SOLUTION: what expression is equivalent to (-2)^8 a.[(-2)^4]^4 or b.[(-2)^5]^3

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Question 730763: what expression is equivalent to (-2)^8
a.[(-2)^4]^4 or b.[(-2)^5]^3
Found 2 solutions by lynnlo, ikleyn:
Answer by lynnlo(4176) About Me  (Show Source):
Answer by ikleyn(53317) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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what expression is equivalent to (-2)^8
a.[(-2)^4]^4 or b.[(-2)^5]^3
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        This question is a  TRAP.

        NO ONE option  (a)  or  (b)  is a correct answer. 


Indeed, %28-2%29%5E8 = 2%5E8 = 256.


In case (a),  [(-2)^4]^4 = 16^4 = 65536.


In case (b), [(-2)^5]^3 = (-32)^3 = -32768.


So, neither (a) nor (b) is the correct value.

Solved.

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The answer in the post by @lynnlo is incorrect,
so ignore his post.