SSAT Math Question 650: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 650

5. x^a = (x³)³

What is the value of a × b ?

A. 17
B. 30
C. 48
D. 45

Correct Answer: E

Explanation:

Use MADSPM to simplify the exponents in the equations first. When raising a power to a power, multiply the exponents together. For the first equation, (x³)³ = x^{3 × 3} = x⁹, so a = 9. When dividing by the same base, subtract the exponents. For the second equation, = y^{10 - 2} = y⁸, so b = 8. The question asks to find a × b, so 9 × 8 = 72. The correct answer is (E).

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