Question

Error Analysis  Your teacher asks the class to evaluate the expression left parenthesis 2 squared right parenthesis Superscript 1. Your classmate gives an incorrect answer of 8. Evaluate the expression. Then find the likely error.
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Part 1
Evaluate.
left parenthesis 2 squared right parenthesis Superscript 1equals
  
4 ​(Type a whole​ number.)
Part 2
What was the likely​ error?
A.
Your classmate added the exponents.
B.
Your classmate multiplied the exponents.
C.
Your classmate divided the exponents.
D.
Your classmate subtracted the exponents.

Answer 1

Part 1: (2^2)^1 = 4.

Part 2: Likely error: A. Your classmate added the exponents.
Reason: (a^m)^n = a^(m·n), so (2^2)^1 = 2^(2·1) = 2^2 = 4. Adding exponents would give 2^(2+1)=2^3=8.