• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Formula conversion

Status
Not open for further replies.
polarmystery

polarmystery

Diamond Member
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)
 
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
 
Last edited:
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.
 
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.
 
polarmystery said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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 said:
Sure, if you got a new kind of nullity.

Out of my newly piqued interest - are you doing the compound interest formula?
Click to expand...

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.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top