Simplifying (3m^4)^2
In mathematics, simplifying expressions is a fundamental skill. One common type of simplification involves raising an expression to a power. Let's break down how to simplify the expression (3m^4)^2.
Understanding the Rules
The key to simplifying this expression lies in two fundamental rules of exponents:
- Power of a product: (ab)^n = a^n * b^n
- Power of a power: (a^m)^n = a^(m*n)
Applying the Rules
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Apply the power of a product rule: (3m^4)^2 = 3^2 * (m^4)^2
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Apply the power of a power rule: 3^2 * (m^4)^2 = 9 * m^(4*2)
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Simplify: 9 * m^(4*2) = 9m^8
Conclusion
Therefore, the simplified form of (3m^4)^2 is 9m^8. Understanding and applying the rules of exponents allows us to efficiently manipulate and simplify expressions like this one.