Formula conversion

[polarmystery]

Can you convert a formula from:

(a^k) - 1 to:

a^(k-1)

I'm lost


(If this is the wrong forum, mods please feel free to move)

 

[artikk]

I don't think you can.
For the first one I assumed you were trying to take the argument to the power of -1
(a^k)^-1 =a^-k exponent multiplication
a^(k-1)=a^k*a^-1 exponent addition

 

[Wizlem]

While I'm not sure what you mean because obviously (a^k) - 1 is not equal to a^(k-1). Maybe you could post what the actual problem is but perhaps the formula (a^k)-1=(a-1)(a^(k-1)+a^(k-2)+...+a+1) would be useful for you.

 

[Cogman]

sure, divide by zero. Anything is possible with a zero division.

 

[polarmystery]

It was hard to write, but that is in face the problem. The -1 term is outside the exponential term (as in just subtracting 1 from the a^k term). So a^k is one term and - 1 is the second term.

The other term: a^(k-1) is what it needs to be converted to. I was trying to convey that with parenthesis but it's difficult.

 

[Cogman]

It was hard to write, but that is in face the problem. The -1 term is outside the exponential term (as in just subtracting 1 from the a^k term). So a^k is one term and - 1 is the second term.

The other term: a^(k-1) is what it needs to be converted to. I was trying to convey that with parenthesis but it's difficult.

We all got that. And what we are saying is that the problem does not make sense. Do you want a specific a and k value? Or are you looking for some sort of conversion factor.

 

[PsiStar]

In other words given what you have "given", *NO*!

 

[polarmystery]

The values for a and k are arbitrary. I guess I have my answer though, as it doesn't seem possible. The problems asks for an answer in the a^(k-1) format but I'm starting to think it was a typo. I'll find out tomorrow.

 

[epidemis]

sure, divide by zero. Anything is possible with a zero division.

Sure, if you got a new kind of nullity.

Out of my newly piqued interest - are you doing the compound interest formula?

 

[Cogman]

Sure, if you got a new kind of nullity.

Out of my newly piqued interest - are you doing the compound interest formula?

http://www.math.toronto.edu/mathnet/falseProofs/first1eq2.html

This was more my point. Break a rule (zero division) and you can "prove" just about anything.

 

[polarmystery]

Sure, if you got a new kind of nullity.

Out of my newly piqued interest - are you doing the compound interest formula?

No, it was just a homework problem for a computer class totally unrelated to computers (sort of). Problem has been turned in though so it's over now.

 

[canis]

No, it was just a homework problem for a computer class totally unrelated to computers (sort of). Problem has been turned in though so it's over now.

Describe the problem. Don't leave people hanging.

 

[alkemyst]

describe the problem. Don't leave people hanging.

qft