Sure, let's rewrite the given multiplication problem step-by-step using an exponent.
1. Identify the base number:
In the multiplication expression [tex]\(2 \cdot 2 \cdot 2 \cdot 2\)[/tex], the number 2 is being multiplied repeatedly.
2. Count how many times the base number is multiplied by itself:
The number 2 is multiplied 4 times.
3. Express the repeated multiplication as an exponentiation:
When a number is multiplied by itself multiple times, we can write this using an exponent. The base is 2, and it is multiplied 4 times. This can be written as:
[tex]\[
2^4
\][/tex]
4. Simplify the exponentiation expression:
Raising 2 to the power of 4 means multiplying 2 by itself 4 times:
[tex]\[
2^4 = 2 \cdot 2 \cdot 2 \cdot 2
\][/tex]
Now, let’s verify the operation to make sure our exponentiation is correct. We know that:
[tex]\[
2^4 = 16
\][/tex]
Therefore, the multiplication [tex]\(2 \cdot 2 \cdot 2 \cdot 2\)[/tex] can be rewritten as [tex]\(2^4\)[/tex], and it simplifies to 16.
