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5^3 - 5^2
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19 May 2018, 12:00
19 May 2018, 12:00
Expert Reply
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Question Stats:
87% (00:13) correct
12% (00:12) wrong based on 116 sessions
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Quantity A |
Quantity B |
\(5^3 - 5^2\) |
\(5\) |
A)The quantity in Column A is greater.
B)The quantity in Column B is greater.
C)The two quantities are equal.
D)The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.
Re: 5^3 - 5^2
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28 May 2018, 13:07
28 May 2018, 13:07
Expert Reply
Explanation
Do not make the mistake of thinking that \(5^3 - 5^2 = 5^1\).
You cannot just subtract the exponents when you are subtracting two terms with the same base! Instead, compute the exponents and subtract:
\(5^3 - 5^2 = 125 - 25 = 100\)
Quantity A is greater. Alternatively, you could factor out 52 (this is an important technique for large numbers and exponents where pure arithmetic would be impractical):
\(53 - 52 = 52(5^1 - 1) = 5^2(4) = 100\)
Hence option A is correct!
Do not make the mistake of thinking that \(5^3 - 5^2 = 5^1\).
You cannot just subtract the exponents when you are subtracting two terms with the same base! Instead, compute the exponents and subtract:
\(5^3 - 5^2 = 125 - 25 = 100\)
Quantity A is greater. Alternatively, you could factor out 52 (this is an important technique for large numbers and exponents where pure arithmetic would be impractical):
\(53 - 52 = 52(5^1 - 1) = 5^2(4) = 100\)
Hence option A is correct!
Re: 5^3 - 5^2
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14 Jan 2026, 07:57
14 Jan 2026, 07:57
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Thanks to another GRE Prep Club member, I have just discovered this valuable topic, yet it had no discussion for over a year. I am now bumping it up - doing my job. I think you may find it valuable (esp those replies with Kudos).
Want to see all other topics I dig out? Follow me (click follow button on profile). You will receive a summary of all topics I bump in your profile area as well as via email.
