Question

Hello, I'm taking AlgebraX at edX.org. I'm not really understanding how to this kind of problem works, if anyone could help I'd appreciate it, thanks. They give the answer, I just don't understand how they got it.

If n**5 =3, then what is the value of n**10?

Hint: Recall that (n**5)**2=n**10.

Answer 1

Considering that n**5=3 and 2*5=10, I really want to say that the value of n**10 is 6.

However, to help support that, one can replace the (n**5) in (n**5)**2 with a 3, and then you get 3**2.

3(2)=6, so that's my logic. Anyone got anything else?

Answer 2

i agree, unless ** refers to some unusual operation.
lets assume that ** = normal multiplication. then n**10 = 6

Answer 3

Sorry ** means n raised to the power of something, So n**5 = n raised to the power of 5.

Answer 4

n**5 = n^5

Answer 5

Ah. If you want to do that on here, either use the LaTeX functions, or use this: ^

Answer 6

oh in that case...

Answer 7

My brain gets stuck in python mode and ** is what python uses, sorry.

Answer 8

PYTHON! Alright, you're forgiven.

Answer 9

If n^5 = 3
then (n^5)^2 = 3^2 = 9 by substituting 3 for n^5.

But (n^5)^2 = n^(5*2) = n^(10) by property of exponents.

Therefore n^(10) = 9

Answer 10

Got it, the a-ha click moment just happened, thank.

Answer 11

:)

Answer 12

The reason I'm going back and taking Algebra again is because of Python, I was having trouble following the math. I've got to say edX and openstudy are amazing resources.