Turn 81 into the power of three

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Quandaries & Queries

Question from Victoria, a student:

I do not understand how to turn 81 into the power of three. Please help.

Thank you so much,

victoria

Hi Victoria,

First divide 3 into 81

81 ÷ 3 = 27 so 81 = 3 × 27

Next divide 3 into 27

27 ÷ 3 = 9 so 27 = 3 × 9 and hence 81 =3 × 27 = 3 × 3 × 9

But 9 = 3 × 3 and thus

81 = 3 × 3 × 9 = 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 = 3⁴

I hope that helps,
Penny

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