Question

Samantha says that (6^4)^–3 = 6. Show how to solve using the rules of exponents and then explain whether or not Samantha’s answer is correct.

Answer 1

Explanation:

Well first you would refer to the index laws which state that you multiply indexes that are separated by a bracket.

`( {6}^(4) ) ^( - 3)`

So we would multiply 4 with -3

`4 * - 3 = - 12`

So The answer would be

`{6}^( - 12)`

Which does not equal 6 so Samantha is wrong. Samantha's mistake was adding the two indexes rather than multiplying them.