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Could someone explain me why 2^(-3)^2 does not equal 2^(-6)?
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Could someone explain me why 2^(-3)^2 does not equal 2^(-6)?

\(a^m^n=a^{(m^n)}\) and not \((a^m)^n\) (if exponentiation is indicated by stacked symbols, the rule is to work from the top down). Thus, \(2^{(-3)^2}=2^{((-3)^2)}=2^9\) and not \((2^{(-3)})^2=2^{-6}\)

On the other hand, \((a^m)^n=a^{mn}\).

8. Exponents and Roots of Numbers



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