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Help! SAT Type Math Problem!

M

MisterPresident

Golden Member
If (3^k) * (4^m) = 12^20 for positive integers k and m, what is the value of k+m?

A. 7
B. 10
C. 12
D. 20
E. 40


At first glance I thought the answer was D, but the answer key says the correct answer is E... anyone care to explain why/how to solve this problem? Remember, it won't reequire anything more than basic high school algebra.

I feel embarrased... not because I missed it, but because after 15 minutes of looking at it, I still haven't figured out why I was wrong. 😱
 
OMG wow, how noob, I just figured it out after posting here. 3 and 4 are two factors of 12. So 12^20 should logically equal 3^20 * 4^20, and therefore k+m = 20+20=40. E. Why can I never figure these out while taking the tests, yet the lightbulb comes on after I'm done. *sigh*
 
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