According to the standard convention for exponentiation, 2^2^2^2=2^(2^(2^2))=2^16=65,536. If the order in which the exponentiations are performed is changed, how many other values are possible?

2002 AMC 10A Problem 3 — Solution

2002 AMC 10A Problem 3

Below is the professionally curated solution for Problem 3 of the 2002 AMC 10A, from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2002 AMC 10A solutions, or check the answer key.

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Concepts:exponent order of operations systematic listing

Difficulty rating: 1190

According to the standard convention for exponentiation, $2^{2^{2^{2}}}=2^{\left(2^{\left(2^{2}\right)}\right)}=2^{16}=65{,}536.$ If the order in which the exponentiations are performed is changed, how many other values are possible?

$0$

$1$

$2$

$3$

$4$

Solution:

There are five ways to parenthesize the tower. Three of them, $(2^2)^{\left(2^2\right)},$ $\left(2^{\left(2^2\right)}\right)^2,$ and $\left(\left(2^2\right)^2\right)^2,$ all equal $2^{8}=256.$ The other two both give the standard value $2^{16}=65{,}536.$

So exactly one other value, $256,$ is possible.

Thus, the correct answer is B.

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