# Indices math homework

1. Dec 7, 2009

### 1/2"

Hi!I have got problem on Indices ( which i think i 'm not nearing any solution )
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Well the sum is

a m^n= (a m)n
Now it is to be expressed in terms of n

2. Relevant equations
none

3. The attempt at a solution

I tried this way
as the bases are same
.: m n= m x n
=m n-1=n
(is this going to go any further??)

I would be very happy if anyone helped.!!
Thanks!

2. Dec 7, 2009

### Staff: Mentor

Re: Indices

This is incorrect, and it is not a sum. You have a sum when you add expressions.

Let's look at an example to make things more concrete.

234 = 281
(23)4 = 84 = 4096 = 212. Clearly the two expressions above are unequal.

In general, amn $\neq$ (am)n.
BTW, in English what you are calling an index, we would call an exponent.
It shouldn't go even this far. mn $\neq$ m x n, and mn - 1 $\neq$ n. I can't even tell what you're trying to do here.

3. Dec 8, 2009

### 1/2"

Re: Indices

Actually by sum I mean 'problem'.