catherine simplifies 6^a x 6^3/6^b to 6^(a-3+b).

Question

Justin simplifies the same expression but gets a different answer, 6^(a+3)-6

Answer 1

Let's break down Catherine's expression and simplify it step by step:

Catherine starts with 6^a x 6^3/6^b.

First, she combines the exponents by multiplying the 6^a and 6^3 terms: 6^(a+3).

Then, she divides by 6^b: 6^(a+3) / 6^b.

To simplify this further, she subtracts the exponents: 6^(a+3-b).

Therefore, Catherine simplifies the expression as 6^(a+3-b).

Now let's look at Justin's expression:

Justin simplifies as 6^(a+3) - 6.

His expression does not match Catherine's, so there seems to be a mistake in Justin's calculation.