This is called the "Power of Powers rule." When you are doing this rule, the inside exponent inside the parenthesis (the ^4 in this case) multiplies with the one outside the parenthesis, like this: 5^4*3 = 12.
However, if there is a base number next to the exponent <em>outside</em> the parenthesis that is a <em>different</em> number than the one inside the parenthesis, this method will not work. (Example: (5^4)5^3)
Important note: Anytime you are combining exponents through any rule, the base number must be the same to be able to combine.
