Answer:
They are not equivalent.
Explanation:
Before we solve the question, we need to know that from the laws of indices:
A^x x A^y = A^(x+y).
7 to the power of 8th power means 7^8
7^8 times 7 means 7^8 x 7. From the laws of indices we have 7^8 x 7 = 7^9.
7 to the power of 3rd power means 7^3
7^3 times 7 to the power of 3rd power means 7^3 x 7^3. From the laws of indices we have 7^3 x 7^3 = 7^6.
Obviously, 7^9 ≠ 7^3 therefore, they are not equivalent.