Question

What does X in “X^n” represents in the large number of experiments?

(a) Number of variables

(b) Number of levels

(c) Representation of any element

(d) Number of elements

I had been asked this question in a national level competition.

My question is based upon Medium Optimization in division Introduction to Fermentation Processes & Media for Industrial Fermentation of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer 1

Correct answer is (b) Number of levels

For explanation I would say: To make a full factorial search which would examine each possible combination of independent variable at appropriate levels could require a large number of experiments, x^n, where x is the number of levels and n is the number of variables. This may be quite appropriate for three nutrients at two concentrations but not for six nutrients at three concentrations.