MathDB

A calculator has a key which replaces the displayed entry with its square, and another key which replaces the displayed entry with its reciprocal. Let

y

be the final result if one starts with an entry

x \neq 0

and alternately squares and reciprocates

n

times each. Assuming the calculator is completely accurate (e.g., no roundoff or overflow), then

y

equals A.

x^{((-2)^n)}

x^{2n}

x^{-2n}

x^{-(2^n)}

x^{((-1)^n 2n)}

Problem Statement