Question

Simplify the expression. Write your answer using only positive exponents:7^6 x 7 x 7^-4

Answer 1

The problem is asking you to simplify the exponents.  When you multiply two or more powers with the same base, the exponents can be added and subtracted.  In this case, the base is 7.

$7^6*7*7^{-4}$

7 can also be written as $7^1$.

$7^6*7^1*7^{-4} = 7 ^{(6+1-4)} = 7^3$

The answer would be 7³ if you kept the exponent, or 343 if you simplified further.