If we follow PEMDAS, wouldn’t we first do (a^3)^3) = a^9, then do (a^9)^2) = a^81? In the quant flashcards, Greg says this actually = a^18. Thanks!
This is incorrect - review the rules.
Is that 2 on the outside not raised to a higher exponent than the 3s? That is the only way it makes sense to me after reviewing the flashcards rules again
What do you mean? Look at the flashcard rule that says
(a^m)^n = a^{mn}
To me, it looks like the 2 is placed at a higher elevation than the 3s, so to say, as in the following:
But to me the 3s appear to be at the same level, so it makes sense to me that they would be multiplied as 3*3, as in the rule you cited. But the 2 being higher looks to me like it would follow the exponents of exponents rule, as posted in this comment. Hopefully it makes sense what I am trying to say.
The brackets should help here. That forces a certain order.
I see, my confusion was concerning the parentheses. Thanks!