Exponents and Logarithms

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SAT Math › Exponents and Logarithms

Questions 1 - 10
1

Simplify:

Explanation

When adding exponents, we don't add the exponents or multiply out the bases. Our goal is to see if we can factor anything. We do see three . Let's factor.

Remember when multiplying exponents, we just add the powers.

2

Give the set of real solutions to the equation

(round to the nearest hundredth, if applicable)

Explanation

Using the Product of Powers Rule, then the Power of a Power Rule, rewrite the first term:

Substitute for ; the equation becomes

,

which is quadratic in terms of . The trinomial might be factorable using the method, where we split the middle term with integers whose product is and whose sum is 11. By trial and error, we find the integers to be 12 and , so the equation can be written as follows:

Factoring by grouping:

By the Zero Product Rule, one of these two factors must be equal to 0.

If , then .

Substituting back for , we get

.

This is impossible, since any power of a positive number must be positive.

If , then:

Substituting back for , we get

Since ,

it holds that , and , the only solution.

3

Simplify:

Explanation

When dealing with subtraction in regards to logarithms, it's the same as dividing the numbers.

4

Explanation

By the Power of a Power and Product of Power Rules, we can rewrite this equation as

Substitute for ; the resulting equation is the quadratic equation

,

which can be written in standard form by subtracting from both sides:

The quadratic trinomial fits the perfect square trinomial pattern:

By the square root principle,

Substituting for :

5

How many elements are in a set that has exactly 128 subsets?

None of the other responses is correct.

Explanation

A set with elements has subsets.

Solve:

6

Solve for :

No solution

Explanation

, so the equation

can be rewritten as:

By the Power of a Power rule:

It follows that

Solving for :

7

Simplify:

Explanation

When dealing with addition in regards to logarithms, it's the same as multiplying the numbers.

8

Simplify:

Explanation

is the same as . Let's factor out . It's the same as . Therefore which is the answer to our question.

9

Rewrite as a single logarithmic expression:

Explanation

Using the properties of logarithms

and ,

we simplify as follows:

10

Solve and simplify.

Explanation

Another way to write this is . The only number that makes is .

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