ASVAB · Exponents and Roots

Simplify: (3²)³.

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

3⁶

A 3⁸
B 3⁹
C 3⁶
D 3⁵

Why this is the answer

When raising a power to another power, multiply the exponents: (3²)³ = 3^(2×3) = 3⁶. This is the power-of-a-power rule, distinct from the product rule (where you add exponents for multiplication of like bases). So (3²)³ = 3⁶, which equals 729 if computed out. The common mistake is adding the exponents (giving 3⁵) instead of multiplying them. Remember: multiply exponents when a power is raised to a power; add exponents when multiplying like bases. The simplified form is 3⁶.

Source: ASVAB MK, Power of a Power

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About this topic: Exponents and Roots

Exponents and roots questions cover the laws of exponents (adding when multiplying, multiplying when raising a power to a power), negative and zero exponents, scientific notation, and simplifying square roots. This is one of 10 Mathematics Knowledge questions on exponents and roots, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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Simplify: (3²)³.

Why this is the answer

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About this topic: Exponents and Roots

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