Simplify (3a^2)^3

Step by step

The question

Question: simplify (3a²)³.

1 Write the power out

The power 3 outside the bracket means: the whole bracket, 3 times.

So we write the bracket out, times itself.

2 Numbers with numbers

In times, the order does not matter.

So numbers go with numbers, and each letter goes with the same letter.

We put them in groups.

3 Count the letters

A power tells how many times the letter is multiplied.

a² is 2 a's.

a² is 2 a's.

a² is 2 a's.

Together that is 6 a's.

So the rule is: same letter, times, add the powers.

2 plus 2 plus 2 is 6.

2, added 3 times, is 2 times 3.

So for a power of a power, the rule is: multiply the powers.

3 times 3 times 3 is 27.

So we get 27a⁶.

Let's look back.

First: write the power out.

Then: numbers with numbers.

Last: count the letters.