by ayang Tue Apr 10, 2007 10:08 am
Rajesh,
I'm assuming that R is an integer.
Generally, my understanding would be that a = b in every case except 0 or 1 (where either raised to any power would be equal to 0 or 1) or -1 (where a and b can be different and the result is still 1 or -1).
For all other integers as R, a would equal b.
I hope that this is helpful. Let me know if it is consistent with your understanding, or if you have any specific follow-ups. - Andrew