Thread: bloody indices

i got this question 5^y=1 and i have to solve the equation, i know the that y=0 i jus dont no how to explain it pls help

Try this:

Here is one way.

5^y = 1
Take the log of both sides,
y*log(5) = log(1)
Since log(1) = 0, then,
y = 0 / log(5)
y = 0

thank u for ur replies but i am in yr 12 and have not started on logarithms yet

Try this:

you know 5/5 = 1 and x^a / x^b = x^(a-b) so 5 / 5 = 1 gives 5^1 / 5^1 = 1 and then, 5^(1-1) = 5^0 so y=0.

How about that ?