If the expression 4^10 was simplified using the Power Rule of Exponents, what is an equivalent expanded expression?

(4^2)^8

(4^5)^2

4 ⋅ 4 ⋅ 4 ⋅ 4 ⋅ 4 ⋅ 4 ⋅ 4

(4^12)^2

1 answer

To simplify the expression \( 4^{10} \) using the Power Rule of Exponents, we can rewrite it as follows:

  1. We know that \( (a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n} \). Therefore, we can express \( 4^{10} \) in forms like \( (4^2)^5 \) or \( (4^5)^2 \) since \( 2 \cdot 5 = 10 \) and \( 5 \cdot 2 = 10 \).

Considering the options provided:

  • \( (4^2)^8 \) simplifies to \( 4^{2 \cdot 8} = 4^{16} \) (not equivalent).
  • \( (4^5)^2 \) simplifies to \( 4^{5 \cdot 2} = 4^{10} \) (this is equivalent).
  • \( 4 \cdot 4 \cdot 4 \cdot 4 \cdot 4 \cdot 4 \cdot 4 \) represents \( 4^7 \) (not equivalent).
  • \( (4^{12})^2 \) simplifies to \( 4^{12 \cdot 2} = 4^{24} \) (not equivalent).

The equivalent expanded expression of \( 4^{10} \) among the options given is:

(4^5)^2.