This is your example problem: (m4)3 First of all remember what a single power means. So:m4 = m x m x m x mThis must mean that:(m4)3 = m4 x m4 x m4If you expand this out, how many m's will you get?(m4)3 = m x m x m x m x m x m x m x m x m x m x m x mWe have 12 m's. Can you see how we might get 12 from the numbers we were given in the question? By explanding it out we have proven that you multiply the 4 and the 3.This rule can be applied to all problems like this.