more difficult problems
involving common exponents. The answer is 1/4.
Problem 14 Solution: B

As with other exponent problems, we must look for either a shared base or a
shared exponent. In this problem, there is a 10 in the numerator and denominator but
otherwise there do not appear to be any common bases or exponents worth examining.
As such, one may be tempted to break down each base into its prime bases. In this case,
however, it is more efficient first to attack the common base of 10 and then to factor the
bases of the remaining terms until a common base is discovered, thus saving valuable
time. This is possible because there are several multiples of 10 in the numerator and
denominator. To simplify, it may be productive to simplify the terms in the numerator to
match the base 10 in the denominator.

20210 2 10
1

4
20 4
202103
10 10

Now the 202 can be factored to expose a hidden common base of 10:

20210-3 = (2 10)210-3 = 2210210-3 = 22102-3 = 2210-1 = 4/10 = 2/5

The answer is 2/5.

Problem 15 Solution: A

As with other exponent problems, we must look for either a shared base or a
shared exponent. In this problem, there are some obvious common bases, and others can
be found by breaking down larger numbers such as 4, 8, 25, and 27 into their prime
27 33 2 2
bases. For example, 3 and 2.
8 2 25 5

2
27 2 5 4 3 2 5 2
2 3 4 3 3 4 2


3 4
8 3 3 625 2 3 3 5

2
33 323 36
Now the external exponents need to be distributed as in 3 23 6 .
2 2 2

2
33 2 5 22 36 23 54 22
3 4

3 4 6 3 4 4
2 3 3 5 2 3 3 5
Finally, the expression is simplified by grouping and canceling like terms:

36 23 54 22 2322 36 54 25 36 54 1 1 1
6
3 4 4 6 3 4 4 6 7 4 1
2 3 3 5 2 33 5 2 3 5 2 3 6

The answer is 1/6

Problem 16 Solution: E

This problem is solved by combining like terms. Here, we need to work with the
common bases of 2 on the left hand side of the equation. Because 2x is multiplied by
itself 3 times, the left side of the equation can be simplified by adding the exponents:

(2x)(2x)(2x) = 2x+x+x = 23x = 166

To solve for the unknown exponent, the base on the left hand side of the equation must
match that of the right. In this case, 2 is a prime number and also a factor of 16, so 16
should be broken down to a power of 2.

166 = (2 2 2 2)6 = (24)6

The external exponent is combined by multiplying by the internal exponent yielding:

23x = (24)6 = 224

For the left hand side of the equation to equal the right the exponents must be equal,
therefore 23x = 224, or 3x = 24, and x = 8. The correct answer is 8.

Problem 17 Solution: E

This problem is completed by recognizing and grouping the common terms 33 and
3 by summing the terms together. To see this, imagine 33 were x and 32 were y. In that
2

case the equation could be rewritten as x + x + x = 3x and y + y + y = 3y. Substituting 33


for x and 32 for y yields 3(33) 3(32), which can be rewritten as follows:

3(33) 3(32) = 31+3 31+2 = 34 33

At this point the answer can be calculated by subtracting the value 33, or 27, from 34, or
81. Another way to calculate the value is by factoring out the common term of 33 as
follows:

34 33 = 33(3 1) = 332 = 27 2 = 54
The factoring step is optional but it is a step that is frequently required for solving more
difficult GMAT exponent problems so it should be practiced often.

Problem 18 Solution: C

As with other exponent problems, we must look for either a shared base or a
shared exponent. In this problem there do not appear to be any common bases or
exponents worth examining. As such, we must break down the left and right hand side of
the equation into prime bases. Starting with left hand side (4m)(3n) = ((22)m)(3n) =
(22m)(3n). On the right hand side 66 = (2 3)6 = (26)(36). To find the value of m,
recognize that for the left hand side of the equation to equal the right, the exponent to
which 2 is raised on both sides of the equation must be equal. Thus 26 = 22m or 6 = 2m, or
m =3. The answer is 3.

Problem 19 Solution: D

This problem is solved by combining like terms. Here the exponents 2 and 3 are
common in the numerator and denominator. The fraction can be rewritten by grouping
the like terms:

.12.53 .12 .53



.22.253 .22 .253

2
.12 .1
To continue the problem, recognize that 2 . Rewriting the equation yields:
.2 .2

2 3 2
.12 .53 .1 .5 1 3
2 (2 ) (2 ) = 2
-2 3 -2+3
= 21
.22 .253 .2 .25 2

The correct answer is 2.

Problem 20 Solution: B

In this problem, the fraction needs to be simplified. The key to simplifying


exponent problems involving fractions is to look for numbers that are common to both
the numerator and denominator. In this case, it is not readily apparent what might be
common to both (93 + 92) and 10. From this point, the problem can be solved either by
using order of operations or by factoring. Both solutions are examined below:
Solution 1 Order of operations:

93 92 729 81 810
81
10 10 10

This solution is computationally intensive and the labor involved isnt scalable to larger
exponents. If, for example, the numerator were 95 or higher, it would not be easy to
calculate the value of the numerator within a two minute time frame. Solution 2
discusses a method that allows for greater speed no matter how large the exponent.

Solution 2 Factoring the numerator

In some exponent problems it is helpful to factor a polynomial such as 93 + 92 to expose


common elements. In this case 92 is a factor of both 93 and 92. In this case the numerator
can be factored by dividing by 92:

93 92 92 (9 1) 8110
81
10 10 10

The answer is 81.

Factoring is a powerful strategy for dealing with problems with high exponents or
problems where there is not a clear connection between bases in the numerator and
denominator. As a takeaway, it is helpful to recognize that factoring is often signaled by
the presence of a polynomial, which in this case was 93 + 92, over a another number or
polynomial.

Problem 21 Solution: E

The first step of this problem is to eliminate the negative exponent and the
fraction (1/4). This is completed by recognizing that (1/4) could be rewritten as 4-1 as
follows:

(1/4)-2 + (1/4)-2 + (1/4)-2 + (1/4)-2 = (4-1)-2 + (4-1)-2 + (4-1)-2 + (4-1)-2 = 42 +42 +42 +42

This problem is completed then by recognizing that the term 42 is common and the terms
can be summed together. To see this, imagine 42 were x. In that case the equation could
be rewritten as x + x + x + x = 4x. Substituting 42 for x yields 4 42, which can be
rewritten as follows:

(41) (42)

This can then be combined as follows because 4 is a common base:


4 42 = 41+2 = 43 = 64.

Problem 22 Solution: C

The key to exponent problems is to look for common elements such as a common
base or exponent. The fact that the problem is seeking a value for an unknown exponent
means that the base of the left hand side must match the base of the right hand side,
otherwise there is no way to equate the unknown variable on the right hand side, which is
an exponent, with the known values on the left.

(47+46)(55) = 20x so (47+46) (55) = (4 5)x = (4x)(5x)

This problem is completed then by recognizing that the term 46 is common and can be
factored out. To see this, imagine 46 were x. In that case the expression in parentheses
could be rewritten as 4x + x. Substituting 46 for x yields 4 46 + 46, which means the
equation can be rewritten as follows:

46(4+1)(55) = (46)5(55) = 4656 = 4x5x

For the two sides of the equation to be equal the exponents of the 4 and 5 must be
equivalent on both sides so x must equal 6. x = 6.

Problem 23 Solution: D

At first glance, 52x = 2500 appears to be an equation we can solve because 25 is


2
5 . Unfortunately, this is not the case and a brief examination of powers of 5 will bear
this out: 5, 25, 125, 625, 3125, etc. Therefore it is wholly unproductive to attempt to
solve for x and then use this value to calculate 5x+1. Instead, this problem is solved by
solving for 5x first. To see this, examine the expression that must be solved for:

5x+1 = (5x)(51) = 5(5x)

The question tells us that 52x = 2500. This expression can be modified in a manner
similar to what was done above:

52x = (5x)2 = 2500

Now both sides of the equation are perfect squares and 5x can be isolated by taking the
square root of both sides:
5
2
x
2500 , so 5x = 50

To solve the equation, substitute 50 in for 5x to yield:

5(5x) = 5(50) = 250.

Problem 24 Solution: D

The first step of this problem is to eliminate the negative exponent and the
fraction (1/2). This is completed by recognizing that (1/2) could be rewritten as 2-1 as
follows:

(1/2)-8 (1/2)-6 + (1/2)-8 (1/2)-6 =


(2-1)-8 (2-1)-6 + (2-1)-8 (2-1)-6 =
28 26 + 28 26

The next step is to group the common terms 28 and 26 by summing like terms together.
To see this, imagine 28 were x and 26 were y. In that case the equation could be rewritten
as x + x = 2x and y + y = 2y. Substituting 28 for x and 26 for y yields 2 28 2 26, which
can be rewritten as follows:

2 28 2 26 = 29 27

At this point the answer can be calculated by factoring out 27 because it is common to
both 29 and 27. 27 can be factored out of the expression as follows:

29 27 = (27) (22) (27)(1) = (27)(22 1) = (27)(4 1) = (27)(3) = 3 27

Problem 25 Solution: E

As with other exponent problems, we must look for either a shared base or a
shared exponent. In this problem, many terms share an exponent while none obviously
shares a base. To group terms according to a shared exponent notice the 105 in the
numerator and the 55 in the denominator. In this case 105/55 is equivalent to 25. This
method of grouping like exponents can be repeated for the entire expression:

4
105 24 63 105 24 63 1
5 4 3 25 23 25 24 23 25 43 24 16 .
2
3 4 5
345 5 4 3
Problem 26 Solution: C

For the left hand side of the equation to equal the right hand side, all of the bases
must be equal. In this case, the base 10 is not common to the other bases so the first goal
of the problem is to eliminate the 10 somehow. How to do so is not immediately
obvious, but factoring both sides of the equation helps reveal the path to elimination.

(22)356 = (2 5)3x

2656 = 23x53x

The exponents on the left side must match the exponents on the right side, so 3x = 6 and x
= 2. Therefore the answer to the problem is x+2 = 2+2 = 4.

Problem 27 Solution: E

This problem is solved by combining like terms. In this problem there are both
common bases and common exponents so a choice must be made as to which to attack.
In this case, it is more efficient to group terms according to a shared exponent. To group
terms according to a shared exponent notice the 205 in the numerator and the 105 in the
denominator. In this case 205/105 is equivalent to 25. This method of grouping like
exponents can be repeated for the entire expression:

5 6 7 8
205106 207108 20 10 20 10 1
25 26 27 28 256 7 8 22
20 10 20 10 10 20 10 20
8 7 6 5
4

The expression could also be simplified by combining like terms according to shared
bases:

205106 207108 205 71068 20121014 100 1


8 7 6 5
68 5 7 14 12 202102
20 10 20 10 20 10 20 10 400 4

The answer is 1/4.

Problem 28 Solution: C

This problem is solved by breaking down the numerator and denominator until we
have common bases or exponents. In this case, some combination of 7s and 6s are
common to all of the bases in this problem and no exponents are common. Thus, the
bases 42, 49, and 36 should be factored into these common bases:
422 x 73 x (6 7) 2 x 73 x 62 x 7 2 x 73 x 62 x 75 x
62x-2x75x-6x = 7-x
3x
49 36 x
(7 7) (6 6)
3x x 2 3x
(7 ) (6 ) 2 x 6x 2x
7 6

In this problem, one could break down 36x to (2 2 3 3)x but this work is excessive
because 6 is common to both the numerator and denominator. In general, one should not
necessarily break bases down to their lowest prime factors in exponent problems unless it
is necessary to do so. Scanning the answer choices in this problem provides a hint that
answers have large bases in them, so from that information alone it is probably not a
good choice to break all the bases down to their prime factors.

Problem 29 Solution: A

As with other exponent problems, we must look for either a shared base or a
shared exponent. In this problem, many terms share an exponent while none obviously
shares a base. To group terms according to a shared exponent notice the 8y in the
numerator and the 2y in the denominator. In this case 8y/2y is equivalent to (8/2)y = 4y =
(22)y = 22y. This method of grouping like exponents can be repeated for the entire
expression:

x2 y
8 y 27 x 2 y 502 x 8 y 27 x 2 y 502 x 1
x2 y
y x2 y 2 x 4 y 22 x = 22y 2-x-2y 22x = 22y-x-2y+2x = 2x = 32
2
2x y
54 25 2 2 54 25

To solve the problem then we must convert the right hand side of the equation to have the
same base as the left so 32 must be expressed in terms of a power of 2, or 25. Thus 2x =
25. For the left hand side to equal the right, the exponents must be equal, thus x = 5. The
answer is 5.

Problem 30 Solution: E

As with other exponent problems, we must look for either a shared base or a
shared exponent. In this problem, there do not appear to be any common bases or
exponents worth examining. As such, one may be tempted to break down each base into
its prime bases. In this case, however, it is more productive to factor the bases until a
common base is discovered, thus saving valuable time. This is possible because there are
several multiples of 10 in the numerator and denominator. To simplify them, it may be
productive to simplify the terms in the numerator to match the base 10 in the
denominator.

202302 40 (2 10) 2 (3 10) 2 (4 10) 2210232102 4 10 223 3 4 105 122105


5 12
10512 10512 10512 10512 10 12
The answer is 12.

Problem 31 Solution: A

The key to exponent problems is to look for common elements such as a common
base or exponent. The fact that the problem is seeking a value for an unknown exponent
means that the base of the left hand side must match the base of the right hand side,
otherwise there is no way to equate the unknown variable on the right hand side, which is
an exponent, with the known values on the left.

1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 3 x x x
(2 5) 2 5

2
2
2
2 25

The next step is to recognize that the negative exponent and fraction need to be
eliminated. This is done by recognizing that (1/2) and (1/25) can be rewritten as 2-1 and
25-1 respectively or in the case of the equation, they can be rewritten as follows:

1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 3

2 2 2 2 25
4 4 4 4 3

2 2 2 2 25

This problem is completed then by recognizing that the 24 terms are common and can be
summed together. To see this, imagine 24 were x. In that case the equation could be
rewritten as x+x+x+x = 4x. Substituting 24 for x yields 4 24, which can be rewritten as
26. Working with the original equation we have 26253 = 2-x5-x. To finish the problem the
bases on the left hand side must match those on the right so the 253 must match 5-x. To
fix this situation then 253 can be rewritten as (52)3 = 56. Thus the final equation is 2656 =
2-x5-x. For the two sides of the equation to be equivalent the exponents of each base much
match so 6 = -x. x = -6.

Problem 32 Solution: E

Given the constraint that n must be an integer and 5n must be a factor of 78,126, it
is reasonable to consider that not only could n be a positive integer but it could also
possibly be zero. Using long division, we can see that 5 will not divide into 78,126
without a remainder. Though this is a thorough method for reaching such a conclusion,
the application of this method takes a lot of time. Instead, one should rely on knowledge
from number properties to recall that a number is only divisible by 5 if that number ends
in 5 or 0. In this case, 78,126 ends in 6 and is thus not divisible by 5. For this reason, n
must be zero because 50 = 1 is the largest power of 5 that is a factor of 78,126.
Substituting in 0 for n into 5n+1 5n yields 51 50 = 5 1 = 4. The correct answer is 4.
Problem 33 Solution: D

This problem is solved by breaking each number down into the smallest prime
factors possible.

62z+385-z48z-396-3z = (2 3)2z+3(23)5-z(243)z-3(253)-3z = 1

Now the exterior exponents should be distributed across the prime factors by multiplying
the exterior exponents by the interior exponents:

22z+332z+3215-3z24z-123z-32-15z3-3z = 1

The exponents can be added because the powers are multiplied by each other:

22z+3+15-3z+4z-12-15z32z+3+z-3-3z = 26-12z30 = 1

A number raised to an exponent equals 1 when that exponent = 0. Thus this problem can
be solved by understanding that 6 12z must equal 0. 6 12z = 0 so 6 = 12z, z = 6/12 =
1/2. The answer is z = 1/2. Note that this problem could be solved by plugging in the
answer choices for z, but this is a time intensive strategy that is very likely to exceed our
time budget of 2 minutes.

Problem 34 Solution: B

For the left hand side of the equation to equal the right hand side, all of the bases
must be equal. In this case, the base 10 is not common to the other bases so the first goal
of the problem is to eliminate the 10 somehow. How to do so is not immediately
obvious, but factoring the left hand size of the equation helps reveal the path to
elimination.

52n+1 52n = 52n(51 1) = 52n4 = 52n22

Breaking each number on the right hand side down into the smallest prime factors
possible yields:

52n22 = (2 5)2510 = 2252510 = 22512

Now the 22 on each side cancels because it is a common to both sides. For the left hand
side of the equation to be equal to the right hand side, the exponents must be equal or
2n = 12, so n = 6.
Problem 35 Solution: D

For the left hand side of the equation to equal the right hand side, we need to
make all of the bases equal because the exponents clearly are not. In this case, the bases
26 and 25 on the right are not common to 5 on the left, so the first goal of the problem is
to eliminate the 26 and 25 somehow. How to do so is not immediately obvious, but
factoring the left hand size of the equation helps reveal the path to elimination.

527 + 525 = 525(52 + 1) = 52526 = 26 25z

525 = 25z

Breaking each number on the right hand side down into the smallest prime factors
possible yields 25z = (52)z = 52z, so 525 = 52z. For the left hand side of the equation to be
equal to the right hand side, the exponents must be equal: 2z = 25, or z = 12.5.

Problem 36 Solution: E

One could solve the problem by multiplying out the numerator and dividing that
by the product in the denominator. That solution would take far too much time and this
problem is better solved by combining like terms, which are the shared exponents in the
numerator and denominator in this case. To group terms according to a shared exponent
102
notice the 102 in the numerator and the 52 in the denominator. In this case 2 is
5
2
10
equivalent to = 22. This method of grouping like exponents can be repeated for the
5
entire expression:

2 3 4 5
1028364 45 10 8 6 4
22232425 = 22+3+4+5 = 214.
5 4 3 2
5 4 3 2
2345

Problem 37 Solution: C

This problem is solved by combining like terms. Here, we need to work with the
common bases of x, y, and 2 in the numerator and denominator.

x 2 y (2 y ) 2 x x 2 y 22 x y 2 x x 2 y 22 x y 2 x

(4( xy ) 2 ) x (22 x 2 y 2 ) x 22 x x 2 x y 2 x
Now we can eliminate common terms from the numerator and denominator.

x 2 y 22 x y 2 x x 2 y

22 x x 2 x y 2 x x 2 x

Now x is the only base that remains so we can combine the terms and set the expression
equal to the right side of the equation:

x2 y
2x
x 2 y 2 x 1
x

For the left hand side to equal the right hand side of the equation, either x must be 1 or
the exponent that x is raised to must equal 0. We know x is larger than 1, so the exponent
must be 0. 2y 2x = 0 or 2y = 2x and x = y. So the answer is y.

Problem 38 Solution: B

The inequality should be simplified before attempting to process any information


from the three Roman numeral statements. Because we are dealing with an exponent
problem we need to identify either a common base or a common exponent to simplify.
Here, the exponent can be ruled out though, so we must work with the bases. 100 = 102,
so we can use that as a starting point.

100 x y (102 ) x y 102 x 2 y


3 x2 y
3 x 2 y 3 x 2 y 102 x 2 y 3 x 2 y 104 y x
10 10 10

Now for 104y-x to be greater than 1, we know that our exponent must be positive, or 4y-x
> 0. If 4y-x were 0 then 100 would be 1, and if 4y-x were less than 1 then the expression
would be a fraction and less than one. Now, we turn our attention to the Roman
Numerals:

I. Not necessarily true. We can plug in numbers to test, and the easiest might be zero.
With y = 0, we get 100x/103x = 102x/103x = 10-x. So long as x < 0 then 10-x > 1 when y = 0,
so I is not necessarily true.

II. Not necessarily true. If x = -4 and y = 1, then 104y-x = 104+4 = 108, which is greater
than 1 even though x + y is not greater than 0.

III. True. This is another way of stating that 4y x > 0 and from our above work we saw
that this means the exponent will be positive and the entire expression will be greater
than 1.
III only is the correct statement.

Problem 39 Solution: E

This problem is solved by breaking down the numerator and denominator until we
have common bases or exponents. In this case, some combination of 7s and 5s are
common to all of the bases in this problem and no exponents are obviously common.
Thus, the bases 35 and 25 should be factored to highlight these common bases:

52 x 352 y x 52 x (5 7) 2 y x 52 x 52 y x 7 2 y x 53 x 2 y 7 2 y x
3x y 2y
3 x 2 y 2 y 3 x 2 y 2 y 3 x 2 y 2 y = 5(3x+2y)-(3x+2y)7(2y+x)-(2y) = 507x
5 25 7 5 (5 ) 7 5 5 7 5 7

The answer is 7x.

Problem 40 Solution: E

As with other exponent problems, we must look for either a shared base or a
shared exponent. In this problem, there are some obvious common bases, but there are in
fact several hidden common bases as well as hidden common exponents. Further, it is
awkward to deal with fractional bases, so before simplifying it is more effective to
convert the fractional bases to integers by using negative exponents. For example, 1/4 =
4-1. Applying this to the expression yields:

5 2
1 1
5 2
4 9 4 9
1
4
244

24

Now the problem is solved by finding common bases and simplifying.

4592 (22 ) 5 (32 ) 2 21034 210


12 4 12 = 2(-10)-(-12) = 22 = 4
244 (233) 4 2 3 2

The answer is 4.

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