ISEE Upper Level Quantitative : Variables and Exponents

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Upper Level Quantitative

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Example Questions

Example Question #31 : Variables And Exponents

Multiply:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This can be achieved by using the pattern of difference of squares:

Applying the binomial square pattern:

Example Question #4 : How To Multiply Exponential Variables

Simplify:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The cube of a sum pattern can be applied here:

Example Question #32 : Variables And Exponents

Fill in the box to form a perfect square trinomial:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To obtain the constant term of a perfect square trinomial, divide the linear coefficient, which here is , by 2, and square the quotient. The result is 

Example Question #5 : How To Multiply Exponential Variables

Fill in the box to form a perfect square trinomial:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To obtain the constant term of a perfect square trinomial, divide the linear coefficient, which here is , by 2, and square the quotient. The result is 

Example Question #8 : How To Multiply Exponential Variables

Expand: 

Which is the greater quantity?

(a) The coefficient of  

(b) The coefficient of  

Possible Answers:

(b) is greater.

(a) is greater.

It is impossible to tell from the information given.

(a) and (b) are equal.

Correct answer:

(a) is greater.

Explanation:

Using the Binomial Theorem, if  is expanded, the  term is 

.

This makes  the coefficient of .

We compare the values of this expression at  for both  and :

(a) 

(b) 

(a) is the greater quantity.

 

Example Question #9 : How To Multiply Exponential Variables

Which is the greater quantity?

(a) 

(b) 8

Possible Answers:

(a) and (b) are equal

It is impossible to tell from the information given

(b) is greater

(a) is greater

Correct answer:

(a) is greater

Explanation:

 

Since 

, so

making (a) greater. 

Example Question #1 : How To Multiply Exponential Variables

Which is the greater quantity?

(a) 

(b) 

Possible Answers:

(a) is greater.

(a) and (b) are equal.

It is impossible to tell from the information given.

(b) is greater.

Correct answer:

It is impossible to tell from the information given.

Explanation:

We show that either polynomial can be greater by giving two cases:

Case 1: 

Case 2: 

Example Question #31 : Variables And Exponents

 and  are positive integers. Which is the greater quantity?

(A) 

(B) 

Possible Answers:

It is impossible to tell which is greater from the information given

(A) and (B) are equal

(A) is greater

(B) is greater

Correct answer:

(B) is greater

Explanation:

Since  and  are positive, 

 for all positive  and , making (B) greater.

Example Question #32 : Variables And Exponents

 and  are negative integers. Which is the greater quantity?

(A) 

(B) 

Possible Answers:

It is impossible to tell which is greater from the information given

(B) is greater

(A) is greater

(A) and (B) are equal

Correct answer:

(B) is greater

Explanation:

Since  and  are both negative, 

.

 for all negative  and , making (B) greater.

Example Question #33 : Variables And Exponents

 and  are positive integers. Which is the greater quantity?

(A) 

(B) 

Possible Answers:

It is impossible to tell which is greater from the information given

(A) and (B) are equal

(B) is greater

(A) is greater

Correct answer:

It is impossible to tell which is greater from the information given

Explanation:

It is impossible to tell which is greater. 

Case 1: 

Then

and 

.

This makes (A) and (B) equal.

Case 2: 

Then

and 

.

This makes (A) the greater quantity.

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