GMAT Exam  >  GMAT Videos  >  Quantitative for GMAT  >  Shortcut Tricks: Exponents

Shortcut Tricks: Exponents Video Lecture | Quantitative for GMAT

FAQs on Shortcut Tricks: Exponents Video Lecture - Quantitative for GMAT

1. What are exponents and how are they used in mathematics?
Ans. Exponents, also known as powers, represent the number of times a base is multiplied by itself. For example, in the expression \(2^3\), the base is 2 and the exponent is 3, which means \(2 \times 2 \times 2 = 8\). Exponents are used in various mathematical operations, including simplifying expressions, solving equations, and working with scientific notation.
2. How can logarithms simplify the process of solving exponential equations?
Ans. Logarithms are the inverse operations of exponents, which means they can help solve equations involving exponents more easily. For instance, if you have the equation \(2^x = 8\), you can take the logarithm of both sides to convert it into a simpler form: \(x = \log_2(8)\). This can be calculated as \(x = 3\) because \(2^3 = 8\). Logarithms also allow us to handle very large or small numbers more conveniently.
3. What is the difference between common logarithms and natural logarithms?
Ans. Common logarithms have a base of 10 and are denoted as \(\log(x)\) or \(\log_{10}(x)\), while natural logarithms have a base of \(e\) (approximately 2.718) and are denoted as \(\ln(x)\). Common logarithms are often used in scientific calculations, while natural logarithms are essential in calculus and mathematical analysis, particularly in growth and decay problems.
4. How do you apply the properties of exponents in calculations?
Ans. The properties of exponents include rules such as the product of powers (e.g., \(a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n}\)), quotient of powers (e.g., \(a^m / a^n = a^{m-n}\)), and power of a power (e.g., \((a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n}\)). Understanding and applying these properties can greatly simplify calculations involving exponents, making it easier to combine or simplify expressions.
5. What are some practical applications of logarithms in real life?
Ans. Logarithms have numerous practical applications, including in fields such as finance for calculating compound interest, in science for measuring sound intensity (decibels), and in technology for analyzing algorithms' efficiency (computational complexity). They are also used in Richter scale measurements of earthquakes and pH calculations in chemistry, demonstrating their versatility in various domains.
Related Searches

Sample Paper

,

study material

,

Shortcut Tricks: Exponents Video Lecture | Quantitative for GMAT

,

Free

,

Objective type Questions

,

practice quizzes

,

video lectures

,

MCQs

,

Shortcut Tricks: Exponents Video Lecture | Quantitative for GMAT

,

Semester Notes

,

ppt

,

Important questions

,

Extra Questions

,

Previous Year Questions with Solutions

,

Summary

,

Viva Questions

,

Shortcut Tricks: Exponents Video Lecture | Quantitative for GMAT

,

mock tests for examination

,

pdf

,

past year papers

,

Exam

,

shortcuts and tricks

;