Answer:
We use the power rule of exponents to find out that both sides of the equation equal 3^20 (or 3486784401).
Step-by-step explanation:
For this example, we can just use a calculator and find out that both (3^5)^4 and (3^4)^5 are the same value. But how do we know this algebraically?
When dealing with exponents, we must have a good understanding of the properties of exponents before doing any calculations.
For this example, I recognize that the power rule of exponents is being used:
[tex](a^{m})^{n} = a^{m*n}[/tex]
So let's apply this rule to the given equation.
(3^5)^4 = (3^4)^5
3^(5*4) = 3^(4*5)
3^20 = 3^20
Now we know both sides of the equation equal 3^20 (or 3486784401).