Which of the following expressions is equivalent to [tex]$3^{x+2}$[/tex]?

A. [tex]\frac{3^x}{6}[/tex]
B. [tex]\frac{3^x}{9}[/tex]
C. [tex]6(3)^x[/tex]
D. [tex]9(3)^x[/tex]



Answer :

To determine which of the given expressions is equivalent to \(3^{x+2}\), let's evaluate each option step-by-step.

Starting with the expression \(3^{x+2}\), we recognize that we can expand this as follows:
[tex]\[ 3^{x+2} = 3^x \cdot 3^2 \][/tex]

Now, let's evaluate each option:

1. Option 1: \(\frac{3^x}{6}\)

[tex]\[ \frac{3^x}{6} \][/tex]

Here, we are dividing \(3^x\) by 6. To understand this better, note that \(3^{x+2}\) can be expanded as \(9 \cdot 3^x\):
[tex]\[ 3^{x+2} = 3^2 \cdot 3^x = 9 \cdot 3^x \][/tex]

Comparing \(\frac{3^x}{6}\) and \(9 \cdot 3^x\), it's evident they are different. Therefore, this option is not equivalent to \(3^{x+2}\).

2. Option 2: \(\frac{3^x}{9}\)

[tex]\[ \frac{3^x}{9} = \frac{3^x}{3^2} = 3^{x-2} \][/tex]

Comparing \(3^{x-2}\) with \(3^{x+2}\), clearly, they are not the same. Therefore, this option is not equivalent to \(3^{x+2}\).

3. Option 3: \(6 \cdot 3^x\)

[tex]\[ 6 \cdot 3^x \][/tex]

Here, we are multiplying \(3^x\) by 6. But \(3^{x+2} = 9 \cdot 3^x\):
[tex]\[ 6 \cdot 3^x \neq 9 \cdot 3^x \][/tex]

So, this option is not equivalent to \(3^{x+2}\).

4. Option 4: \(9 \cdot 3^x\)

[tex]\[ 9 \cdot 3^x = 3^2 \cdot 3^x = 3^{x+2} \][/tex]

This matches perfectly with our expanded form of \(3^{x+2}\). Therefore, this option is equivalent to \(3^{x+2}\).

Based on the evaluations, we conclude that the expression equivalent to \(3^{x+2}\) is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{9 \cdot 3^x} \][/tex]

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