Evaluating several powers of ##x## from a given equation

  • Thread starter Thread starter brotherbobby
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Exponent Index
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on evaluating the expression ##\left(x^{x^{x^{6}}}\right)^{\sqrt{3}}## given the equation ##x^{2x^{6}}=3##. Participants clarify the ambiguity in the problem statement, debating whether it should be interpreted as ##x^{(2(x^6))} = 3## or ##x^{((2x)^6)} = 3##. The consensus is that the correct interpretation is the former, aligning with standard mathematical conventions. The value of ##x## is determined to be ##3^{\frac{1}{6}}##, which satisfies the original equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of exponential equations
  • Familiarity with logarithmic functions
  • Knowledge of irrational numbers and their properties
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of exponential functions and their graphs
  • Learn how to solve equations involving logarithms, specifically using natural logarithms
  • Explore the implications of irrational exponents in mathematical expressions
  • Review common conventions in mathematical notation to avoid ambiguity
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, educators, and anyone involved in solving complex algebraic equations will benefit from this discussion.

brotherbobby
Messages
756
Reaction score
170
Homework Statement
If ##\quad\boldsymbol{\displaystyle x^{\displaystyle 2x^{\displaystyle 6}}=3}##, evaluate ##\quad\boldsymbol{\left(x^{\displaystyle x^{\displaystyle x^{\displaystyle 6}}}\right)^{\displaystyle\sqrt 3} = ?}##
Relevant Equations
1. ##a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m\cdot n}##
2. ##\left(a^m\right)^n = a^{mn}##.
3. If ##a^x=b\Rightarrow x\log a=\log b\quad \text{to any base}##

(I can't think of anything else given the little I was able to do in my way of an ##\text{attempt}##.)
Problem statement : If ##\boldsymbol{\displaystyle x^{\displaystyle 2x^{\displaystyle 6}}=3}##, evaluate ##\boldsymbol{\left(x^{\displaystyle x^{\displaystyle x^{\displaystyle 6}}}\right)^{\displaystyle\sqrt 3} = ?}##.

Attempt : I copy and paste my attempt using Autodesk Sketchbook##^{\circledR}##. I hope I am not violating anything.

1666871784349.png


Doubt : If only I could evaluate ##x##, or so it would seem. Note I have an irrational power ##^{\sqrt 3}## to negotiate with as well.

A help or a hint would be welcome.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You need to be carfeul. $$x^{x^{x^6}} = x^{(x^{x^6})} = x^{(x^{(x^6)})}$$
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: topsquark and pbuk
brotherbobby said:
Homework Statement:: If ##\quad\boldsymbol{\displaystyle x^{\displaystyle 2x^{\displaystyle 6}}=3}##, evaluate ##\quad\boldsymbol{\left(x^{\displaystyle x^{\displaystyle x^{\displaystyle 6}}}\right)^{\displaystyle\sqrt 3} = ?}##
I observe
x=3^{\frac{1}{6}}
satisfies "If ...,".

Say
x^6=y
y^{2y/6}=3
y\ln y=3\ln 3
y=3
x=3^{\frac{1}{6}}
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: topsquark and SammyS
anuttarasammyak said:
I observe
x=3^{\frac{1}{6}}
satisfies "If ...,".
If ##x^{(2(x^6))} = 3## but not if ##x^{((2x)^6)} = 3##. The problem statement is ambiguous.
 
DrClaude said:
If ##x^{(2(x^6))} = 3## but not if ##x^{((2x)^6)} = 3##. The problem statement is ambiguous.
It's not much different from ##e^{-\frac 1 2 x^2}##, which is unambiguous.
 
PeroK said:
It's not much different from ##e^{-\frac 1 2 x^2}##, which is unambiguous.
The thing is I read the problem as ##x^{(2(x^6))} = 3## (as in your example) but the OP as ##x^{((2x)^6)} = 3##. So which is it?
 
DrClaude said:
The thing is I read the problem as ##x^{(2(x^6))} = 3## (as in your example) but the OP as ##x^{((2x)^6)} = 3##. So which is it?
The convention is definitely the former. ##e^{kx^2}## being the example to bear in mind.

The OP has misinterpreted both expressions, I think.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: DrClaude

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K