Question

Use the power rules for exponents to simplify the expression. Give your answer in exponential form.
(7a^4*b^8)^2

Answer 1

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.

1. First, distribute the exponent to each factor inside the parentheses:
\[
(7a^4b^8)^2 = 7^2 \cdot (a^4)^2 \cdot (b^8)^2
\]

2. Next, calculate each term:
- \(7^2 = 49\)
- \((a^4)^2 = a^{4 \cdot 2} = a^8\)
- \((b^8)^2 = b^{8 \cdot 2} = b^{16}\)

3. Now, combine all the results:
\[
49a^8b^{16}
\]

Thus, the simplified expression in exponential form is:
\[
\boxed{49a^8b^{16}}
\]