2.4^x - 1 = 128
=> 4^x - 1 = 64
=> x - 1 = 3
=> x = 4
b, 17.4^2 + 83.16
= 17.16 + 83.16
= 16(17 + 83)
= 16.100
= 1600
c, a^5 . 10^10.a^15
= a^20.10^10
d, 3{65 - [5(4 + 2.3) - 15] : 7}
= 3{65 - [5(4 + 6) - 15] : 7}
= 3{65 - [5.10 - 15] : 7}
= 3{65 - [50 - 15] : 7}
= 3{65 - 35 : 7}
= 3{65 - 5}
= 3.60
= 180