Power-of-two evaluation What decimal value does 2^5 represent?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 32

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Powers of two are fundamental in digital systems because binary place values are powers of 2. Evaluating 2^n is straightforward multiplication by 2 repeated n times.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Base = 2.
  • Exponent n = 5.
  • 2^n means multiply 2 by itself n times.


Concept / Approach:
Compute 2^5 using successive doubling or by recognizing that 2^5 is the next value after 2^4 = 16.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) 2^1 = 2.2) 2^2 = 4.3) 2^3 = 8.4) 2^4 = 16.5) 2^5 = 32.


Verification / Alternative check:
Binary 100000 equals 32 decimal, which corresponds to 2^5.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 10/31/25: Do not equal 2^5; 31 is one less than 32, and 25 confuses with the decimal digits 2 and 5.


Common Pitfalls:
Reading “2^5” as the decimal number 25 instead of a power.


Final Answer:
32

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