Solve an index equation with a radical exponent: If √(2^n) = 64, find the value of n.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 12

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Combining radicals with exponents requires converting everything to exponent form. Noting that √(2^n) = (2^n)^(1/2) = 2^(n/2) allows direct comparison to 64, a known power of 2.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • √(2^n) = 64.
  • 64 = 2^6.


Concept / Approach:
Rewrite the radical as an exponent, equate powers of 2, and solve for n linearly. This is a standard exponent-matching technique used throughout indices problems.

Step-by-Step Solution:

√(2^n) = (2^n)^(1/2) = 2^(n/2).Set 2^(n/2) = 2^6.Therefore, n/2 = 6 ⇒ n = 12.


Verification / Alternative check:
Check directly: 2^12 = 4096; √4096 = 64. Correct.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 8, 4, 16: Yield √(2^n) values different from 64 (2^4=16 → √16=4; 2^8=256 → √256=16; 2^16 too large).


Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting that √(a) = a^(1/2) or misidentifying 64 as 2^5 (it is 2^6).


Final Answer:

12

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion