Question

(4^p*4^1)^3 simplifies to 4^15 what does p equal?

Answer 1

When an exponent is outside the parentheses, you "distribute" it to the other exponents inside the parentheses.

(4^p)^3 would become 4^3p

(4^1)^3 would become 4^3

When the bases are the same, you just simply add the exponents.

Let's just ignore the bases so it'll look less confusing.

3p + 3 = 15

Subtract 3 from both sides.

3p = 12

Divide both sides by 3.

p = 4