In the above problem you must enclose the 3 in parentheses to show that 3 is the number that is used as a factor six times. Simplify all operations inside parentheses. When dealing with quotients you may find yourself with an exponent on the outside of the parentheses.
For example would become.
Only the 3 will be the base unless you use parentheses to indicate otherwise. Follow along with this equation. Perform all multiplications and divisions working from left to right. A ddition and S ubtraction left-to-right Divide and Multiply rank equally and go left to right.