5^a = 1/25, 5^b = 25sqrt(5), 5^c = 1/sqrt(5). What is the value of a + b + c?

Two ways to do it. Manually work them all out: 5a = 1/25 means a = -2, 5b=25sqrt(5) means b = 2.5, 5c = 1/sqrt(5) means c = -0.5. So a + b + c = -2 + 2.5 + 0.5 = 0.
Can alternatively remember that (xt)(xu) = xt+u (when multiplying you add powers). This means that 5a5b5c = 5a+b+c = (1/25)(25sqrt(5))(1/sqrt(5)) = 1. We know that 50 = 1, so a + b + c = 0.

Answered by Connor H. Maths tutor

2306 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

The circle c has equation x^2 + y^2 = 1. The line l has gradient 3 and intercepts the y axis at the point (0, 1). c and l intersect at two points. Find the co-ordinates of these points.


Solve the simultaneous equations 3x+2y=8 and 3y+4x=11


How to solve an equation when the variable is in the denominator?


Completing the square of 2x^2 - 8x + 7 = 0


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences