To simplify the expression \((7a^4b^8)^2\) using the power rules for exponents, we apply the rule \((xy)^n = x^n \cdot y^n\) for each part of the expression.
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First, distribute the exponent to each factor inside the parentheses: \[ (7a^4b^8)^2 = 7^2 \cdot (a^4)^2 \cdot (b^8)^2 \]
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Next, calculate each term:
- \(7^2 = 49\)
- \((a^4)^2 = a^{4 \cdot 2} = a^8\)
- \((b^8)^2 = b^{8 \cdot 2} = b^{16}\)
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Now, combine all the results: \[ 49a^8b^{16} \]
Thus, the simplified expression in exponential form is: \[ \boxed{49a^8b^{16}} \]