Question

Why can’t you use the product of powers rule to simplify this expression? Explain. 34 · 28

Answer 1

To apply the product of powers rule, the bases must be the same.

In this example, the bases are 2 and 3, so they are not the same.

Explanation:

Answer 2

Sample Answer: To use the product of powers rule, the powers must have the same base. In this expression, the bases are 3 and 2, which are different, so the rule does not apply.