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

Step-by-step 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

$4 \times - 3 = - 12$

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.