Comparing exponents in an equation.

  • Thread starter AakashPandita
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In summary, an exponent is a number that indicates the power to which a base number is raised. Comparing exponents in an equation helps us understand the relationship between different terms and identify patterns. We compare exponents by looking at the base numbers and their corresponding exponents, and we can use laws of exponents to simplify the equation. The exponents in an equation tell us how many times the base is multiplied by itself, and they help us understand the order of operations and determine the overall value of the expression. Understanding exponents is important for solving complex problems and making accurate calculations in scientific and mathematical equations.
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AakashPandita
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an + bn/ an-1 + bn-1 = (a+b)/2
can we say n=1 by comparing exponents?

is there any other solution of it?
 
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  • #2
$$ \frac{a^n + b^n}{a^{n-1}+b^{n-1}}=\frac{a+b}{2}$$ rearranging: $$a^n+b^n = ab^{n-1} + ba^{n-1}$$

By inspection, n=1 will satisfy the relation for all real a and b.
Are there any other examples?

##n=2##

##a^2+b^2=2ab \Rightarrow (a-b)^2=0##
... so the relation with n=2 describes a curve (a parabola).

So it kinda depends on what counts as an answer.
(The problem is under-specified.)
 

What is an exponent?

An exponent is a number that represents the power to which another number, called the base, is raised. It indicates how many times the base is multiplied by itself.

What is the purpose of comparing exponents in an equation?

Comparing exponents in an equation helps us determine the relationship between different terms in the equation and identify patterns or trends.

How do you compare exponents in an equation?

To compare exponents in an equation, we look at the base numbers and their corresponding exponents. We can also simplify the equation by using the laws of exponents, such as multiplying or dividing exponents with the same base.

What do the exponents tell us in an equation?

The exponents in an equation tell us how many times the base is being multiplied by itself. They also help us understand the order of operations in the equation and determine the overall value of the expression.

Why is it important to understand exponents in equations?

Exponents are commonly used in scientific and mathematical equations to represent repeated operations, and understanding them is crucial for solving complex problems and making accurate calculations.

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