The Exponent "Power Tower" Trap Explained !

Added: 2026-05-18

[00:00:00]Most students get this exponent problem wrong because they fall for the tower trap. Now, let's find which number is actually bigger. Our first task is to make the bases the same so we can compare them. Since 9 is just 3 squared, we can rewrite as 3 squared to the 99th power.

[00:00:17]Using the power rule, multiply those exponents.

[00:00:21]2 * 99 gives 198.

[00:00:24]So, we have 3 raised to the power of 198.

[00:00:27]>> [bell] >> Now, look at the power tower and remember exponent towers are solved from top to bottom.

[00:00:33]So, first solve 3 cubed, which equals 27.

[00:00:37]So, this will be 3 to the power of 27.

[00:00:40]So, we are comparing 3 to the 198 versus 3 to the 27.

[00:00:46]Hence, 9 to the 99 is greater.