Simplify the Expression: 8³ × 8 Using Exponent Rules

Any number without a written exponent has an invisible exponent of 1. This is because $8^1 = 8$. Writing the 1 helps you apply exponent rules correctly!

Add exponents when multiplying same bases: $a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n}$. Multiply exponents when raising a power to a power: $(a^m)^n = a^{m \times n}$.

You cannot combine exponents when bases are different! The rule $a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n}$ only works when the bases are exactly the same.

Think of it this way: when you're multiplying terms with same bases, you add the exponents. When you're raising a power to a power, you multiply the exponents.

It depends on what the question asks! If it says "simplify," then $8^4$ is perfectly acceptable. If it says "evaluate" or "calculate," then find $8^4 = 4096$.