Simplify the following equation:
Simplify the following equation:
To simplify the equation , we will make use of the rules of exponents, specifically the product of powers rule, which states that when multiplying two powers that have the same base, you can add their exponents.
Step 1: Identify and group the terms with the same base.
In the expression , group the powers of 6 together and the powers of 2 together:
Powers of 6:
Powers of 2:
Step 2: Apply the product of powers rule.
According to the product of powers rule, for any real number , and integers and , the expression .
Apply this rule to the powers of 6:
.
Apply this rule to the powers of 2:
.
Step 3: Write down the final expression.
Combining our results gives the simplified expression: .
Therefore, the solution to the problem is .