Question

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

Answer 1

Answer:

$n = 12$

Step-by-step 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

$12 = n$

$n = 12$