Question

evaluate groups first. a power represents a group of repeated factors.
$2^3 + 20 =$ ? $+$ 20
$3\cdot3\cdot3$
$3\cdot3$
$2\cdot2\cdot2$
$2\cdot3$

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the definition of a power

A power \(a^n\) means \(n\) factors of \(a\), i.e., \(a\times a\times\cdots\times a\) (\(n\) times). For \(2^3\), the base is \(2\) and the exponent is \(3\), so it represents \(3\) factors of \(2\).

Step2: Identify the correct expression for \(2^3\)

So \(2^3 = 2\times2\times2\) (or \(2\cdot2\cdot2\)). The other options: \(3\cdot3\cdot3\) is \(3^3\), \(3\cdot3\) is \(3^2\), and \(2\cdot3\) is a product of different bases, not a power of a single base with exponent \(3\).

Answer:

\(2\cdot2\cdot2\)