32sqrt 2 = 2^a, find the value of a

Ok so this is a typical exam questions worth around 3-4 marks depending on which exam board you are sitting with.To start solving this problem, we are looking for 2 to the power of "something" - so we will look to expressing the rest of the equation in terms of "2 to the power of".So we look to 32 which can be expressed as 25.The Sqrt 2 is the same as = 21/2.Equation now becomes 25 x 21/2 = 2a.We now recall that when multiplying terms with the same base, the indices can be added. (If this was a division, we would subtract them).Back to our question – our answer then becomes 25 1/2.Which is better written as 211/2.This is identical to 2a where a=11/2.

Answered by Shannon M. Maths tutor

8684 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Work out 5/6 + 3/7. Give your answer as a mixed number.


James buys a new car for £1000. Every year the value of the car decreases by 3%. If James bought the car in 2017 what would the value of the car be in 2021?


Find the value (8/125)^-2/3


A circular table top has diameter 140 cm. Calculate the area of the table top in cm² , giving your answer as a multiple of π.


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