42= 22x2=2424x24= 28 Explanation: In order to simplify powers you need to get the same base number. In order to get this problem into the simplest form you will need to use 2 as the base number. 4 is the same as 2 squared, so 42 is the same as 22x2. All you need to do now is the simplify the powers. 22x2=24. When multiplying powers we keep the base number the same and add the powers together. If this is a calculator paper you could check your answer and make sure you have got it right before moving on.