1954 AMC 12 Problem 6

Attempt Problem 6 of the 1954 AMC 12 below, then check your answer against the professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 1954 AMC 12 solutions, or check the answer key.

All problems are used with official legal permission of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

6.

The value of (116)a0+(116a)0\left(\dfrac1{16}\right)^{a^0}+\left(\dfrac1{16a}\right)^0 −64−12−(−32)−45{}-64^{-\frac{1}{2}}-(-32)^{-\frac{4}{5}} is:
113161\dfrac{13}{16}
13161\dfrac3{16}
11
78\dfrac78
116\dfrac1{16}
Answer: D
Concepts:exponentfractionalgebraic manipulation
Small hint:
Evaluate each of the four terms separately, using a0=1a^0=1
Big hint:
The real fifth root of −32-32 is −2-2, so (−32)−45=116(-32)^{-\frac{4}{5}}=\frac{1}{16}
Solution:
For permissible a,a, the four terms are 116,1,18,116. \frac1{16},\qquad 1,\qquad \frac18,\qquad \frac1{16}. Therefore the expression is 116+1−18−116=78. \frac1{16}+1-\frac18-\frac1{16}=\frac78.
Thus, the correct answer is D.
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