Questions about the world of GMAT Math from other sources and general math related questions.
rajesh
 
 

exponents question

by rajesh Tue Apr 10, 2007 8:48 am

If R^a = R^b, for what values of R can we say that a=b?
ayang
ManhattanGMAT Staff
 
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Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2003 1:31 pm
 

exponents question

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
rajesh
 
 

Thanks

by rajesh Tue Apr 10, 2007 10:56 pm

Thanks for the reply. My understanding is the same. I got confused when I saw "Since R<>0, a=b" many times even in books. That left me thinking R could be 1 also and that means a may not be equal to b.
imanemekouar
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Re: exponents question

by imanemekouar Mon Dec 28, 2009 4:48 pm

I don t understand you reasoning ? Can you explain further?
RonPurewal
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Re: exponents question

by RonPurewal Fri Jan 29, 2010 7:58 am

imanemekouar Wrote:I don t understand you reasoning ? Can you explain further?


where are you getting lost?