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Exponents Rule #3

What does this thing mean?

( x^2 )^3

Well...    5^3   means    (5) (5) (5)  ...

So, (blob)^3 means (blob)(blob)(blob)

There are two ways to look at this thing.  Pick your favorite to understand:

WAY 1:

( x^2 )^3 = ( x^2 ) ( x^2 ) ( x^2 ) = x^(2+2+2) = x^6
             using exponent rule #1

WAY 2:

( x^2 )^3 = x^6

TRY IT:

Simplify    ( w^3 )^3   by expanding it out.