Something I should really know by now

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of exponents in the context of calculus, specifically relating to a series convergence problem encountered during a test. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their understanding of the exponential expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the validity of the original poster's equality involving exponentials and discuss the implications for series convergence. There are suggestions to verify the equality through numerical substitution and calculator use.

Discussion Status

Some participants affirm the correctness of the original poster's expression, while others provide insights into verifying mathematical rules. The conversation reflects a mix of validation and exploration of foundational concepts without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

The original poster references a test scenario, indicating potential pressure and the importance of understanding these concepts in an academic setting. There is an acknowledgment of basic algebraic rules that may have been overlooked.

joex444
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Idk if this is right
[tex]e^{n^2} = (e^n)^n[/tex]
Atleast I didn't think [tex]e^{n^2} = e^n*e^n[/tex]

I had a test in calc 3 today, and that was part of a series. If it is equal (in the first equation) then I did it right, otherwise not. I came up with convergent, and someone else said they used an integral and got convergent, so...my answer hinges on that, which i should really know by now :)
 
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In general, [tex]a^{b^c} \ne a^{bc}[/tex].
[tex](a^b)^c = a^{bc}[/tex]
You should be able to show this yourself. Your first equality is correct.
 
Well, when in doubt just substitute some numbers! I don't understand why people don't do this more often when in doubt.

Like pretend e=2 and that n=3

[tex]2^9=(2^3)^3[/tex]

we all know [tex]2^9=512[/tex] and [tex]2^3=8[/tex]
[tex]8^3=512[/tex]
so it worksNow, this is aside from the fact that this is a basic algebraic rule...
 
yea, lol, i just typed in [tex]({e^n})^n[/tex] into my calculator and it spit back [tex]e^{n^2}[/tex]... it's a ti-89.

sometimes you just forget the basic stuff...
 
In that case, it's good to have a calculator that is smarter than you are!
 

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