Why are both of the answers to the question correct?

Step-by-step explanation:
When you have an exponent, it is the same as multiplying that number to itself that many times. For an example:
2^2 is the same thing as 2*2. Both of them equal 4. So the question gave you the answer of 2*2*2*2.... twelve times, and 2^12 which are the same thing, just one is written out more.
Another example:
3^4= 3*3*3*3= 81
Answer:
Sample Answer: An exponent is a short way to write repeated multiplication. So 212 means the same as 2 • 2 • . . . • 2 • 2.
Step-by-step explanation: