* Operations and Matrices

"*" operates as follows:

a*b = a +

(b² - ab)

(a-b)

"#" operates as follows:

n# = n*([n-1]*([n-2]*...*(3*(2*1))))

Given that

what are the value(s) of x and y?

View the solution

* Operations and Matrices Solution

(b² - ab)

(a-b)

= -b, so a*b = a-b. This is good to know.

A pattern quickly emerges when you apply the star operation from the inside out.

2 - 1 = 1
3 - 1 = 2
4 - 2 = 2
5 - 2 = 3
6 - 3 = 3
...
So,

6# = 3
7# = 4
13# = 7
and -15# = -8

That is,

Therefore, x = 1 and y = 3/4

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