Eli5: Why is 2^9 + 2^9 = 2^10

Question

Middle school teacher here, and this is driving me crazy! Thanks!

In: 2

Answer 1

When you do 2^9 + 2^9 it’s the same as 2 * 2^9 (as multiplication is just repeated addition) which is the same as 2^10 (as powers are just repeated multiplication)