Question

Del/Nabla Problem?

Answer 1

Am trying to piece together a math question I saw on a test. I have completed said test (I am not cheating).

Long story short, I had no idea what this symbol meant, beyond that it looked like a delta symbol flipped over.

Here is what I have recalled. If something looks weird, I probably forgot something c;

\[ab = a^3b\] Where b was defined as either three or five.

Then it showed the symbol ∇, indicating (1 ∇ 3) ∇ 4.

Answer 2

Or maybe it was a ∇ b with a^3 = b. Again, a bit unsure..it was a long test.

If anyone can shed light on this symbol, how it works/its uses, and anything pertaining to this problem or another problem (and I do not blame you, this is not much to go on).

Answer 3

@Vocaloid

Answer 4

I don't think you're supposed to interpret the symbol using information outside the context of the problem

sometimes math problems make up symbols to test your logic/intuition

Answer 5

Yeah, it was extremely odd and out of place.

Answer 6

I would imagine they want you to take this formula

a ∇ b with a^3 = b

and apply this logic to (1 ∇ 3) ∇ 4

Answer 7

"sometimes math problems make up symbols to test your logic/intuition"
^ this is the most likely scenario for this question
I have seen such problems on the SAT math section where they make up a new symbol/operation and ask you questions based on it

Answer 8

Yeah, it was an exam my school ran on the collegiate level, to prep us and all.

Answer 9

so 1 ∇ 3 = (1)^3 * 3 = 3
3 ∇ 4 = (3)^3 * 4 = 27 * 4 = probably the answer

Answer 10

having the comment a^3 = b wouldn't make much sense as you can't draw any conclusions from that

Answer 11

so if
a ∇ b = a^3 * b
you would get an operation that can be applied

Answer 12

That seems more like what I saw. What would happen from there^ ?

Answer 13

so 1 ∇ 3 = (1)^3 * 3 = 3

(1 ∇ 3) ∇ 4 = (3) ∇ 4 = (3)^3 * 4 = 27 * 4 = probably the answer

Answer 14

B) was 108, and was my guess, lol

Answer 15

nice! :)

Answer 16

Lol, glad I know the logic behind it though. Thank you both :)