Norway Math Olympiad Question | You should be able to solve this!

LKLogic
3 Jun 202303:21

TLDRIn this educational video, the presenter tackles the mathematical problem of calculating 2 to the power of 18 minus 1. They break down the expression using the power of a power rule, transforming it into a product of (2 to the power of 9 plus 1) and (2 to the power of 9 minus 1). Recognizing 2 to the power of 9 as 512, the presenter then applies the FOIL method to the binomials (513 and 511), resulting in the final answer of 262,144. The video is an excellent resource for those looking to understand exponent rules and algebraic manipulation.

Takeaways

  • 🔢 The problem presented is to solve 2^18 - 1.
  • 📐 The solution involves expressing 2^18 as 2^9 × 2^9.
  • 🧩 The identity a^(n × m) = (a^n)^m is used to simplify the expression.
  • 🔄 The difference of squares identity a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b) is applied to 2^9 + 1 and 2^9 - 1.
  • 💡 The value of 2^9 is known to be 512, which is substituted into the equation.
  • 🔄 The expression simplifies to (512 + 1) × (512 - 1).
  • 📈 The numbers are broken down into 513 × 511 for easier multiplication.
  • 📘 The FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last) is used to multiply the binomials.
  • 📊 The multiplication results in 250,000 + 12,000 + 143.
  • 🎯 The final answer is 2^18 - 1 = 262,626,143.

Q & A

  • What is the problem being solved in the video?

    -The problem being solved in the video is 2 to the power of 18 minus 1.

  • How does the presenter approach solving the problem?

    -The presenter approaches the problem by splitting the expression into 2 to the power of 9 times 2 to the power of 9 minus 1, then using the identity (a^n) * (a^m) = a^(n+m).

  • What identity is used in the solution process?

    -The identity used in the solution process is (a^n) * (a^m) = a^(n+m).

  • What is the value of 2 to the power of 9?

    -2 to the power of 9 is equal to 512.

  • How is the expression 2 to the power of 9 plus 1 times 2 to the power of 9 minus 1 simplified?

    -The expression is simplified by substituting 2 to the power of 9 with 512, resulting in (512 + 1) * (512 - 1).

  • What is the result of 512 plus 1 and 512 minus 1?

    -512 plus 1 is 513, and 512 minus 1 is 511.

  • What method is used to multiply the two brackets (513 and 511)?

    -The presenter uses the FOIL method to multiply the two brackets.

  • What is the final result of the multiplication using the FOIL method?

    -The final result of the multiplication using the FOIL method is 262,626.

  • What is the final answer to the problem 2 to the power of 18 minus 1?

    -The final answer to the problem 2 to the power of 18 minus 1 is 262,626.

  • How does the presenter ensure clarity in the solution process?

    -The presenter ensures clarity by breaking down the problem step by step, using identities, and explaining each step clearly.

  • What is the significance of using the identity (a^n) * (a^m) = a^(n+m) in this problem?

    -Using the identity (a^n) * (a^m) = a^(n+m) simplifies the problem by allowing the exponents to be added, which is easier to handle than multiplying large numbers.

Outlines

00:00

📐 Solving 2 to the Power of 18 Minus 1

In this segment, the speaker introduces the problem of solving 2^18 - 1. They begin by explaining how to split the exponent into 2^9 * 2, as 18 equals 9 * 2. This step is based on the power of powers rule, where (a^n)^m equals a^(n*m). The speaker prepares to apply this identity and solve for the expression.

🧩 Applying Algebraic Identities to Simplify

The speaker notes that the expression 2^18 - 1 is similar to the algebraic identity (a^2 - b^2) = (a + b)(a - b). Using this identity, they express the equation as (2^9 + 1)(2^9 - 1). They then calculate 2^9 as 512, leading to the updated expression (513)(511).

🧮 Breaking Down the Multiplication

Next, the speaker decides to split 513 and 511 into smaller, more manageable parts: 500 + 13 and 500 + 11, respectively. This makes it easier to apply the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last) for multiplying the two terms. They outline each multiplication step, starting with 500 * 500.

🔢 Performing the Calculations

The multiplication begins with 500 * 500, yielding 250,000. Then, the speaker adds 500 multiplied by 13 and 11, resulting in 500 * 24, and finally, calculates 13 * 11 to get 143. These values are summed to simplify the expression further.

📝 Final Sum and Conclusion

The final step is summing 250,000, 12,000 (from 500 * 24), and 143, which results in 262,143. The speaker concludes that 2^18 - 1 equals 262,143, and ends the video with a brief farewell and hopes that the explanation was helpful.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Exponentiation

Exponentiation refers to raising a number to the power of another. In this video, the main focus is solving 2 to the power of 18, which is an example of exponentiation. It is central to understanding the equation presented.

💡2^18 - 1

This expression, 2 to the power of 18 minus 1, is the primary equation being solved in the video. It involves breaking down the large exponent into smaller, more manageable parts, a common technique in math competitions like the Olympiad.

💡Power rule

The power rule in exponentiation is used when simplifying exponents. In the video, 2^18 is split into 2^9 * 2^9, demonstrating the property that a^n * a^m = a^(n+m). This helps simplify the equation.

💡Difference of squares

This is a specific algebraic identity: a^2 - b^2 = (a+b)(a-b). In the video, 2^18 - 1 is recognized as a difference of squares, and the equation is factored using this rule.

💡Substitution

Substitution is the process of replacing a complex expression with a simpler equivalent. The video replaces 2^9 with 512 to make calculations easier when factoring 2^18 - 1.

💡FOIL method

The FOIL method is used to multiply two binomials. In the video, after factoring, the expression is split into (512 + 1) and (512 - 1), and then the FOIL method is applied to calculate the final answer.

💡Multiplication of binomials

This refers to multiplying two terms that each contain two addends. The script uses this concept when expanding (500 + 13)(500 + 11) after simplifying the original exponent.

💡Mental math

Throughout the video, mental math techniques are demonstrated, especially when adding large numbers like 250,000 + 12,000 + 143. These techniques are crucial in competitive math settings.

💡Factoring

Factoring is a key technique used to simplify equations. In the video, 2^18 - 1 is factored into smaller terms, which makes solving it more straightforward.

💡Math Olympiad

Math Olympiads are competitions where participants solve challenging mathematical problems. The video’s problem is typical of the types of problems encountered in such competitions, requiring a deep understanding of algebra and exponentiation.

Highlights

Solving 2 to the power of 18 minus 1

Splitting the expression using exponent rules

Using the identity a^(n*m) = (a^n)^m

Rewriting the expression as (2^9)^2 - 1

Applying the difference of squares identity

Calculating 2^9 and its value as 512

Substituting 512 into the expression

Simplifying to (512+1)(512-1)

Using the FOIL method to expand the brackets

Breaking down numbers into simpler components

Calculating 500*500 and other terms

Adding up the results to get the final answer

Final answer of 262,144

Thanking viewers and closing the session