To simplify this expression, 6x^4 ⋅ 3^x2

Question

which would be the correct steps?(1 point)
Responses:

Add 6 + 3 for the numbers; then multiply 2 x 4 to get the exponent for x.
Add 6 + 3 for the numbers; then multiply 2 x 4 to get the exponent for x.

You cannot simplify this expression because these are not like terms.
You cannot simplify this expression because these are not like terms.

Multiply 6 x 3 for the numbers; then multiply 2 x 4 for the exponent on x.
Multiply 6 x 3 for the numbers; then multiply 2 x 4 for the exponent on x.

Multiply 6 x 3 for the numbers; then add 2 + 4 for the exponent on x.
Multiply 6 x 3 for the numbers; then add 2 + 4 for the exponent on x.

(please choose the closet correct answer, I know these options aren't fully correct)

Answer 1

The closest correct answer from the options provided is:

Multiply 6 x 3 for the numbers; then add 2 + 4 for the exponent on x.

This option correctly reflects that you multiply the coefficients (6 and 3) and add the exponents of \( x \) since you're combining like terms with the same base \( x \).

So the expression simplifies to: \[ (6 \cdot 3)x^{4+2} = 18x^6 \]