Exponents: (3^2x)(9^x), (a^2)^b (a^b)^2, a^-4/b^-4

[orange1998]

(3^2x)(9^x)= ?
Does it, or does it not, equal 27^3x

Another...

(a^2)^b (a^b)^2 = a^4b Correct?

Also..

a^-4/b^-4 = (b/a)^-4 That's incorrect, right? Shouldn't it be (b/a)^4 a positive exponent, not a negative?

Thanksssssssss(:

[maggiemagnet]

(3^2x)(9^x)= ?
Does it, or does it not, equal 27^3x

No, it doesn't. Try turning everything into powers on 3, and see what that does.

(a^2)^b (a^b)^2 = a^4b Correct?

If you mean (a^2)^b * (a^b)^2 = a^(2b) * a^(2b) = a^(2b + 2b) = a^(4b), then yes, this is correct.

a^-4/b^-4 = (b/a)^-4 That's incorrect, right? Shouldn't it be (b/a)^4 a positive exponent, not a negative?

Mathematically, they're the same, but books and teachers always want "with positive exponents only", so (b/a)^4 is the "right" way.

[orange1998]

What do you mean try turning everything into power on 3? I'm confused on that one.. The rest still make sense and I'm good on, thanks.

[maggiemagnet]

Turn 9 into a power of 3. Then use the exponent rules.