Answer:
3^12 = 531441
Explanation:
For this problem, it's important to understand what is meant by the exponents. Notice, there are two sets of separators, a parentheses and a bracket. When you have powers to powers you multiply, hence 2 * 3 * 2 is 12. The given expression can also be broken down like this:
[ ( 3^2 ) ^ 3 ] ^ 2
= [ 3^2 * 3^2 * 3^2 ] ^ 2
= 3^2 * 3^2 * 3^2 * 3^2 * 3^2 * 3^2
And we can apply the rule, when you are multiply powers of like bases you add the exponents. Hence:
3 ^ (2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2)
= 3^12
Either way of power manipulation, you end with the same result of 3^12. Hope this helps.
Cheers.