Solve 6³ - 6²: Calculating the Difference Between Cube and Square Powers

That rule only works for division of powers with the same base, like $\frac{6^3}{6^2} = 6^{3-2}$. Here we have subtraction between two separate power expressions, so calculate each power individually first.

Think step by step: $6^2 = 36$ (which you already know), then $6^3 = 6^2 \times 6 = 36 \times 6 = 216$. This saves you from multiplying $6 \times 6 \times 6$ from scratch!

Use PEMDAS! Powers (exponents) come before subtraction, so calculate $6^3$ and $6^2$ first, then subtract the results.

Double-check by breaking them down: $6^2 = 6 \times 6 = 36$ and $6^3 = 6 \times 6 \times 6 = 216$. You can also verify that $6^3 = 6^2 \times 6 = 36 \times 6$.

Because 216 is just $6^3$ by itself! The question asks for $6^3 - 6^2$, which means $216 - 36 = 180$. Don't forget the subtraction step!