Work Problem involving exponents

Question

A truckload of cement weighs 3^9 pounds. the driver of the truck weighs 3^5 pounds. the truckload of cement weighs how many times more than the driver?

Answer 1

Divide the weight of the truck by that of the driver:

3^9

----- = 3^(9-5) = 3^4 = 81. The truck weighs 81 times as much as the driver.

3^5

Answer 2

Hi Jade,

Here's how it all breaks down:

3^9 (or 3⁹) = 19,683

3^5 (or 3⁵) = 243

19,683 / 243 = 81

Therefore, the truckload of cement weighs 81 times more than the driver.