NMAT Tricky Math Problem: 3^(n+2)+(3^(n+3)-3^(n+1)) = ?

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AI Thread Summary
The NMAT math problem presented is 3^(n+2) + (3^(n+3) - 3^(n+1)), with answer choices including 1/3, which was initially thought to be correct. Attempts to solve the problem yielded results that did not match any of the provided options, leading to confusion. Participants suggested that a possible typo in the original expression could change the interpretation, specifically that the plus sign might be intended as a division symbol. This adjustment would lead to a different answer of 3/8. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the importance of verifying the problem's wording in standardized test contexts.
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Homework Statement


The problem is from an NMAT Practice Exam. The problem is multiple choice.

3^(n+2)+(3^(n+3)-3^(n+1)) = ?

a.)1/(3^(n+1))
b.)1/(3^(n+2))
c.)3/8
d.)1/3

The answer given is 1/3, but I don't know how they got that.

Homework Equations


none

The Attempt at a Solution



My attempts:
3^(n+2)+(3^(n+3)-3^(n+1)) =3^(n)*(9+27-3)=33*3^n

Another attempt using self similarity...

y=3^(n+2)+(3^(n+3)-3^(n+1))
3y=3^(n+3)+(3^(n+4)-3^(n+2))
3y-y=3^(n+4)-2*3^(n+2)+3^(n+1)
 
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None of the choices is correct. My result is 11*3^(n+1)

Did you type the expression exactly as given to you?
 
symbolipoint said:
None of the choices is correct. My result is 11*3^(n+1)

Did you type the expression exactly as given to you?

Thanks for the reply. Yes I typed it correctly. That's the same answer I got, but it's none of the choices. It's a practice exam for entrance into Medical School (I'm helping someone out with the math part) so I thought I was overlooking something, but I guess the practice problem is just wrong. However, it is under the inductive reasoning section of the practice exam so I thought it was trick question. Thanks again.
 
symbolipoint said:
None of the choices is correct. My result is 11*3^(n+1)

Did you type the expression exactly as given to you?

I asked it on Math Stack Exchange and they figured out that + is probably a test typo and suppose to be a divide symbol, which gives an answer of 3/8. Sorry for the trouble. Thanks.
 
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