8filltheheart Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 In an exponentiation problem, the text states "Neuitt loses points on a test for saying, " 5^3 means 5 multiplied by itself 3 times." Explain the error. The answer is "there are three 5's, not 3 "times" signs." hmmmmm....that is as clear as mud to me!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nutmeg Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 I think what it means is that "5 multiplied by itself 3 times" would look like this: 5 x 5 x 5 x 5 That's 5 multiplied by itself not just once (5x5) or twice (5x5x5) but three times (5x5x5x5) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8filltheheart Posted February 25, 2008 Author Share Posted February 25, 2008 Gotcha!!! Thanks. I was definitely having a "duh" moment!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Bay Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 WAIT!!! 5^3 is 5x5x5. Only 3 fives. The exponent shows how many times the number appears in the equation--this is NOT a mathematical explanation, I'm just trying to help. That's why 10^2=100. 5^3=125 NOT 625. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nutmeg Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 5^3 is 5x5x5. Only 3 fives. Right. :) The issue, though, is why it would be wrong to say " 5^3 means 5 multiplied by itself 3 times. " I showed why that definition would not work. And you have given a much better definition. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Bay Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 Yes, you're right. I read too hastily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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