Chapter 1 - Problem Solving and Critical Thinking - 1.1 Inductive and Deductive Reasoning - Exercise Set 1.1 - Page 12: 56

c.

We are studying the following pattern: $a^5$*$a^3$*$a^2=a^5$, $a^3$*$a^7$*$a^2=a^6$, $a^2$*$a^4$*$a^8=a^7$ We know it's not equation a. because $a^{5+3+2} \ne a^5$ We know it's not equation b. because $a^{\frac{5+3+2}{2}} \ne a^5$ We know it's not equation d. because $a^{\frac{5*3}{2}+2} \ne a^5$ Therefore, it has to be equation c.