If (2^x)(3^y) = 324, where x and y are positive integers, then (2^x-1)(3^y-2) equals:  Choose the correct answer:
A) 16
B) 18
C) 48
D) 96
E) 144
So I would start attacking this problem by quickly performing the prime factorization of 288. With that it is easy to count the 5 twos and the 2 threes that are the prime factors. So x=2, y=4. now quickly 2^1(3^2)=18. Than answer should be number 2.   18
<result>B</result>
If (2^x)(3^y) = 324, where x and y are positive integers, then (2^x-1)(3^y-2) equals: