What is the numerical value of \frac{2^8 \cdot 3^4}{6^4}? — GMAT

What is the numerical value of $\frac{2^8 \cdot 3^4}{6^4}$ ?

Answer: 16

Rewriting the base

6

2 \cdot 3

gives

6^4 = 2^4 \cdot 3^4

. Substituting this into the original expression yields

\frac{2^8 \cdot 3^4}{2^4 \cdot 3^4}

. Cancelling

3^4

leaves

\frac{2^8}{2^4} = 2^{8-4} = 2^4 = 16

Rewrite composite bases into prime factors

6^4 = (2 \cdot 3)^4 = 2^4 \cdot 3^4

Applying the power of a product rule

(ab)^n = a^n b^n

allows base matching.

Simplify the quotient using exponent subtraction

\frac{2^8 \cdot 3^4}{2^4 \cdot 3^4} = 2^{8-4} \cdot 3^{4-4} = 2^4 \cdot 3^0 = 16 \cdot 1 = 16

Applying the quotient rule

\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}

for powers with equal bases.

Exponent rules: Power of a Product

(ab)^n = a^n b^n

and Quotient of Powers

\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}

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