Bg D.
asked • 02/10/17what is 3^12?
I am a 7th grader who is studying for a academic pentathlon competition that is on march.
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2 Answers By Expert Tutors
Arturo O. answered • 02/11/17
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Perhaps the intent of this problem was to find a fast way of obtaining 312. Assuming it must be done during a timed test with no calculator allowed, then
312 = (34)3 = (32*32)3 = (92)3 = 813 = 81*81*81 = 531,441. This may be a little faster than multiplying a long chain of 3's.
Kenneth S. answered • 02/10/17
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531,441 according to my calculator
Andrew M.
3^12 means multiply 3 12 times. It is a power function and 3^12 is read 3 to the 12th power.
You can work out 3*3*3*3*3*3*3*3*3*3*3*3.
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02/10/17
Arturo O.
A way of getting the same result with fewer steps:
Recall:
32 = 9
81 = 92 = (32)2 = 34
Then
312 = (34)3 = 813 = 81*81*81 = 531,441
Perhaps this was the intent of the problem, rather than have you multiple 3*3*...*3. Of course, you can use a calculator at home or at work, but probably not in a timed exam. I suspect the intent of the problem was to find a fast way of doing the calculation, without literally doing the 3*3*...*3 multiplication.
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02/11/17
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Kenneth S.
02/11/17