5^a = 1/25, 5^b = 25sqrt(5), 5^c = 1/sqrt(5). What is the value of a + b + c?

Two ways to do it. Manually work them all out: 5a = 1/25 means a = -2, 5b=25sqrt(5) means b = 2.5, 5c = 1/sqrt(5) means c = -0.5. So a + b + c = -2 + 2.5 + 0.5 = 0.
Can alternatively remember that (xt)(xu) = xt+u (when multiplying you add powers). This means that 5a5b5c = 5a+b+c = (1/25)(25sqrt(5))(1/sqrt(5)) = 1. We know that 50 = 1, so a + b + c = 0.

CH
Answered by Connor H. Maths tutor

3133 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Tom's dad is 3 times older than him. In 15 years the sum of Tom's and his dad's ages will be equal to 102. How old are Tom and his dad now?


Northern Bank has two types of account. Both accounts pay compound interest. Cash savings account: Interest 2.5% per annum Shares account: Interest 3.5% per annum Ali invests £2000 in the cash savings account. Ben invests £1600 in the shares account.


Work out 51% of 400?


Explaining how to solve simultaneous equations


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning