Question

The expression (p20)(p−4)2 is equivalent to pn . What is the value of n?

Answer 1

`n = 12`

Explanation:

Given

`(p^(20))(p^(-4))^2 = p^n`

Required

What is n?

`(p^(20))(p^(-4))^2 = p^n`

Apply law of indices

`(p^(20))(p^(-4 * 2)) = p^n`

Express -4 * 2 as -8

`(p^(20))(p^(-8)) = p^n`

Apply law of indices

`p^(20 - 8) = p^n`

`p^(12) = p^n`

Cancel p on both sides

`12 = n`

`n = 12`