Simplify the equation.

Question

(b^2)(there's a tiny box here)=b8

Can someone explain how to do this, and what the tiny box is?

Answer 1

I assume it means you need to multiply b^2 by something. Since

b^8 = b^2 * b^6

b^6 goes into the box.

Or, it might mean that b^2 is to be raised to a power. Since 8=2*4,

(b^2)^4 = b^(2*4) = b^8

This appears to be just an exercise in working with properties of exponents.