NMAT Tricky Math Problem: 3^(n+2)+(3^(n+3)-3^(n+1)) = ?

  • Thread starter myshadow
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In summary, the given problem from an NMAT Practice Exam is to find the value of 3^(n+2)+(3^(n+3)-3^(n+1)). The answer choices are a.)1/(3^(n+1)), b.)1/(3^(n+2)), c.)3/8, and d.)1/3. The correct answer is not provided, but after discussing with others and using self similarity, it is likely that the plus sign is a typo and should be a divide symbol, giving an answer of 3/8.
  • #1
myshadow
30
1

Homework Statement


The problem is from an NMAT Practice Exam. The problem is multiple choice.

3^(n+2)+(3^(n+3)-3^(n+1)) = ?

a.)1/(3^(n+1))
b.)1/(3^(n+2))
c.)3/8
d.)1/3

The answer given is 1/3, but I don't know how they got that.

Homework Equations


none

The Attempt at a Solution



My attempts:
3^(n+2)+(3^(n+3)-3^(n+1)) =3^(n)*(9+27-3)=33*3^n

Another attempt using self similarity...

y=3^(n+2)+(3^(n+3)-3^(n+1))
3y=3^(n+3)+(3^(n+4)-3^(n+2))
3y-y=3^(n+4)-2*3^(n+2)+3^(n+1)
 
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  • #2
None of the choices is correct. My result is 11*3^(n+1)

Did you type the expression exactly as given to you?
 
  • #3
symbolipoint said:
None of the choices is correct. My result is 11*3^(n+1)

Did you type the expression exactly as given to you?

Thanks for the reply. Yes I typed it correctly. That's the same answer I got, but it's none of the choices. It's a practice exam for entrance into Medical School (I'm helping someone out with the math part) so I thought I was overlooking something, but I guess the practice problem is just wrong. However, it is under the inductive reasoning section of the practice exam so I thought it was trick question. Thanks again.
 
  • #4
symbolipoint said:
None of the choices is correct. My result is 11*3^(n+1)

Did you type the expression exactly as given to you?

I asked it on Math Stack Exchange and they figured out that + is probably a test typo and suppose to be a divide symbol, which gives an answer of 3/8. Sorry for the trouble. Thanks.
 
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Likes Joseph14785

FAQ: NMAT Tricky Math Problem: 3^(n+2)+(3^(n+3)-3^(n+1)) = ?

What is the value of n in the equation 3^(n+2)+(3^(n+3)-3^(n+1)) = ?

The value of n is not specified in the equation. It can be any real number.

Can the equation be simplified?

Yes, the equation can be simplified to 3^(n+2)+(3^3*3^n-3*3^n) = 3^(n+2)+(3^4*3^n-3^2*3^n) = 3^(n+2)+(3^(n+4)-3^(n+2)) = 3^(n+4) = 3^(n+4)

How can I solve this equation?

This equation can be solved by using the exponent rules and simplifying the terms to get the value of n.

What is the significance of the number 3 in this equation?

The number 3 is the base of the exponential terms in the equation. It is also used to demonstrate the application of exponent rules.

Is this a common type of math problem on the NMAT?

The NMAT (National Medical Admission Test) does not have specific types of math problems. This equation is an example of a tricky math problem that may require the use of exponent rules and algebraic manipulation to solve.

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