Roots and Exponents on GMAT: Rewrite Bases as a Common Prime Base

Quick Summary

On complex GMAT roots & exponents expressions, rewrite every term to a prime base. Example, 27 = 3³,  81 = 3⁴, √3 = 3^1/2, ³√3 = 3^1/3. With bases aligned, combine exponents and equate them to solve.

Overview

In your GMAT preparation course, you practice a reliable method for exponents and roots: express each quantity as a power of the same prime base. Rewrite roots as fractional exponents. Combine like powers. Align the bases, then equate exponents to solve for the variable. When coefficients appear, factor them or convert them to the same base where possible; otherwise move them carefully to the other side and keep bases aligned. Check that domains are valid and that no extraneous operations were introduced. With repeated, timed work in a GMAT test series, you learn to spot the base quickly, choose the right transformation, and avoid unnecessary arithmetic. With practice, the pattern becomes natural and these questions turn from confusing to comfortable.

 

Convert Both Sides to a Single Prime Base on GMAT

Many roots and exponents questions simplify once every term is written as a power of one prime base.

A Simple Example:

Problem: (8√2) / 4 = 2^x.

Step 1. Rewrite each term as a power of 2: 8 = 2³, √2 = 2^1/), 4 = 2².

Step 2. Substitute: (2³ * 2^1/2) / 2² = 2^x

Step 3. Combine exponents: 2^{(3 + 1/2 − 2)} = 2^(3/2) = 2^x

Step 4. Bases match, so x = 3/2.

An Explanatory Example:

If [27 x 9]^1/2/ [81]^3/4 = 9^2-x

x = ?

Breaking Down the Problem

This type of GMAT problem is a classic low-difficulty question that asks you to solve for a variable, usually represented as x. At first, the numbers on both sides of the equation might appear large and unrelated. However, the concept is simple: look for the prime base common to all terms.

Converting to Prime Bases

In the question, the numbers 27, 9, and 81 all share the prime base of 3. By expressing them as powers of 3, the problem becomes much easier:

• 27 is written as 3³
• 9 is written as 3²
• 81 is written as 3⁴

Once these conversions are made, the equation aligns neatly, and solving for x requires only basic arithmetic.

[27 x 9]^1/2/ [81]^3/4 = 9^2-x

Becomes,

[3³ x 3²]^1/2/ [3⁴]^3/4 = 3^2(2-x)

Arriving at the Answer

After simplifying,the value of x comes out as 9/4, or 2.25.

The question, which at first appeared complex because of the large numbers, reduces to a simple exercise once the prime base is identified. This is why recognizing patterns is as important as the calculations themselves.

The Larger Lesson

Such questions train you to see through the surface complexity of problems. They remind you that GMAT success is less about speed with big numbers and more about clarity of thought and methodical reasoning. Working through such examples consistently in GMAT practice test helps you strengthen this skill and ensures you do not fall for superficial difficulty in the real exam.

Parting Thought

Exponents and roots reward a calm eye for structure. When big numbers crowd the page, pause and look for the base that ties them together. Rewriting terms in that language turns noise into order: powers combine, roots clarify, and the path to x appears. This is more than a technique; it is a habit of thinking. Slow down, align what belongs together, and let logic lead. The same discipline strengthens choices in the MBA admission process, where clear reasoning stands out. With practice, hard questions become chances to score.