I came across this....its driving me a little nuts...

Which of the following is equal to the value of:
2^5 + 2^5 + 3^5 + 3^5 + 3^5

answer: 2^6 +3^6

~Lisa

Hey Lisa,

2^5 + 2^5 + 3^5 + 3^5 + 3^5

Lets first group our like terms: (2^5 + 2^5) + (3^5 + 3^5 + 3^5). Next, we realize that we can further reduce the expression: 2(2^5) + 3(3^5). Now, the exponent rules tell us that when we have (a^x)(a^y) = a^(x+y). Lets use the latter: 2^(1+5) + 3^(1+5) = 2^6 + 3^6, which gives you the desired result.

Thanks for the question,
Steve