Simplification of Powers of Five

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around expressing various numerical values in the form of \(5^r\), where \(r\) is a rational number. Participants explore the conversion of specific numbers and roots into this exponential form, addressing both the process and the implications of their results.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants correctly identify that \(1\) can be expressed as \(5^0\), noting that anything to the 0th power is 1.
  • For \(1/5\), it is proposed that this can be expressed as \(5^{-1}\).
  • The expression \((\sqrt{5})^7\) is evaluated to yield \(5^{7/2}\).
  • Participants discuss the cube root of \(25\), suggesting it can be expressed as \(5^{2/3}\) after recognizing \(25\) as \(5^2\).
  • For \(\sqrt{125}\), it is noted that this can be expressed as \(5^{3/2}\) since \(125\) is \(5^3\).
  • One participant points out that \(1/\sqrt{5}\) can be expressed as \(5^{-1/2}\).
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of presenting answers in the form \(5^r\) rather than simply stating the value of \(r\), indicating that this is a common expectation in examinations.
  • Another participant raises a caveat regarding the expression \(0^0\), stating it is undefined, which introduces a point of contention regarding the treatment of zero in exponential forms.
  • Further discussion includes a reference to the recursive definition of exponential sequences, with a note on the behavior of sequences involving zero, which adds complexity to the understanding of the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the values of the exponents for the given expressions, but there is disagreement regarding the treatment of \(0^0\) and the implications of expressing results in the required format. The discussion remains unresolved on the nuances of these points.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the treatment of zero in exponentiation, particularly in the context of limits and indeterminate forms. The discussion does not resolve these complexities.

CSmith1
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write in the form 5^r, where r is a rational number.

1.)1
2.)1/5
3)(square root 5)^7
4.)3 suare root 25
5.)square root 125
6.)1/ square roor 5



1. r = 0 (anything to the 0th power is 1)

2. y = 5^x
1/5 = 5^x
x = -1

3. sqrt(5)^7 = 5^x
x = 7/2
4. cube root (25) = 5^x --->
25 ^1/3 = 5^x
25= 5^2
x = 2/3

5. sqrt(125) = 5^x
125 = 5^3
125^1/2 = 5^x
5^3/2 = 5^x
x = 3/2

6. 1/sqrt(5) = 5^x
5^-1/2 = 5^x
x = -1/2
 
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CSmith said:
write in the form 5^r, where r is a rational number.

1.)1
2.)1/5
3)(square root 5)^7
4.)3 suare root 25
5.)square root 125
6.)1/ square roor 5



1. r = 0 (anything to the 0th power is 1)

2. y = 5^x
1/5 = 5^x
x = -1

3. sqrt(5)^7 = 5^x
x = 7/2
4. cube root (25) = 5^x --->
25 ^1/3 = 5^x
25= 5^2
x = 2/3

5. sqrt(125) = 5^x
125 = 5^3
125^1/2 = 5^x
5^3/2 = 5^x
x = 3/2

6. 1/sqrt(5) = 5^x
5^-1/2 = 5^x
x = -1/2

Mostly correct (you have the value of all your exponents correct). What you need to watch out for is that the question states write in the form 5^r... meaning your answers should be written as $5^r$ instead of working out r and leaving it there.
If I take your first one as an example you correctly figured out that r=0 so you'd put $5^0$ as your answer instead of 0.

I know it seems trivial (and it probably is) but that's the sort of thing examiners love taking away an answer mark for (Devil)
 
CSmith said:
1. r = 0 (anything to the 0th power is 1)

Except $ \displaystyle 0^0 $ which is undefined...
 
CSmith said:
1. r = 0 (anything to the 0th power is 1)

What CSmith has written is correct even if some care has to be used in order to avoid confusion. As explained in... http://www.mathhelpboards.com/f15/difference-equation-tutorial-draft-part-i-426/

... the exponential sequence on base $\displaystyle\alpha$ the general term of which is usually written as $\displaystyle\alpha^{n}$ is defined by the recursive relation…

$\displaystyle a_{n+1}= \alpha\ a_{n}\ ,\ a_{0}=1\ ,\ \alpha \in \mathbb{R}$ (1)

... so that the sequence $\displaystyle \alpha^{n}$ is $1\ ,\ \alpha\ ,\ \alpha^{2}\ ,\ ...$. That is true of course also for $\displaystyle \alpha=0$ so that the sequence $\displaystyle 0^{n}$ is $1\ ,\ 0\ ,\ 0\ ,\ ...$.

In a fully different situation we are when if we have to valuate the limit...

$\displaystyle \lim_{x \rightarrow 0} \alpha(x)^ {\gamma(x)}$ (2)

... where $\alpha(0)=\gamma(0)=0$. Here the term indeterminate form is correctly used because the limit (2) is not 'automatically' equal to 1 in any case...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 

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