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

Because its 2^n when going to the next n you just double the previous. So 2^10 is double 2^9. Same would be true for any one like that. 2^5 + 2^5 = 2^6