Question

Lin and Diego are discussing two expression: x^2 and 2^x

• Lin say, “I think the two expression are equivalent”
•Diego says, “ I think the two expressions are only equal for some values of x” Do you agree with either of them ? Explain or show your reasoning.

Answer 1

Diego's statement is correct.

Explanation:

Comparing the two given expressions;
`x^(2)` and 2x.

`x^(2)` = x × x, while 2x = 2 ×x = x + x

So the two expressions are not equal or equivalent. But when given some values of x, the two expression would give the same answer.

If x = 2,

`x^(2)` = 2 × 2 = 4

2x = 2 × 2 = 4

Thus, both expressions give the same value when x = 2.

Therefore, Diego's statement is correct.